The effect of air-polishing abrasives on wear of direct restoration materials and sealants

In vitro evaluation of surface roughness of titanium abutments after air polishing with different abrasive powders

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of air polishing with sodium bicarbonate and erythritol powders on surface roughness and morphological changes in titanium abutments.

METHODS

A total of 45 grade V titanium discs were divided in three groups: Group A (Control) air polished with air/water; Group B, air polished with sodium bicarbonate powder; and Group C, air polished with erythritol powder. After air polishing, the samples' roughness (Sa) in micrometres were analysed with an optical profilometer. The samples' surface morphology study was conducted via scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Data were described using mean and standard deviation of roughness values (Sa). Inferential analysis was performed using the ANOVA multiple comparison test followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Both tests used a 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

After air polishing, average roughness of group A, B and C were 0.036, 0.046 and 0.037 μm, respectively, with statistically significant differences between groups A and B (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between group A and group C, as well as between group B and C (p > 0.05). As for the morphology analysis, damages to the titanium surface were only observed in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that air polishing with erythritol powder maintains titanium abutment integrity better than sodium bicarbonate, which increased surface roughness and caused damage. Erythritol is preferable for minimizing surface alterations and maintaining morphological stability.

Effect of polishing and bleaching on color, whiteness, and translucency of CAD/CAM monolithic materials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of polishing and bleaching on the recovery of lightness, color, whiteness, and relative translucency parameter (RTP) in CAD/CAM materials and changes in these properties when another staining in coffee was conducted after the treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Disks of Lava Ultimate (LU), Vita Enamic (VE), IPS Empress CAD (EMP), IPS e.max CAD (EMAX), and Vita Suprinity (VS) were (1) not treated (control), (2) polished with Proxyt or (3) Ceramisté, (4) bleached with Opalescence PF or (5) Whiteness HP Blue, and (6) air polished with Clinpro Prophy Powder. CIE L*a*b* color coordinates were registered at baseline (R0), after staining with coffee for 30 min daily for 36.5 days and treatment (R1), and after another staining (R2). Differences (R1-R0 and R2-R0) in lightness (ΔL00), color (ΔE00), RTP (ΔRTP00), and whiteness (ΔWID) were evaluated by mixed repeated measures ANOVA and 95% confidence intervals (α = 0.05) and interpreted in function of their respective 50:50% PT and AT thresholds. Topography was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

In LU, Opalescence PF and Proxyt decreasedΔ L 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta L}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ ,Δ E 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {\mathrm{R}}_0\right)} $$ , andΔWI D R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta \mathrm{WI}}_{\mathrm{D}\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ and showed lowerΔ L 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta L}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ ,Δ E 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ , andΔWI D R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta \mathrm{WI}}_{\mathrm{D}\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ . In VE, all treatments decreasedΔ L 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta L}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ ,Δ E 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ , andΔWI D R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta \mathrm{WI}}_{\mathrm{D}\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ , whereasΔ L 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta L}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ ,Δ E 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ , andΔWI D R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta \mathrm{WI}}_{\mathrm{D}\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ were lower in Opalescence PF than in the control group. In both moments, ΔE00 and ΔWID in EMP (also ΔL00) and EMAX were higher in Opalescence PF than in the control group, from which the other treatments did not differ in R1-R0. In EMP,Δ E 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ in Whiteness HP Blue (alsoΔ L 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta L}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ ) and Proxyt were also higher in comparison to the control group and in VS, Ceramisté decreasedΔ L 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta L}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ ,Δ E 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ , andΔ R T P 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ \varDelta RT{P}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ , whereas Opalescence PF increasedΔRTP 00 R 1 - R 0 $$ {\Delta \mathrm{RTP}}_{00\left({R}_1\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ .Δ E 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta E}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ of Ceramisté andΔWI D R 2 - R 0 $$ {\Delta \mathrm{WI}}_{\mathrm{D}\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ andΔ R T P 00 R 2 - R 0 $$ \varDelta RT{P}_{00\left({R}_2\hbox{--} {R}_0\right)} $$ of Proxyt were lower than those of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The most suitable treatment to recover the lightness, color, whiteness, and RTP without changing these properties after another coffee exposure is material-dependent.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although the effectiveness of the treatment was material-dependent, Proxyt was the only treatment that promoted clinically acceptable changes for both LU and VE, while for purely ceramic materials, this condition was observed with Ceramisté and Clinpro Prophy Powder.

