ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with the longevity of ART-restorations in children after 18 months. Material and Methods: A longitudinal clinical study with 62 six- to seven-year-old children, both genders, 31 of whom underwent four weeks of oral health education strategy (OHES) followed by ART (GOHES+ART) and the others only ART (GART). The Brazilian short-version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (16-CPQ8-10) was used to evaluate the OHRQoL and the perception of change in oral health was assessed by a single question. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Friedman's tests. Results: After 18 months, GOHES+ART reported a greater impairment on OHRQoL, mainly in oral symptoms domain (p<0.05). In this period, greater impairment of oral symptoms was reported in children with failed restorations and with treatment considered to have a minor failure (p<0.05). In inter-group analysis, the GOHES+ART, with 2 to 4 restorations, Class I, of small size, located in the upper arch and with a smaller failure, reported more oral symptoms than the GART. Conclusion: In the long-term, children submitted to OHES followed by ART reported more oral symptoms. Factors such as number, class, size and location of the restorations need to be considered for the implementation of an efficient and effective oral health program, as well as for greater longevity of ART-restorations.

Abstract Objective: To assess the incidence of caries in a two-year period among low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) children considering socioeconomic indicators, dietary factors and oral hygiene. Material and Methods: A convenience sample was formed of 42 low birth weight children aged two to five years at baseline. Two examiners diagnosed caries using the World Health Organization criteria. Birth weight, socioeconomic indicators and diet were collected from medical records and questionnaires. Binomial models were used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted rate ratios (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals for the factors evaluated. Results: Thirty-six children were re-examined after two years. The incidence of dental caries was 36.7%. The dmft index was 0.44 (±1.25) at baseline and increased to 1.36 (±3.85) at follow-up. VLBW children (1,000 to 1,500 g) (RR=0.23; 95%CI: 0.08-0.72) and LBW children (1,500 to 2,500 g) (RR=0.06; 0.01-0.55) had fewer carious lesions compared to ELBW children (<1,000 g). Carious lesions were more frequent among children with a lower income (RR=6.05; 1.05-34.84) and less frequent among those who did not consume sweetened juice, tea or yogurt (RR: 0.21; 0.07-0.62). Conclusion: An inverse dose-response relation was found between birth weight and the incidence of caries. A lower income and the consumption of sweetened beverages were risk factors for the development of caries.

Resumo Introdução A microabrasão do esmalte é realizada através da abrasão da superfície do mesmo, apresentando-se como um procedimento rápido, prático e eficiente. Objetivo Avaliar a perda de peso e o aspecto superficial do esmalte após procedimentos de microabrasão com agentes comerciais e não comerciais. Material e método Oitenta incisivos bovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n = 10): OpalustreTM (6,6% HCl + carboneto de silício); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + carboneto de silício); 37% H3PO4 + pedra-pomes e 10% HCl + pedra-pomes. O tratamento foi realizado em 15 aplicações de 10s de duração. A perda de peso do esmalte foi determinada pela diferença de peso antes e depois da microabrasão. As superfícies foram analisadas por equipamento de rugosidade superficial e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste T-pareado, ANOVA one-way e teste de Tukey (α = 0,05). Resultado Foi observada perda de peso significativa para todos os grupos, a diferença na perda de peso variou de -0,037±0,012 para o grupo 37% H3PO4 a -0.054±0.009 para o grupo 6.6% HCl. Houve um aumento significativo na rugosidade da superfície para todos os grupos e o grupo 10%HCl apresentou os resultados mais baixos (0,65±0,09). Foram observados diferentes padrões de morfologia do esmalte por meio de imagens MEV. Conclusão Os agentes não comerciais resultaram na menor perda de estrutura do esmalte (37% H3PO4) e na rugosidade superficial (10% HCl).

