Abstract Dental hard tissue conditions can be of pre- or post-eruptive nature, such as enamel fluorosis and erosive tooth wear (ETW), respectively. Dental enamel fluorosis is caused by the chronic and excessive intake of fluoride during enamel development, leading to increased fluoride concentration and increased porosity. ETW has become a common clinical condition and often impairs dental function and aesthetics. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that fluorotic enamel presents different susceptibility to dental erosion-abrasion. It consisted of a 3×3×2 factorial design, considering a) fluorosis severity: sound (TF0), mild (TF1-2), moderate (TF3-4); b) abrasive challenge: low, medium, and high; and c) erosive challenge: yes or no. A total of 144 human teeth were selected according to the three fluorosis severity levels (n=48), and subdivided into six groups (n = 8) generated by the association of the different erosive and abrasive challenges. Enamel blocks (4×4 mm) were prepared from each tooth and their natural enamel surfaces subjected to an erosion-abrasion cycling model. After cycling, the depth of the lesions in enamel was assessed by profilometry. ANOVA showed that the three-way and two-way interactions among the factors were not significant (p > 0.20). Enamel fluorosis level (p=0.638) and abrasion level (p = 0.390) had no significant effect on lesion depth. Acid exposure caused significantly more enamel surface loss than water (p < 0.001). Considering the limitations of this in vitro study, fluorosis did not affect the susceptibility of enamel to dental erosion-abrasion.

Abstract: This study tested a novel in vitro dental erosion-abrasion model and the performance of cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) in longitudinally monitoring the simulated lesions. Thirty human enamel specimens were prepared and randomized to receive three dental erosion-abrasion (EA) protocols: severe (s-EA, lemon juice/pH:2.5/4.25%w/v citric acid), moderate (m-EA, grapefruit juice/pH:3.5/1.03%w/v citric acid) and no-EA (water, control). EA challenge was performed by exposing the specimens to acidic solutions 4x/day and to brushing 2x/day with 1:3 fluoridated toothpaste slurry, for 14 days. Enamel thickness measurements were obtained using CP-OCT at baseline (D0), 7 (D7) and 14 days (D14) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) at D14. Enamel surface loss was measured with both CP-OCT and optical profilometry at D0, D7 and D14. Data was analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA and Pearson's correlation (r) (α = 0.05). CP-OCT enamel thickness decreased over time in the s-EA group (D0 >D7 > D14, p < 0.001) and m-EA group (D0 > D14, p = 0.019) but did not change in the no-EA group (p = 0.30). Overall, CP-OCT and micro-CT results at D14 correlated moderately (r = 0.73). CP-OCT surface loss was highest for s-EA (p <0.001) but did not differ between moderate and no-EA (p = 0.25). Enamel surface loss with profilometry increased with severity (no-EA>m-EA>s-EA, p < 0.001). D14 surface loss was higher than D7 for both methods except for the no-EA group with profilometry. CP-OCT and profilometry had moderate overall correlation (r = 0.70). Our results revealed that the currently proposed in vitro dental erosion-abrasion model is valid and could simulate lesions of different severities over time. CP-OCT was a suitable method for monitoring the EA lesions.

Abstract The purpose of this in vitro study was to test the hypothesis that fluoride treatment can prevent dental erosion on fluorotic enamel of different severities. It followed a 3×2 factorial design, considering a) fluorosis severity: sound (TF0, Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index), mild (TF1-2), moderate (TF3-4); and b) fluoride treatment: 0 (negative control) and 1150ppmF. Human molars with the three fluorosis severities (n=16, each) were selected and randomly assigned to the two fluoride treatments (n=8). Enamel blocks (4×4mm) were prepared from each tooth and subjected to a dental erosion cycling model, for 10 days. The daily cycling protocol consisted of erosive challenges (1% citric acid, pH 2.4), interspersed by periods of immersion in artificial saliva, and three 2-minute treatments with either 0 or 1150ppm F. The enamel volume loss (mm3) was calculated by subtracting values obtained by microtomography before and after cycling. Two-Way ANOVA showed no significant interaction between fluorosis severity and fluoride treatment (p=0.691), and no significant effect for either fluorosis severity (TF0 mean±standard-deviation: 13.5(10-2±0.42(10-2, TF1-2: 1.50(10-2±0.52(10-2, TF3-4: 1.24(10-2±0.52(10-2, p=0.416) or treatment (0ppmF: 1.49(10-2±0.53(10-2; 1150ppmF: 1.21(10-2±0.42(10-2; p=0.093), when evaluated independently. Considering the limitations of this in vitro study, the presence and severity of fluorosis in enamel do not appear to affect its susceptibility to dental erosion. Fluoride treatment was not effective in preventing the development of dental erosion in both sound and fluorotic enamel substrates under our experimental conditions.

