Erosive and abrasive challenge effects on superficial roughness of resin infiltrants and sealant

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate changes in surface roughness of an experimental resin infiltrant, in comparison with the commercial infiltrant Icon® and the resin sealant Prevent®, following different erosive challenges and abrasive simulations with brushing cycles. Methods: A total of 20 samples per group were prepared: (I) Commercial Infiltrant Icon® (IC), (II) Experimental Infiltrant (EI), and (III) Commercial Resin Sealant Prevent® (SR). Surface roughness was assessed using a rugosimeter at three distinct time points: prior to the erosive challenge (T0), post-erosive challenge (T1), and following the abrasive simulation (T2). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n=10) to undergo different erosive challenges: intrinsic acid and extrinsic acid simulations. The intrinsic acid challenge was conducted by immersing the samples in a hydrochloric acid demineralizing solution (pH=2.3), while the extrinsic acid challenge involved immersion in a soft drink demineralizing solution (pH=2.9). Following the erosive challenges, the specimens were maintained in relative humidity and surface roughness was reassessed (T1). Subsequently, the same groups underwent brushing simulation (10.000 cycles), after which surface roughness was measured again. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA with repeated measures, followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test for multiple comparisons, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: All groups demonstrated an increase on surface roughness, regardless of demineralizing method used (p<0.001). The resin sealant exhibited the highest surface roughness changes under both erosive conditions when compared to the resin infiltrants. There was no statistical difference between the two erosive challenges, regardless of the material and time. Conclusion: In conclusion, all three tested materials showed an increase in surface roughness following erosive and abrasive challenges.