Abstract Introduction Enamel microabrasion is achieved by abrasion of the enamel surface and it is a quick, practical and efficient procedure. Objective It was assessed the weight loss and surface aspect of enamel after microabrasion procedures with commercial and mixtures made in-office. Material and method Eighty bovine incisors were divided into four groups (n=10): OpalustreTM (6.6% HCl + silicon carbide); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + silicon carbide); 37% H3PO4 + pumice and 10% HCl + pumice. Treatment was performed by 15 applications of 10s duration. The enamel weight loss was determined by the difference in weight before and after the microabrasion. The surfaces were analyzed by a surface roughness equipment and scanning electron microscopy. Data were submitted to paired-T test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Result It was observed significantly weight loss for all groups. The difference in weight loss ranged from 0.037±0.012 for group 37% H3PO4 and from 0.054±0.009 for group 6,6% HCl. There was a significant increase in surface roughness for all groups and 10% HCl group showed the lower results (0.65±0.09). It was observed different patterns of enamel morphology by SEM images. Conclusion The in-office mixtures resulted in the lowest enamel structure loss (37% H3PO4) and the lowest surface roughness (10% HCl).

Abstract Objective Our study aims to synthesize, characterize, and determine the effects of a ChNPs suspension on human enamel after cariogenic challenge via pH-cycling. Methodology ChNPs were synthesized by ion gelation and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering. Forty enamel blocks were divided into four groups (n=10/group): (i) ChNPs suspension; (ii) chitosan solution; (iii) 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution; and (iv) distilled water. Specimens were exposed to cariogenic challenge by cycling in demineralization solution (3 h) and then remineralized (21h) for 7 days. Before each demineralization cycle, the corresponding solutions were passively applied for 90 s. After 7 days, specimens were examined for surface roughness (Ra) and Knoop hardness (KHN) before and after the cariogenic challenge; % KHN change (variation between initial and final hardness), and surface topography by an optical profilometer. The data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA, One-way ANOVA, and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results TEM images showed small spherical particles with diameter and zeta potential values of 79.3 nm and +47.9 mV, respectively. After the challenge, all groups showed an increase in Ra and a decrease in KHN values. Optical profilometry indicated that ChNPs- and NaF-treated specimens showed uneven roughness interspersed with smooth areas and the lowest %KHN values. Conclusion The ChNPs suspension was successfully synthesized and minimized human enamel demineralization after a cariogenic challenge, showing an interesting potential for use as an oral formulation for caries prevention.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of immersion and acid challenge with cola drink on color change (ΔE), Vickers hardness (VHN) and surface roughness (Ra) of artificial acrylic resin teeth. Material and Methods: The artificial teeth were divided into 6 groups (n= 8): TC (Trilux/Control), BC (Biotone/Control), TAC (Trilux/Acid challenge), BAC (Biotone/Acid challenge), TI (Trilux/Immersion) and BI (Biotone/Immersion). The teeth were embedded in acrylic resin and the labial side was serially polished to provide appropriate flat surface. The samples of TC, BC, TI, BI groups were immersed in artificial saliva and cola drink (coke) for 7 days, respectively. The acid challenge was performed with immersion of samples in coke for 5 min, and subsequently immersion in artificial saliva for 2h. This cycle was repeated at 4 times/day, during 7 days. The tests of VHN, ΔE and Ra were analyzed before and after the challenge and immersion groups. Data was analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey and T test (α = 0.05). Results: There was no difference in Ra values between groups after treatments. However, there was a decrease in VHN for all groups. BI (19.2 ± 0.3) presented significantly lower hardness than BAC (19.5 ± 0.9) and BC (20.2 ± 0.5). Groups BI (2.18 ± 0.41) and TI (1.50 ± 0.43) had statistically higher ΔE compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The hardness of resin teeth decreased after acid challenges, but the roughness surface was not affected. The color was more affected by the times of exposure in cola beverage and remineralization in artificial saliva, which were associated to the material degradation.