Air-Abrasion in Dentistry: A Short Review of the Materials and Performance Parameters

The selection of abrasive material and parameters of the Air-Abrasion device for a particular application is a crucial detail. However, there are no standard recommendations or manuals for choosing these details; the operator must depend on his experience and knowledge of the procedure to select the best possible material and set of parameters. This short review attempts to identify some of the effects that the selection of material and parameters could have on the performance of the Air-Abrasion procedure for a particular application. The material and parameter data are collected from various studies and categorized according to the most popular materials in use right now. These studies are then analyzed to arrive at some inferences on the performance of Air-Abrasion materials and parameters. This review arrives at a few conclusions on the effectiveness of a material and parameter set, and that there is potential for developments in the area of standardizing parameter selection; also, there is scope for further studies on Bio-Active Glass as an alternative to the materials currently used in Air-Abrasion.

In-vitro influence of the use of an erythritol powder through air polishing on the surface roughness and abrasiveness of various restorative materials

The aim of this in-vitro study is to compare the prophylaxis powder Airflow® Plus to a conventional prophylaxis paste with regards to surface abrasion and roughness on four different restorative materials. A total of 80 samples were fabricated, including 20 of each investigated material. Among those were a nanocomposite (Ceram X Spectra™ ST, Dentsply), a glass ionomer cement (Ketac Fill™, 3M™), a cast metal alloy (Bio Maingold SG®, Heraeus Kulzer) and a ceramic (HeraCeram® Saphir, Heraeus Kulzer). Of each material, all samples were equally divided into two groups. Samples in one group were treated with AirFlow® Plus using the AirFlow® Prophylaxis Master (EMS, Switzerland) (Group AF) and the ones in the other group with Prophy Paste (Cleanic™, Kerr, Austria) (Group CL) on a rubber cup. Applied force amounted to 1.5 N at 2000 rpm. Under controlled reproduceable conditions, a 10-year interval with 4 application per year, a total of 200 seconds, was simulated. Size of each sample amounted to 6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. Half side of each sample were treated. While comparing the treated and untreated area of each sample, surface abrasion and roughness were measured using an optical 3D system. Roughness was measured based on the arithmetic roughness average of the surface (Ra) and root mean square of the surface roughness (Rq). The statistical evaluation of the data was carried out using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney-U-test, Wilcoxon-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test for group comparisons. In conclusion, the use of the rubber cup with Prophy Paste caused a significantly higher abrasion on composite, ceramic and gold compared to the AirFlow® Plus powder (p < 0.05). In group AF, the significant highest values for Ra were determined on GIC, followed by composite, gold and then ceramic in intragroup comparison. Ra on GIC was significantly higher in group AF (p < 0.05).

Effect of Air-Polishing and Different Post-Polishing Methods on Surface Roughness of Nanofill and Microhybrid Resin Composites