Resumo Este estudo in vitro foi testou a hipótese de que o tratamento com flúor pode prevenir a erosão dentária no esmalte fluorótico de diferentes severidades. O objetivo deste estudo foi: investigar o efeito protetor dos fluoretos contra a erosão e abrasão simuladas no esmalte fluorótico. Seguiu um desenho fatorial 3×2, considerando a) severidade da fluorose em 3 níveis: hígido (TF0, Índice Thylstrup-Fejerskov), suave (TF1-2), moderada (TF3-4); b) tratamento com flúor: 0 (controle negativo) e 1150ppmF. Molares humanos com as três severidades de fluorose (n=16, cada) foram selecionados e distribuídos aleatoriamente para os dois tratamentos com flúor (n=8). Blocos de esmalte (4×4mm) foram preparados a partir de cada dente e submetidos a um modelo de ciclo de erosão dentária, por 10 dias. O protocolo de ciclagem diária consistiu em seis desafios erosivos de 5 minutos (1% de ácido cítrico, pH 2,4), intercalados por seis períodos de imersão em saliva artificial e três tratamentos de 2 minutos com 0 ou 1150ppmF. O volume do esmalte perdido foi calculado subtraindo o perfil superficial 3D obtido por microtomografia antes e depois da ciclagem. A ANOVA de dois fatores não mostrou interação significativa entre a severidade da fluorose e o tratamento com flúor (p = 0,691) e nenhum efeito significativo para a severidade da fluorose (TF0 média+/desvio padrão: 13,5(10-2±0,42(10-2, TF1-2: 1,50(10-2±0,52(10-2, TF3-4: 1,24(10-2±0,52(10-2, p=0,416) ou tratamento (0: 1,49(10-2±0,53(10-2; 1150ppmF: 1,21(10-2±0,42(10-2, p=0,093), quando avaliados independentemente. Considerando as limitações deste estudo in vitro, a presença e severidade da fluorose no esmalte não parece afetar sua suscetibilidade à erosão dentária. O tratamento com flúor não foi eficaz na prevenção do desenvolvimento da erosão dentária em esmalte hígido e fluorótico, sob as condições experimentais utilizadas.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to test, in vitro, the anti-cariogenic effect of experimental hybrid coatings, with nano clays of halloysite or bentonite, loaded with sodium fluoride or with a combination of sodium fluoride and stannous chloride, respectively. Methodology The varnish Fluor Protector (1,000 ppm of F-) was used as positive control and no treatment was the negative control. Enamel specimens (5 mm × 5 mm) were obtained from bovine teeth. The specimens (n=10) had their surfaces divided into two halves (5 mm × 2.5 mm each), in which one half received one of the treatments (Hybrid; Hybrid + NaF; Hybrid + NaF + SnCl2; Hybrid + NaF Loaded; Hybrid + NaF + SnCl2 Loaded). The specimens were submitted to a cariogenic challenge using a biofilm model (S. mutans UA159, for 5 days). Enamel surfaces both under and adjacent to the treated area were analyzed for mineral loss and lesion depth, by transverse microradiography. The pH of the medium was measured twice a day, and the fluoride release was analyzed. Additional specimens were submitted to confocal analysis. Results Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (α=0.05). None of hybrid groups were able to reduce the lesion depth; the Hybrid + NaF group, however, was able to reduce mineral loss differing from the negative control (p=0.008). The groups showed no significant difference in the pH measurement and fluoride release. Confocal analysis confirmed that for all groups the biofilm growth was similar. Conclusion None of the hybrid groups reduced lesion depth, but the Hybrid + NaF group was able to promote protection against mineral loss.

