Effect of Remineralizing Agent after Proximal Stripping of Enamel with Two Different Methods: A Comparative in-Vitro Atomic Force Microscopic Study

Abstract Introduction: For patients with mild-to-moderate crowding, enamel stripping is a viable alternative to tooth extractions in preserving teeth inclinations and transverse dimensions. Bioactive compounds such as CPP-ACP, which are derived from milk products, have been created to improve the remineralization of enamel by the use of active ions. The purpose of this study was to assess the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP on enamel surfaces after stripping by two different methods. Methods: 34 extracted premolar teeth included in the study were divided into 2 groups. Stripping was carried out by two different techniques: Air-rotor and Strips and assessed under the microscope for surface roughness after which the surfaces were treated with CPP-ACP for 21 days and reassessed under the microscope for surface changes. Results: The study showed significant reduction in surface roughness values in both the groups after application of CPP-ACP. Student t test (two tailed, paired and unpaired) was used to find the significance of study parameters on continuous scale within and between groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to find the significance of the study parameters. Bonferroni’s post hoc analysis was carried out to test if the values of RM-ANOVA were significant. Conclusions: Following stripping, the mean surface roughness values in Group 1 and Group 2 were 452.47 ± 19.98nm and 408.47 ± 14.81nm respectively, both significant. There was significant decrease in the surface roughness values of both the groups after application of CPP-ACP agent: 297.18 ± 60.35nm and 212.79 ± 36.30nm in Group 1 and Group 2 respectively.