Objectives: This in vitro study assessed the effect of an experimental 4%TiF(4) varnish on enamel erosion.
Methods: Sixty bovine enamel blocks were randomly allocated to each type of varnish: Duraphat-D (NaF, 2.26%F), Duofluorid-F (NaF, 2.71% F), TiF(4)-T (2.45%F) and no-fluoride-P. After application of the varnishes, the blocks were subjected to six sequential pH cycles (cola drink for 10 min and artificial saliva for 50 min, each) per day, during 4 days. After the pH cycles, the blocks were maintained in artificial saliva for 18 h. Enamel alterations were determined in the 2nd and 4th days, using profilometry (wear) and microhardness (%SMHC) tests. Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05).
Results: The mean %SMHC (+/-S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (-77.26+/-5.04a and -88.59+/-5.11A), F (-76.79+/-7.82a and -88.78+/-6.10A), T (-88.28+/-3.19b and -92.04+/-2.54A,B) and P (-87.96+/-2.23b and -94.15+/-1.14B). The mean wear (microm+/-S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (3.16+/-0.32a and 7.56+/-0.90A), F (3.35+/-0.78a,b and 7.92+/-0.98A), T (3.81+/-0.43b and 7.69+/-0.76A) and P (3.43+/-1.13a,b and 7.31+/-0.53A).
Conclusions: The NaF varnishes reduced the softening, but had no effect on the reduction of the wear. The TiF4 varnish was not able to reduce the softening and wear.