The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of solutions containing stannous (Sn), fluoride (F) and their combination in the prevention of dentin erosion. Forty bovine root dentin specimens (4’4’2 mm3) were prepared and randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10): SnCl2(800 ppm/6.7 mM Sn), NaF (250 ppm/13 mM F), NaF/SnCl2 (800 ppm/6.7 mM Sn; 250 ppm/13 mM F), and deionized water (DIW) as a negative control. An acquired pellicle was formed on dentin samples by incubation in clarified, pooled, stimulated human saliva for 24 hours. The specimens were subjected to 5 daily cycles, each consisting of 5 of min demineralization (0.3%/15.6 mM citric acid, pH 2.6, 6’/day) and 60 min of re-mineralization in clarified human saliva. Thirty minutes after the 1st, 3rd and 5th demineralization episodes of each day, the specimens were treated with one of the test solutions for 2 min. Surface loss was measured via optical profilometry. Mixed-model ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test were used for the statistical analysis. Sn, F, and their combination significantly reduced the dentin surface loss by 23%, 36%, and 60% compared with DIW, respectively. All groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). The combination of Sn and F significantly reduced the amount of dentin surface loss compared with all other groups. The F group also significantly reduced surface loss compared with Sn and DIW, followed by the Sn group, which showed significantly greater protection compared with the DIW control. The daily use of a combined fluoride and stannous solution is promising for preventing dentin erosion.

Tendo em vista que os modelos atuais de ciclagens de pH não diferenciam o potencial anti-cárie de dentifrícios com baixa concentração de fluoreto (F), dois modelos foram desenvolvidos e testados. Blocos de esmalte bovino foram submetidos aos modelos e tratados com soluções de concentrações crescentes de F (70 a 280 mig F/mL) para validar os modelos em termos de dose-resposta. A seguir, os modelos foram testados avaliando o potencial anti-cárie dos dentifrícios Colgate Baby (500 mig F/g, dentifrício de baixa concentração), Tandy (1.100 mig F/g, como controle ativo) e Crest (1.100 mig F/g, como controle positivo). Perda ou ganho de mineral pelo esmalte foi avaliada por microdureza e profundidade de lesão de cárie foi avaliada por microscopia de luz polarizada. Os modelos de ciclagens de pH desenvolvidos mostraram efeito do F dose-resposta quer seja na redução da desmineralização como na remineralização do esmalte. O dentifrício de baixa concentração de F mostrou ter potencial anti-cárie, o qual não foi equivalente aos dentifrícios contendo 1.100 mig F/g. Os resultados sugerem que os modelos desenvolvidos são capazes de avaliar o potencial anti-cárie de dentifrício de concentração reduzida de F, quer seja na sua capacidade de aumentar a resistência do esmalte a desmineralização como na ativação da remineralização.