Abstract The effect of fluoride agents on the retention of orthodontic brackets to enamel under erosive challenge is little investigated. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) and sodium fluoride (NaF) agents on the shear bond strength of brackets to enamel and on the enamel microhardness around brackets under erosive challenge. Methods: Brackets were bonded to bovine incisors. Five groups were formed according to fluoride application (n=10): TiF4 varnish, TiF4 solution, NaF varnish, NaF solution and control (without application). The specimens were submitted to erosive challenge (90 s cola drink/2h artificial saliva, 4x per day for 7 days). Solutions were applied before each erosive cycle and varnishes were applied once. Vickers Microhardness (VHN) was obtained before and after all cycles of erosion and the percentage of microhardness loss was calculated. Shear bond strength, adhesive remnant index and polarized light microscopy were conducted after erosion. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=0.05). Results: The %VHN had no statistically significant differences among the experimental groups. However, considering the comparisons of all groups with the control group, TiF4 varnish showed the highest protection from enamel demineralization (effect size of 2.94, while the effect size for the other groups was >2.4). The TiF4 varnish group had significantly higher shear bond strength compared to other groups. There was no difference among groups for adhesive remnant index. Polarized light microscopy showed higher demineralization depth for the control group. Conclusions: Application of NaF and TiF4 agents during mild erosive challenge minimized the enamel mineral loss around brackets, however only the experimental TiF4 varnish was able to prevent the reduction of shear bond strength of brackets to enamel.

Resumo O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união à microtração (RUµT) de um sistema adesivo convencional (Adper Single Bond 2 - SB) em diferentes substratos dentinários e períodos de armazenagem. Vinte e quatro blocos de dentina foram obtidos de terceiros molares hígidos e separados aleatoriamente em 3 grupos (n=8): dentina sadia (Ds), dentina afetada (Da) e dentina infectada (Di). A Da e a Di foram submetidas ao desenvolvimento biológico artificial de cárie (S. mutans). O tecido cariado amolecido foi removido usando broca esférica sob inspeção visual com a solução Caries Detector (grupo Da). Considerou-se como Di a dentina amolecida e fortemente pigmentada de vermelho e como Da, a dentina hígida e levemente pigmentada de vermelho. O sistema adesivo SB foi aplicado de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante e blocos da resina composta Z350 foram construídos (6 mm de altura). O conjunto (dente/bloco de resina) foi armazenado em água deionizada por 24 horas a 37 °C. Estes foram seccionados em palitos (1,0 mm2 de área), que foram separados aleatoriamente em 3 períodos de armazenagem: 24 horas, 6 meses e 1 ano. Os palitos foram submetidos ao ensaio de resistência de união à microtração na máquina EZ teste a uma velocidade de 1,0 mm/min. Dados de RUµT foram submetidos à Análise de Variância 2 fatores em esquema de parcela subdividida e ao teste de Tukey (a=0,05). Os valores de resistência (MPa) da Ds (41,2) foram significativamente maiores do que os da Da (32,4) e Di (27,2), independente do tempo de armazenagem. Di e Da, 6 meses e 1ano, apresentaram valores similares de resistência de união. As falhas adesivas e mistas foram predominantes para todos os grupos. Em conclusão, os maiores valores de RUµT (48,1±9,1) foram verificados para a Ds e 24 h de armazenagem. A armazenagem diminuiu os valores de RUµT para todas as condições.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the μTBS in different dentin substrates and water-storage periods. Twenty-four dentin blocks obtained from sound third molars were randomly divided into 3 groups: Sound dentin (Sd), Caries-affected dentin (Ca) and Caries-infected dentin (Ci). Dentin blocks from Ca and Ci groups were subjected to artificial caries development (S. mutans biofilm). The softest carious tissue was removed using spherical drills under visual inspection with Caries Detector solution (Ca group). It was considered as Ci (softer and deeply red stained dentin) and Ca (harder and slightly red stained dentin). The Adper Single Bond 2 adhesive system was applied and Z350 composite blocks were built in all groups. Teeth were stored in deionized water for 24 h at 37 ºC and sectioned into beams (1.0 mm2 section area). The beams from each tooth were randomly divided into three storages periods: 24 h, 6 months or 1 year. Specimens were submitted to µTBS using EZ test machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. Failure mode was examined by SEM. Data from µTBS were submitted to split plot two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD tests (a=0.05). The µTBS (MPa) of Sd (41.2) was significantly higher than Ca (32.4) and Ci (27.2), regardless of storage. Ca and Ci after 6 months and 1 year, presented similar µTBS. Mixed and adhesive failures predominated in all groups. The highest µTBS values (48.1±9.1) were found for Sd at 24 h storage. Storage of specimens decreased the µTBS values for all conditions.

