Objectives: The aim of this in vivo study was to quantitatively evaluate the remineralization of the enamel caries on smooth and occlusal surfaces using DIAGNOdent, after daily application of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP). Materials and Methods: Thirty volunteers, aged 18–30 years, with white spot lesions on the smooth and occlusal surfaces of the teeth were included in the study. These white spot lesions were visually examined and the degree of demineralization was quantitatively evaluated using DIAGNOdent. Volunteers with lesions scored as enamel caries on smooth surfaces (n = 109) and on occlusal surfaces (n = 176) were randomly divided into control and study groups. Both groups were instructed regarding oral hygiene and were asked to brush their teeth with the same tooth paste and tooth brush. In the study group, CPP-ACFP was applied daily for 4 min on the existing enamel caries lesions. After 4 weeks, the mineralization changes in enamel caries on the smooth and occlusal surfaces were assessed by DIAGNOdent. Recorded data were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Comparison of DIAGNOdent values evaluated before and after the application of CPP-ACFP showed that the remineralization of enamel caries lesions on smooth and occlusal surfaces occurred in the study group (both, P < 0.001). The control group showed no quantitative changes at the end of 4 weeks (P > 0.05). At the end of the study period, the DIAGNOdent values differed significantly between the control and study groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Daily local application of CPP-ACFP for 4 min for 4 weeks results in significant remineralization of the initial caries lesions. Clinical Relevance: CPP-ACFP can be used in the treatment of white spot lesions.

The mechanical properties, elasticity and compressive strength, of restorative materials play a crucial role during mastication for clinical performance of materials in particular stress bearing areas at posterior regions. This in vitro study was objected to evaluate the changes in the compressive and flexural strength of tooth-coloured resin-based dental restorations placed on flowable composites. Specimens in the control group were produced in cylindrical form for testing compressive strength and in quadrangular prism form for flexural strength test. Tetric Ceram, Charisma, Surefil, Admira and two compomers; Dyract AP and Compoglass F in test group specimens were fabricated by placing the control materials on different flowables. The material combinations were as follows: Tetric Ceram/Tetric Flow Charisma/Flowline, Surefil/Dyract Flow, Admira/Admira Flow, Dyract AP/Dyract Flow, Compoglass F/Compoglass Flow. Compressive strength values were measured at the Instron Testing Machine with a cross-head speed of 10 mm min(-1) while flexural strength were determined in three-point bending with a cross-head speed of 1 mm min(-1). One-way anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests were performed for the statistical analysis. The flexural strength values of Tetric Ceram/Tetric Flow (135.9 +/- 3.2), Charisma/Flowline (120.4 +/- 5.6) and Compoglass F/Compoglass Flow (108.2 +/- 5.2) combinations were statistically greater than Tetric Ceram (110.8 +/- 10.5), Charisma (95.3 +/- 5.3) and Compoglass F (86.9 +/- 4.9). The results of the present study support the idea that the placement of flowable composite as a liner under the resin-based composite restoratives increase the flexural strength.

The aim of the study was to compare the fluoride-containing fissure sealants (Helioseal F) with the conventional (Concise Light Cure White Sealant) fissure sealants in their retention and caries-prevention capabilities in young population. Sealant materials were applied by three dentists on 122 fissures of first and second molars in 59 adults, 18-20 years of age. One hundred and twenty-two non-carious and unsealed molar teeth were selected as controls. The teeth were assessed using the following criteria: 1 - fully retained (FR), 2 - partially lost (PL), 3 - totally lost (TL) and 4 - decayed (D). All teeth were clinically assessed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months by two examiners who were blinded to the sealant materials. Data were statistically analysed with chi-square tests. After 3 months 72.1% of sealants were fully retained, at 24 months this had dropped to 46.7%. The partial loss of sealants was at 3 months (15.6%), 6 months (26.2%), 12 months (27.9%) and 24 months (27%). The total loss of Helioseal F (16.4, 19.7, 18, 23% at 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th months, respectively) was more than the total loss of Concise Light Cure White Sealant (8.2, 9.8, 11.5, 18%, respectively); meaning that the retention rate of Helioseal F was lower than for Concise Light Cure White Sealant. No caries was detected at 3rd and 6th months in all sealant-treated teeth. The incidence of caries in Helioseal F treated teeth at 12 and 24 months was 11.5% and 0% in Concise Light Cure White Sealant treated teeth. The incidence of caries in all fissure-sealant-treated-teeth after 24 months was 5.7 and 25.4% in control group. The results underline that the application of fissure sealants to young people in this sample is an effective method for the prevention of fissure caries.