Since the currently available pH-cycling models do not differentiate the anti-caries potential of dentifrices with low fluoride (F) concentration, two models were developed and tested in the present. Bovine enamel blocks were subjected to the models and treated with F solutions containing from 70 to 280 mug F/mL in order to validate them in terms of dose-response effect. The models were also tested by evaluating the dentifrices Colgate Baby (500 mug F/g, as a low fluoride dentifrice), Tandy (1,100 mug F/g, as an active F-dentifrice) and Crest (1,100 mug F/g, as positive control). Enamel mineral loss or gain was assessed by surface and cross-sectional microhardness, and lesion depth was analyzed by polarized light microscopy. The pH-cycling models showed F dose-response effect either reducing enamel demineralization or enhancing remineralization. The low F dentifrice presented anti-caries potential, but it was not equivalent to the dentifrices containing 1,100 mug F/g. These data suggest that the models developed in this study were able to evaluate the anti-caries potential of low F dentifrice either on resistance to demineralization or on enhancement of remineralization.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a microdureza do esmalte dental ao redor de restaurações em compósito que utilizaram sistemas adesivos contendo fluoretos (FCAS), após tratamento dessas superfícies restauradas aos protocolos de ciclagem térmica e pH. Cavidades cilíndricas padronizadas foram preparadas em 175 superfícies de esmalte de fragmentos dentais, os quais foram aleatoriamente divididos em sete grupos (n=25). Quatro grupos utilizaram os FCAS: Optibond Solo (OS); Prime&Bond 2.1 (PB); Syntac Sprint (SS) e Tenure Quick (TC). Outros grupos consistiram em restaurações "Sandwich" (STR - ionômero de vidro como base + restauração em composíto) ou utilizaram Single Bond com (SB) ou sem (SBWC) ciclagens. Os sistemas adesivos foram aplicados segundo as instruções dos fabricantes e as cavidades restauradas com compósito microparticulado (Durafill VS). Após o acabamento e polimento, todos grupos foram submetidos a 1.000 ciclos térmicos (5 ºC e 55 ºC) e a um protocolo de ciclagem de pH (desmineralização-pH 4,3 e remineralização-pH 7,0), exceto para o grupo SBWC. A microdureza das superfícies de esmalte foi mensurada ao redor das restaurações. Indentações foram feitas nas distâncias de 100, 300 and 450-mm da parede cavitária. Os dados foram analisados pela ANOVA (2 fatores) and Teste de Duncan (5%). Os valores médios ± DP da microdureza do esmalte para os grupos foram (Kg/mm²): SBWC: 314,50 ± 55,93ª ; SB: 256,78 ± 62,66b; STR: 253,90 ± 83,6b; TQ: 243,93 ± 68,3b; OS: 227,97 ± 67,1c; PB: 213,30 ± 91,3d; SS: 208,73 ± 86,6d. As médias ± DP de microdureza para as distâncias 150, 300, 450 mm da parede cavitária foram, respectivamente: 234,46 ± 77,81ª; 240,24 ± 85,12ª; 262,06 ± 79,46b. O grupo SBWC que não foi submetido aos protocolos de ciclagem térmica e pH mostrou a maior média de microdureza do esmalte e os FCAS resultaram nos menores valores de microdureza. Na distância de 450 mm da parede cavitária, a microdureza apresentou aumento significativo.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microhardness of dental enamel around composite restorations bonded with fluoride-containing adhesive systems (FCAS), after thermo- and pH-cycling protocols. Standardized cylindrical cavities were prepared on enamel surfaces of 175 dental fragments, which were randomly assigned into seven experimental groups (n=25). Four groups used FCAS: Optibond Solo (OS); Prime&Bond 2.1 (PB); Syntac Sprint (SS) and Tenure Quick (TC). Other groups consisted of "Sandwich" technique restoration (STR) (glass ionomer liner + hydrophobic adhesive resin /restorative composite) or used Single Bond with (SB) or without (SBWC) cycling protocols. Adhesive systems were applied according to manufacturers' instructions and cavities were restored with a microfilled composite (Durafill VS). After finishing and polishing, all groups were submitted to 1,000 thermal cycles (5 ºC and 55 ºC) and to demineralization (pH 4.3) and remineralization (pH 7.0) cycling protocols, except for SBWC group. The Knoop microhardness of enamel surfaces were measured around restorations. Indentations were recorded at 150, 300 and 450-mm from the cavity wall. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Duncan's Test (a=0.05%). Means ± SD of enamel microhardness for the groups were (Kg/mm²): SBWC: 314.50 ± 55.93ª ; SB: 256.78 ± 62.66b; STR: 253.90 ± 83.6b; TQ: 243.93 ± 68.3b; OS: 227.97 ± 67.1c; PB: 213.30 ± 91.3d; SS: 208.73 ± 86.6d. Means ± SD of microhardness for the distances 150, 300, 450mm from the cavity wall were, respectively: 234.46 ± 77.81ª; 240.24 ± 85.12ª; 262.06 ± 79.46b. SBWC group, which was not submitted to thermo- and pH-cycling protocols, showed the highest enamel microhardness mean value and the FCAS resulted in lower microhardness values. At 450 mm from the cavity wall, the enamel microhardness increased significantly.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, in vitro, o efeito cariostático de 6 materiais restauradores contendo ou não flúor (Fuji II LC, F-2000, Degufil Mineral, Sure Fil and Z-250) associados à aplicação de dentifrícios (fluoretado e não-fluoretado; Sensodyne Fórmula Original and Sensodyne Sodium Bicarbonate) em esmalte dental humano. Cavidades classe V foram preparadas no esmalte de 240 fragmentos dentais, aleatoriamente divididos em 12 grupos (6 materiais e 2 dentifrícios). Após serem restauradas as cavidades, os fragmentos foram submetidos a ciclos térmicos e de desmineralização e remineralização, simulando um alto desafio cariogênico. Sobre os fragmentos restaurados, ainda, foram aplicados dentifrícios contendo ou não flúor, 5 min por dia. As diferenças no desenvolvimento de lesões experimentais de cárie adjacente às restaurações foram avaliadas por 5 examinadores calibrados, através de inspeção visual, atribuindo-se escores de 0 a 3. Os resultados foram avaliados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis seguido pelo teste de comparações múltiplas (alfa=0,05). Quando associados ao dentifrício fluoretado, os materiais restauradores não diferiram entre si em relação ao potencial cariostático (p>0,05). Quando os materiais foram utilizados em associação com o dentifrício não-fluoretado o Ketac-Fil apresentou o maior potencial cariostático, seguido pelo Fuji II LC e pelos demais materiais. O Ketac-Fil foi o único material que não diferiu significativamente quando associado com o dentifrício com ou sem flúor. Sob as condições experimentais do estudo, a associação dos materiais restauradores ao dentifrício fluoretado resultou em uma maior ação cariostática, exceto para o cimento de ionômero de vidro convencional, que não diferiu com a aplicação dos dentifrícios.