Resumo Introdução Poucos estudos investigaram as propriedades de superfície de cimentos após desafio erosivo. Objetivo Avaliar a rugosidade da superfície (Ra), dureza Vickers (VHN) e morfologia de superfície de 4 cimentos após desafio erosivo. Material e método Vinte amostras de cada cimento foram preparadas (4×2mm) e divididas em grupo experimental (desafio erosivo) e controle (saliva artificial) (n=10): Rely X U200 (U200); Rely X ARC (ARC); Ketac Cem Easy Mix (Ketac) e Fosfato de Zinco (ZnP). O desafio erosivo foi realizado com quatro ciclos erosivos diárias (90s) em bebida à base de cola e 2h em saliva artificial durante 7 dias. As leituras de Ra e VHN foram realizadas antes e após erosão. A porcentagem de perda de dureza (%VHN) foi obtida depois da erosão. A morfologia de superfície foi analisada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Foram utilizados testes de ANOVA, Tukey e T-Student (α=0,05). Resultado Após a erosão, foi observado aumento dos valores de Ra em todos os cimentos testados, e os grupos U200 e ZNP tiveram a maior %VHN. Após imersão em saliva, apenas os grupos U200 e ZnP tiveram aumento significativo nos valores de Ra e não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto à %VHN. A análise em MEV mostrou que os grupos Ketac e ZNP apresentaram superfícies rugosas e porosas, e o grupo U200 apresentou maior degradação da matriz comparado ao grupo ARC. Conclusão O desafio erosivo com bebida a base de cola afetou as propriedades de superfície de todos os cimentos.

Abstract Introduction Few studies investigated the surface properties of luting cements after erosive challenge. Objective To evaluate the surface roughness (Ra), Vickers hardness (VHN) and morphology of 4 luting cements after erosive challenge. Material and method Twenty specimens of each cement were prepared (4×2mm) and divided into experimental (erosive challenge) and control (artificial saliva) groups (n=10): Rely X U200 (U200); Rely X ARC (ARC); Ketac Cem Easy Mix (Ketac) and Zinc phosphate (ZnP). The erosive challenge was performed by four daily erosive cycles (90s) in a cola drink and 2 h in artificial saliva over 7 days. Ra and VHN readings were performed before and after erosion. The percentage of hardness loss (%VHN) was obtained after erosion. The surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ANOVA, Tukey and Student-T tests were used (α=0.05). Result After erosion, all luting cements had increase in Ra values and U200 and ZnP groups had the highest %VHN. After saliva immersion, only U200 and ZnP groups had significant increases in Ra values and there were no significant differences among the groups in %VHN. SEM analysis showed that Ketac and ZnP groups had rough and porous surfaces, and U200 group had higher resin matrix degradation than ARC group. Conclusion Erosive challenge with a cola drink affected the surface properties of all luting cements.

Abstract Aim: To assess in vitro the surface roughness (Ra), Vickers hardness (VHN) and surface morphology of resin and glass ionomer materials used for sealants after dynamic erosive challenge. Methods: Twenty specimens of each material were prepared and divided into experimental (erosive challenge) and control groups (n=10): Protect Riva (SDI), Opallis Flow (3M ESPE), Fluroshield (Dentsply), Filtek Z350 XT Flow (3M ESPE). The erosive challenge was performed 4 times per day (90 s) in cola drink and for 2 h in artificial saliva for 7 days. The control specimens were maintained in artificial saliva. Ra and VHN readings were performed before and after erosion. The percentage of hardness loss (%VHN) was obtained after erosion. The surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey and paired t tests (α=0.05). Results: After erosion and saliva immersion, there was an increase in Ra values for all groups and Riva group showed the highest Ra values. After erosive challenge, Riva and Filtek groups showed significant decrease in VHN values, but Filtek group showed the greatest %VHN. For all groups there was inorganic particle protrusion and matrix degradation after erosion visualized by SEM images. Conclusions: Erosive challenge affected the surface properties of all materials used as sealants, particularly in the Riva and Filtek groups.

