In Situ Effect of Titanium Tetrafluoride and Sodium Fluoride on Artificially Decayed Human Enamel

Abstract

This study compared in situ the application of 4% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) solution and 2% sodium fluoride (NaF) gel on artificial white-spot lesions in human enamel. A crossover, double-blind study using in situ caries models was carried out. Eleven volunteers used an intraoral appliance containing five demineralized human enamel blocks. The blocks (n=170) were randomly divided according to treatment into the following groups: TiF4 (n=55), NaF (n=55), positive control (n=55). A negative control group was composed of demineralized specimens (n=5). The microhardness test was performed using a Knoop penetrator. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) was used to analyze the concentration of titanium, calcium, phosphate and oxygen. The enamel microhardness at different depths for TiF4, NaF and positive control samples was not statistically different (p>0.05). The samples from these three groups had statistically higher microhardness values than the negative control samples (p<0.05). EDS analysis did not provide conclusive results about the penetration of titanium in the TiF4 samples. While in some fragments it had substantial penetration, in other fragments it only had superficial penetration. It was possible to conclude that, under in situ conditions, 4% TiF4 solution and 2% NaF gel were able to remineralize artificial white-spot lesions in human enamel. However, the magnitude of the remineralization did not differ between groups.

Effect of enamel pretreatment on the fluoride remineralization of artificial white spot lesions

“…However, in the in situ study of Alcântara et al [26], the application of titanium tetrafluoride did not result in a better remineralization of artificial caries lesions compared with the protocol with sodium fluoride either. The similarity of performance was attributed to saliva, which is the main responsible of the ions change.…”

“…Despite the benefits described in the literature and attested in this study, the association of these methods did not result in effective increase of remineralization compared to the use of only APF. This absence of enhanced positive performance may be attributed with the low pH of the APF, which also may be promoted an etching of the surface [26]. Furthermore, the previous acid etching of the enamel seems to hamper the formation of the complex between fluoride and aluminum.…”

Assessment of a novel bleaching agent formula containing 35% hydrogen peroxide and titanium tetrafluoride: an in vitro study

“…7,8 Although the ability of sodium fluoride to reduce the solubility of components of the mineralized structure has already been proven, 9 other fluoride agents, such as titanium tetrafluoride (TiF 4 ), have drawn the interest of researchers to their therapeutic properties, such as reversing mineral loss, and triggering remineralization of mineral structures. 10,11,12 According to previous studies, TiF 4 can prevent demineralization, because it forms a titanium-rich layer on top of the enamel. 11,13,14 S olut io n s o r va r n i s h e s w it h d i f f e r e nt concentrations of TiF 4 (mostly 4%) have been designed and indicated for application on erosion lesions, owing to their ability to inhibit mineral loss.…”

Trace Elements and Oral Health: A Systematic Review

“…Fluoride prevents dental decay by increasing the resistance of the enamel, increasing the rate of post-eruptive maturation, causing remineralization of incipient lesions, interfering with plaque microorganisms, and by causing changes in the tooth morphology. [7] Certain studies have stated that fluoride ions, though cause a reduction in dental caries, when used in combination with lead ions, lead to significant reduction of dental decay by reducing the solubility of enamel. [8][9][10] A sustained effect of decrease in dental decay on the usage of fluoride ions has been seen.…”