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Surface Analysis of Etched Molar Enamel by Gas Adsorption

¹ Orofacial Sciences, Division of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, 707 Parnassus Ave., D-1011, Box 0438, San Francisco, CA 94143-0438, USA;
² Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada, and The Dow Chemical Company, Corporate Research and Development, Midland, MI 48674, USA;
³ Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada;
⁴ Orthodontic Graduate Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada; and
⁵ Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco

^* corresponding author, maria.orellana{at}ucsf.edu

Much research has been devoted to the study of etched enamel, since it is critical to bonding. Currently, there are no precise data regarding the etched-enamel specific surface area. The aim of this study was to characterize, by two different methods, the surface of human dental enamel in vitro after being etched. It was hypothesized that differences would be observed between specimens in terms of specific surface area and grade of etching. Sixteen third molar enamel samples were etched for 30 sec with 37% phosphoric acid prior to being viewed by SEM. Etched enamel surfaces were graded according to the Galil and Wright classification. The total surface area of etched samples was determined by the BET gas absorption method. A substantial variability in total surface area was observed between and among samples. A Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient showed a lack of relationship between etch pattern and total surface area.

KEY WORDS: enamel • SEM • etched • gas adsorption • BET