Since bacteria remain in the dentin following caries removal, restorative materials with antibacterial properties are desirable to help maintaining the residual microorganisms inactive. The adhesive system Clearfil Protect Bond (PB) contains the antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) in its primer, which has shown antimicrobial activity. However, its bactericidal effect against biofilm on the dentin has been little investigated. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and viable bacteria counting (CFU) the MDPB bactericidal effect against S. mutans biofilm on the dentin surface. Material and methods: Bovine dentin surfaces were obtained and subjected to S. mutans biofilm formation in BHI broth supplemented with 1% (w/v) sucrose for 18 h. Samples were divided into three groups, according to the primer application (n=3): Clearfil Protect Bond (PB), Clearfil SE Bond, which does not contain MDPB, (SE) and saline (control group). After the biofilm formation, Live/ Dead stain was applied directly to the surface of each sample. Next, 10 µL of each primer were applied on the samples during 590 s for the real-time CLSM analysis. The experiment was conducted in triplicate. The primers and saline were also applied on the other dentin samples during 20, 90, 300 and 590 s (n=9 for each group and period evaluated) and the CFU were assessed by colonies counting. Results: The results of the CLSM showed that with the Se application, although non-viable bacteria were detected at 20 s, there was no increase in their count during 590 s. In contrast, after the PB application there was a gradual increase of non-viable bacteria over 590 s. Conclusions: The quantitative analysis demonstrated a significant decrease of S. mutans CFU at 90 s PB exposure and only after 300 s of Se application. Protect Bond showed an earlier antibacterial effect than Se Bond.

OBJETIVO: Comparar prevalência de cárie, capacidade tamponante da saliva (CTS), higiene bucal (HB), hábitos dietéticos, renda familiar (RF) e frequência de visita a consultórios odontológicos (Co) entre crianças brasileiras residentes em áreas de água de abastecimento público fluoretadas e não fluoretadas. METODOLOGIA: Quarenta e seis crianças entre 5-7 anos foram selecionadas em Itatiba-SP-Brasil, sendo 19 pertencentes à área fluoretada e 27 à área não fluoretada. O índice de cárie foi determinado de acordo com o critério da Organização Mundial de Saúde e a CTS foi medida por titulação com ácido clorídrico. A RF, frequência de HB e visita ao Co foram estimadas por questionário. Os hábitos dietéticos foram avaliados com diário de dieta. As diferenças entre as variáveis foram analisadas pelo teste de Mann Whitney (α=0,05). RESULTADOS: As crianças da área não fluoretada apresentaram significativamente maior ceod/CPOD que àquelas da área fluoretada, porém significativamente menor CTS, HB e RF. Com relação a hábitos dietéticos e visitas ao Co, não foi observada diferença significativa entre as áreas. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças da área fluoretada apresentaram maior capacidade tamponante da saliva, renda familiar e frequência de higiene bucal, assim como menor prevalência de cárie, reforçando o efeito benéfico do flúor nas águas de abastecimento para prevenir a cárie.

PURPOSE: To compare the caries prevalence, saliva buffering capacity (SBC), oral hygiene (OH), dietary habits, family income (FI) and frequency of visits to a dental office (Do) between Brazilian children living in areas with and without fluoridated public water supply. METHODS: Forty-six 5-7-year-old preschoolers were selected in Itatiba, SP, Brazil; 19 were from a fluoridated area, and 27 were from a non-fluoridated area. The caries index was determined according to the World Health Organization criteria, and the SBC was assessed by titration with hydrochloric acid. The FI, frequency of OH and visits to Do were estimated by questionnaire. The dietary habits were assessed with a diet chart. The differences between the groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney-U tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Children from the non-fluoridated area showed significantly higher dmft/DMFT than those from the fluoridated area, but they showed significantly lower SBC, OH frequency and FI. No significant differences were observed between the areas for dietary habits and visits to Do. CONCLUSION: Children from fluoridated areas showed higher salivary buffering capacity, family income and oral hygiene frequency as well as lower caries prevalence, supporting the beneficial effect of fluoride in the tap water for caries prevention.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da esterilização com raios-gama na liberação de flúor e atividade antibacteriana de materiais resinosos, Fluroshield (FS) e Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB). Quatro grupos foram formados: G1-FS e gama; G2-FS sem gama; G3-CPB e gama; G4-CPB sem gama. Doze discos de cada material foram preparados para análise de liberação de flúor, os quais foram cobertos com esmalte de unha, exceto em um lado com 50,4 mm² de área. G1 e G3 foram esterilizados com dose de 14,5 KGy por 24 h/27ºC, enquanto G2 e G4 (controles) não foram esterilizados e foram mantidos sob as mesmas condições de tempo e temperatura. As leituras de liberação de flúor foram feitas em duplicata (n=6) por um eletrodo específico. A atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada pelo teste de difusão em agar. Os halos de inibição foram medidos após 48 h. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey (α=5%). A esterilização gama diminuiu a liberação de flúor de FS em cerca de 50%, enquanto CPB não foi afetado. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos esterilizados e controle no efeito antibacteriano do CPB. FS não apresentou atividade antibacteriana. A esterilização gama diminuiu a liberação de flúor de FS, mas não afetou a atividade antibacteriana dos materiais estudados.