Air-abrasion is a popular prophylactic procedure to maintain oral hygiene. However, depending on the applied air-abrasive powder, it can damage the surface of the tooth and restorations, making it susceptible to plaque accumulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 5 s and 10 s air-abrasion of calcium carbonate on surface roughness (Ra) of enamel, nanofill, and microhybrid resin-composites and the effect of post-polishing with two-step rubber- (RP) or one-step brush polisher (BP) to re-establish the surface smoothness. Surface topography was visualized by scanning-electron-microscopy. The quantitative measurement of the Ra was carried out with atomic-force-microscopy. Air-abrasion for 10 s decreased the Ra of enamel as a result of abrasion of the natural surface texture. Post-polishing with RP after 10 s air-abrasion did not change the Ra or BP; however, Ra was increased significantly by scratching the surface. Air-abrasion increased the Ra of resin composites significantly, irrespective of the application time. While RP provided a similarly smooth surface to the control in the case of microhybrid resin composite, BP increased the Ra significantly. The Ra for the control group of the nanofill-resin composite was initially high, which was further increased by air-abrasion. RP and BP re-established the initial Ra with deeper and shallower scratches after BP. Both the material and treatment type showed a large effect on Ra.

The Effect of Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Powder Polishing on the Roughness of the Enamel, Three Different Nanocomposites, and Composite/Enamel and Composite/Cementum Interfaces

We aimed to assess the effects of ultrasonic scaling and air-powder polishing on the roughness of enamel, three nanocomposites (Premise, Herculite Ultra, Harmonize), and composite/enamel and composite/cementum interfaces. Class V cavities were restored in 99 extracted third molars with one of the three nanocomposites and treated with ultrasonic scaler or air-powder polishing device (calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate powders). The roughness (Ra) of the investigated surfaces was measured with contact profilometer before and after treatment. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Specimens' Ra values before instrumentation were near the clinically acceptable 0.2 μm threshold. All techniques increased the roughness of the tested surfaces; however, the enamel was slightly affected. The mean Ra values after prophylaxis for composite, composite/cementum and composite/enamel surfaces were 0.32-0.55, 1.33-1.73, and 1.25-1.36, respectively. The extent of composite surface damage was material dependent. Premise surface was not altered by ultrasonic scaling significantly. Air-powder polishing with both powders produced a greater increase in surface roughness of composite resin and restorations margins than ultrasonic scaling. The Ra values after both types of air polishing for Herculite Ultra and Harmonize were approximately 1.5 and 2 times higher, respectively, than those after ultrasonic scaling (p < 0.05).

Abrasion of Pro Seal® and Opal® Seal™ by professional tooth cleaning protocols: results from an in vitro study and a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The integrity of orthodontic surface sealants after professional tooth cleaning (PTC) has previously only been evaluated in vitro. Recently, we have shown that optical coherence tomography (OCT) can successfully be used for the longitudinal assessments of sealant thickness in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVES

Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the sealant thickness after PTC in vitro and in vivo by OCT.

TRIAL DESIGN

Single-centre four-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Ninety-six extracted human teeth were randomly assigned to the surface sealants Pro Seal® (PS) and Opal® Seal™ (OS) and to PTC protocols: (1) polishing with brush and prophy paste (Cleanic®) or (2) erythritol air-polishing. Sealant thickness was assessed by OCT immediately after application (baseline), after thermocycling and after polishing for totals of 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds. Additionally, a clinical trial was conducted. Therefore, using a split-mouth design, quadrants of 20 patients and PTC protocols were randomized by an external randomization centre using computer generated tables to assign the surface sealants and PTC protocols. Sealant thicknesses were analysed at baseline, before and after PTC. Due to the optical properties of sealants, a complete blinding was not feasible.

RESULTS

In vitro both sealants revealed significant layer thickness losses after both PTC protocols. PS lost 0.77 µm/s [95% CI (confidence interval): 0.67, 0.87] from air-polishing and 0.43 µm/s (95% CI: 0.37, 0.49) from polishing with brush while OS lost 0.44 µm/s (95% CI: 0.32, 0.55) from air-polishing and 0.79 µm/s (95% CI: 0.68, 0.89) from polishing with brush of layer thickness. Sealant thickness loss of was significantly higher after erythritol air-polishing for PS and after polishing with brush for OS. The results of a concurrent randomized controlled trial (RCT) were comparable to those achieved in the in vitro part of this study.