This study evaluated in vitro the cariostatic effect of 6 restorative materials with and without fluoride release (Fuji II LC, F-2000, Degufil Mineral, Sure Fil and Z-250) associated with a fluoridated and a non-fluoridated dentifrice (Sensodyne Original Formula and Sensodyne Sodium Bicarbonate), on human enamel. Class V-like cavities were prepared on 240 enamel slabs, assigned to 12 groups (6 materials and 2 dentifrices). After cavity restoration, the slabs were submitted to a thermocycling regimen of 1000 thermal cycles and demineralization/remineralization cycles. During pH cycles, slurries of fluoridated and non-fluoridated dentifrices were applied for 5 min. Formation of artificial caries-like lesions was scored independently and blindly by 5 calibrated examiners according to an ordinal scale ranked 0 to 3 by visual examination. The results were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test and pair-wise comparisons (alpha=0.05). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the restorative materials associated with the fluoridated dentifrice. When used in association with the non-fluoridated dentifrice, Ketac-Fil showed the highest cariostatic effect followed by Fuji II LC and the other materials. Ketac-Fil was the only material that did not differ statistically when combined with either the fluoridated or the non-fluoridated dentifrice. In conclusion, under the tested experimental conditions, the association of restorative materials and fluoridated dentifrice yielded higher cariostatic effect, except for the conventional glass ionomer cement, whose cariostatic effect was not influenced by the type of dentifrice.

Tem-se sugerido que a qualidade da adesão resina composta-dentina pode ser prejudicada quando restaurações são confeccionadas imediatamente após o tratamento clareador. Este estudo avaliou o efeito da postergação do procedimento adesivo após o clareamento interno realizado com diferentes agentes na resistência ao cisalhamento da interface compósito/dentina. De acordo com um delineamento aleatório em blocos completos, cilindros de resina composta (Z100/Single Bond - 3M) foram confeccionados em duzentos e cinqüenta e seis fragmentos dentinários bovinos planificados, os quais foram previamente submetidos a 4 tratamentos: PSH - perborato de sódio + peróxido de hidrogênio a 30%; PSA - perborato de sódio + água destilada; PC - peróxido de carbamida a 37% e CON - água destilada (controle), sendo estes seguidos pelo armazenamento em saliva artificial por 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias após o clareamento (n = 16). Os agentes clareadores inseridos na câmara pulpar foram substituídos a cada 7 dias, durante 4 semanas. O teste de resistência ao cisalhamento foi realizado em máquina de ensaios universal. ANOVA mostrou que a interação entre os tempos e os agentes clareadores não foi significativa (p > 0,05). Para o fator tratamento clareador, o teste t de Student revelou que [PC = CON] > [PSA = PSH]. Independentemente do tempo decorrido após o clareamento, os valores de resistência adesiva entre resina e dentina foram reduzidos quando se utilizou perborato de sódio associado ao peróxido de hidrogênio ou à água.

