Validation of enamel erosion in vitro

Objectives

Many tools are available to quantify dental erosion, but each technique has its own inherent disadvantages. This study aims to validate the use of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) and non-contacting surface profilometry compared to the gold standard transverse microradiography (TMR) for the quantification of enamel erosion in vitro.

Methods

This was an in vitro laboratory based study. 60 bovine incisors were divided into 6 groups of 10. Each tooth's labial surface was completely varnished except for a window of enamel approximately 3 mm × 5 mm. Each was baseline imaged with QLF and non-contacting surface profilometry before being subjected to an erosive solution (pH 3.4) for up to 36 h. The lesions were imaged using non-contacting surface profilometry and QLF, sectioned and analysed with TMR. Correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the validity of the methods of measurement as compared to TMR.

Results

A range of lesion severities resulted. Mineral loss measured as ΔQ (QLF) and step height (profilometry), was recorded and confirmed by TMR. A correlation was found between ΔZ (TMR) and profilometry lesion depth of r = 0.648 (p < 0.001). A poorer correlation was found between ΔZ and ΔQ: r = 0.217 (p = 0.096).

Conclusions

Profilometry lesion depth and ΔZ correlated significantly. Both methods allow for quantification of erosive crater depth. QLF correlated poorly with ΔZ, but is useful for measuring subsurface loss of mineralisation. TMR is valuable but is destructive and can only be used in vitro. Currently only QLF can be used in vivo. Advances in these technologies may allow the development of non-destructive in vivo measurements of mineral loss, combining the positive features of each measurement method.