LIMITATIONS

Long-term surface sealant abrasion should be validated by additional RCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

For PTC on surface sealant treated teeth, low abrasive protocols should be used. Air-polishing should be avoided on PS protected teeth and polishing with brush on OS treated teeth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03753256.

Comparison of Root Surface Wear and Roughness Resulted from Different Ultrasonic Scalers and Polishing Devices Applied on Human Teeth: An In-Vitro Study

The aim of the present study was to compare the root surface wear and roughness, resulted from the professional dental hygiene instruments, including ultrasonic dental scalers, rubber prophy cups, and nylon bristle brushes, on the extracted human mandibular incisor teeth. Teeth (n = 80) were randomly assigned into eight groups according to the applied scaler type (Ma = Magnetostrictive, Pi = Piezoelectric), degree of power (M = Medium, F = Full), and angulation (0° and 45°). In the second stage, the specimens (n = 40) were further divided into two groups according to the applied polishing device (nylon bristle brush or rubber prophy cup). Laser scanner and contact profilometer devices were used for the surface analysis. Both ultrasonic instruments tested in our study produced rougher surfaces when full power was used at a 0° angle (p < 0.01). The highest wear (0.82 ± 0.07 mm3) and roughness values (0.30 ± 0.01 µm) were detected in the PiF0 group. Polishing performed with a rubber prophy cup resulted in almost twice the wear as well as a smoother surface when compared to polishing performed with a nylon bristle brush (p < 0.001). Variations in the application parameters of ultrasonic scalers and the type of polishing instrument might lead to significantly different root-surface characteristics.

Effect of air-polishing on surface roughness of composite dental restorative material - comparison of three different air-polishing powders

Background

Increased composite roughness enhances bacterial adhesion and discoloration, thus increasing the risk of gingival inflammation and secondary caries. Concerns about detrimental effects of sodium bicarbonate on surface roughness influenced the development of less abrasive powders: a glycine-based powder and an erythritol-based powder, additionally - sodium bicarbonate-based powder of reduced grain size. However, there is limited evidence on effects of these materials on the surface of dental fillings. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of three air-polishing powders (of a reduced abrasiveness) on surface roughness of microhybrid restorative composite material.

Material and methods

Microhybrid light-cure resin composite samples were placed on 64 plaster cubes and light-cured through polyester strips. Surface roughness was measured using laser confocal microscope (magnification 2160x). The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20, 20 and 24) and air-polished with: sodium bicarbonate (40 μm), glycine (25 μm) and erythritol (14 μm), respectively. Then surface roughness was remeasured, keeping the same field of observation. Specialized 3D analysis software was used for data processing. Parameters according to ISO 25178: Sa, Sq, Sku, Sp, Sv, Sz, Ssk were used to describe surface roughness.

Results

Sa, Sq, Sp, Sv, Sz increased significantly following air polishing. Ssk was significantly higher, whereas Sku was significantly lower in sodium bicarbonate and erythritol groups than before air polishing. Comparison between the three powders revealed that Sa was significantly higher in sodium bicarbonate group than in glycine group. Sku was significantly higher in glycine and erythritol groups than in sodium bicarbonate group.

Conclusions

Sodium bicarbonate has a stronger detrimental effect on composite surface than glycine or erythritol. No advantage of erythritol comparing to glycine could be found.

Microbiological dynamics of red complex bacteria following full-mouth air polishing in periodontally healthy subjects-a randomized clinical pilot study