This study evaluated the effect of gamma irradiation on fluoride release and antibacterial activity of FluroShield (FS) and Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB). Four groups were formed: G1-FS + gamma; G2-FS without gamma; G3-CPB + gamma; G4-CPB without gamma. For fluoride release analysis, 12 disks of each material were prepared and covered with nail polish, except for one side (50.4 mm² area). G1 and G3 were sterilized with a 14.5 KGy dose at 27ºC for 24 h, while G2 and G4 (controls) were not sterilized and were maintained under the same time and temperature conditions. Fluoride release measurements were made in duplicate (n=6) by an ion specific electrode. The antibacterial activity of the CPB and FS against Streptococcus mutans after gamma sterilization was evaluated by the agar-disc diffusion method. The diameter of the zones of microbial growth inhibition was recorded after 48 h. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=5%). Gamma sterilization decreased the fluoride release of FS by approximately 50%, while CPB was not affected. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the antibacterial effect of CPB between gamma and non-gamma sterilization groups. FS presented no antibacterial activity. Gamma irradiation decreased the fluoride release of FS, but did not affect the antibacterial activity of the studied materials.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a profundidade de cárie produzida em dentina permanente e decídua por modelos biológico e químico de produção artificial de cárie utilizando o microscópio confocal de varredura a laser (CLSM, na sigla em Inglês). Seis molares decíduos e seis pré-molares foram usados. O esmalte oclusal foi removido expondo a dentina subjacente. A seguir, um verniz de unha foi aplicado em toda a amostra, exceto em uma área de 4 x 2 mm na superfície dentinária. Metade das amostras foi imersa em gel ácido por 14 dias (modelo químico) e a outra metade imersa em BHI com S. mutans por 14 dias (modelo biológico). Após o desenvolvimento da cárie artificial, as coroas foram seccionadas longitudinalmente no centro da lesão de cárie. Três medidas da profundidade de cárie produzida foram realizadas ao longo de cada espécime e analisadas em CLSM. As medidas da profundidade de cárie entre os modelos e entre os tipos de dentes foram analisadas pelo teste de ANOVA a um critério e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Para os dentes permanentes, o modelo biológico mostrou maiores valores de profundidade de cárie quando comparado ao modelo químico. Entretanto, para os dentes decíduos não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na profundidade de cárie entre os modelos. Desta forma, o modelo de produção de cárie artificial influenciou a profundidade de cárie apenas para os dentes permanentes, não existindo diferença na profundidade de cárie entre dentes decíduos e permanentes, independente do modelo de cárie utilizado.

This study analyzed comparatively, by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the depth of caries-like lesions produced by biological and chemical artificial models in permanent and primary dentin. Six primary molars and six premolars were used. The occlusal enamel was removed and a nail polish layer was applied on the specimens, except for a 4 x 2 mm area on dentin surface. Half of specimens were immersed in acid gel for 14 days (chemical model) and the other half was immersed in BHI broth with S. mutans for 14 days (biological model). After development of artificial caries, the crowns were longitudinally sectioned on the center of the carious lesion. Three measurements of carious dentin depth were made in each specimen by CLSM. Measurements depths were compared between the caries models and between tooth types by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (a=5%). For permanent teeth, the biological model showed significantly higher (p<0.05) caries depth values than the chemical model. For primary teeth, no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the caries models. The artificial caries model influenced caries depth only in permanent teeth. There was no difference in carious dentin depth between permanent and primary teeth, regardless of the artificial caries model.