It has been reported that bond strength of resin to tooth structure can be reduced when the bonding procedure is carried out immediately after the bleaching treatment. This study evaluated the effect of bleaching of non-vital teeth bleaching on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin/bovine dentin interface and the influence of delaying the bonding procedures for different time intervals following internal bleaching. According to a randomized block design, composite resin cylinders (Z100/Single bond - 3M) were bonded to the flattened dentin surface of two hundred and fifty-six teeth which had previously been subjected to four different treatments: SPH - sodium perborate + 30% hydrogen peroxide; SPW - sodium perborate + distilled water; CP - 37% carbamide peroxide; and CON - distilled water (control), each one followed by storage in artificial saliva for 0 (baseline), 7, 14, and 21 days after bleaching (n = 16). The bleaching agents in the pulp chambers were replaced every 7 days, over 4 weeks. The SBS test of the blocks was done using a universal testing machine. The ANOVA showed that there was no significant interaction between time and bleaching agents, and that the factor time was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). For the factor bleaching treatment, the Student's t-test showed that [CON = CP] > [SPW = SPH]. The bleaching of non-vital teeth affected the resin/dentin SBS values when sodium perborate mixed with 30% hydrogen peroxide or water was used, independently of the elapsed time following the bleaching treatment.

Materiais restauradores que liberam íons flúor e/ou promovem adesão à estrutura dental têm sido relacionados com a inibição do desenvolvimento de lesões de cárie adjacentes às restaurações. A hipótese testada neste estudo foi a de que o uso de resina composta/sistema adesivo tem efeito cariostático semelhante a um material adesivo que libera íons flúor - cimento de ionômero de vidro - sobre a superfície radicular adjacente às restaurações. Foram utilizadas 20 raízes de terceiros molares humanos extraídos, embutidas em resina de poliestireno e planificadas. Cavidades padronizadas foram preparadas e restauradas aleatoriamente com (a) Chelon-Fil (Espe) ou (b) Z100/SingleBond (3M). Valores iniciais (KHNi) de microdureza superficial Knoop da dentina foram obtidos a 100, 200 e 300 mim da margem oclusal das restaurações. Uma área de 2,0 mm ao redor da restauração foi delimitada e submetida à indução de cárie artificial. Obtiveram-se, então, os valores finais (KHNf) de microdureza, nas mesmas condições e localizações da leitura inicial. As diferenças entre KHNi e KHNf foram consideradas para a análise estatística. As medianas de KHNi - KHNf nas distâncias de 100, 200 e 300 mim foram para (a): -3,8; -0,3; -1,0; e para (b): 3,3; 2,5; 1,7. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis não evidenciou diferença significativa entre as distâncias dentro de cada grupo. Às distâncias de 200 e 300 mim, não houve diferença significativa entre os materiais avaliados. À distância de 100 mim, (a) diferiu significativamente de (b) (p < 0,05). Sob as condições deste estudo, o cimento de ionômero de vidro apresentou maior potencial cariostático que a resina composta com sistema adesivo dentinário.

Dental materials that release fluoride have been shown to be effective in caries inhibition around restorations. Adhesive materials would also be effective in caries inhibition by sealing and protecting cavity margins from acidic demineralization. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that composite restorations with a dentin adhesive system have a caries preventive effect similar to that of an adhesive material with fluoride - glass-ionomer cement - on root surfaces. Twenty roots from extracted sound third molars were embedded in polystyrene resin and ground flat. Standardized cavities were prepared in leveled root surfaces and randomly restored with (a) Chelon-Fil (Espe) or (b) Z100/SingleBond (3M). Baseline indentations were measured at 100, 200 and 300 mum from the occlusal margins of each restoration and the surface microhardness values were obtained using a Knoop diamond indenter. A 2.0 mm wide margin around the restorations was submitted to a pH-cycling model, at 37ºC. After that, surface microhardness was measured again, as it was before. The differences between baseline and final surface microhardness were considered for statistical analysis. The median values of differences were (a): -3.8; -0.3; -1.0; and (b): 3.3; 2.5; 1.7, for the distances of 100, 200 and 300 mum, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis test did not show statistically significant difference between 100, 200 and 300 mum distances in each tested group. There was no difference between the studied materials at the distances of 200 and 300 mum. Chelon-Fil was statistically different from Z100/SingleBond, at 100 mum (p<0.05). Under the studied conditions, the glass-ionomer cement had a higher caries preventive effect than the composite/dentin adhesive restorations.