OBJECTIVES

Suppression of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of periodontally healthy individuals may lower the risk for periodontal or periimplant diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of supragingival debridement (SD) with adjunctive full mouth glycine powder air polishing (FM-GPAP) on the prevalence of periodontal pathogens in periodontally healthy individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-seven systemically and periodontally healthy intraoral carriers of red complex bacteria, i.e., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola or other periodontal pathogens including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Eikenella corrodens were enrolled into the study and randomly assigned to receive SD with adjunctive FM-GPAP (test, n = 42) or SD alone (control, n = 45). In the first observation period, microbiological samples were obtained prior to, and 2, 5, and 9 days following intervention. If one of these periodontal pathogens could still not be identified, additional microbial sampling was performed after 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The prevalence of red complex bacteria was significantly reduced in the test compared to the control group following treatment (p = 0.004) and at day 9 (p = 0.031). Intragroup comparison showed a significant (test, p < 0.001; control, p ≤ 0.01) reduction in the mean prevalence in both groups from BL through day 9 with an additional significant intergroup difference (p = 0.048) at day 9. However, the initial strong reduction returned to baseline values after 6 and 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

In periodontally healthy carriers of periodontal pathogens, FM-GPAP as an adjunct to SD transiently enhances the suppression of red complex bacteria.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Whether the enhanced suppression of red complex bacteria by adjunctive FM-GPAP prevents the development of periodontitis in periodontally healthy carriers requires further investigations.

Influence of air-powder polishing on bond strength and surface-free energy of universal adhesive systems

The influences of air-powder polishing with glycine or sodium bicarbonate powders on shear bond strengths (SBS) and surface-free energies of universal adhesives were examined. Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SU, 3M ESPE), G-Premio Bond (GP, GC), Adhese Universal (AU, Ivoclar Vivadent), and All-Bond Universal (AB, Bisco) were used in this study. Bovine dentin surfaces were air polished with glycine or sodium bicarbonate powders prior to the bonding procedure, and resin pastes were bonded to the dentin surface using universal adhesives. SBSs were determined after 24-h storage in distilled water at 37°C. Surface-free energy was then determined by measuring contact angles using three test liquids on dentin surfaces. Significantly lower SBSs were observed for dentin that was air-powder polished and surface-free energies were concomitantly lowered. This study indicated that air-powder polishing influences SBSs and surface-free energies. However, glycine powder produced smaller changes in these surface parameters than sodium bicarbonate.

Discoloration of PMMA, composite, and PEEK

INTRODUCTION

To assess the discoloration and stain removal potential of different cleaning methods relevant to individual/professional prophylaxis and laboratory cleaning on polyetheretherketone (PEEK), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based, and composite (COMP) materials after storage in different media for 7 days.

METHODS

One thousand three hundred twenty specimens of PEEK, PMMA, and COMP (N = 440 of each group) were prepared and stored in four different media for 7 days to cause stain. Samples were divided into three cleaning groups (n = 10): (i) individual prophylaxis, (ii) laboratory protocols, and (iii) professional prophylaxis. Color was determined by a portable spectrophotometer and calculated between different time points (∆E). The data was statistically evaluated using univariate analyses, Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The significantly (p < 0.001) lowest discoloration was found when specimens were stored in distilled water and chlorhexidine (CHX), followed by red wine. Curry solution caused the highest discoloration. PEEK showed the significantly (p < 0.001) lowest color changes, while COMP showed the highest changes. Ultrasonic bath and Air Flow Plus (AFP) were the significantly (p < 0.001) most effective methods to remove staining. The least cleaning effect was found using a soft toothbrush (ST), a medium-hard toothbrush (MT), and SunSparkle (SS) cleaning system.

CONCLUSIONS

PEEK seems more stable against discolorations than other denture resin materials. Regarding the cleaning potential, individual prophylaxis can be conducted with toothbrushes. For professional prophylaxis, air-abrasion devices using gentle powders are effective. Laboratory protocols should include gentle cleaning methods like ultrasonic bath.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians and dental technicians should inform their patients about the discoloration potential of certain foods/beverages and recommend the most efficient cleaning, but preventive methods.

Effects of air-polishing devices with different abrasives on bovine primary and second teeth and deciduous human teeth

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates the effect of air polishing using different combinations of devices and abrasive powders on bovine secondary and primary dentition and on human deciduous teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lower incisors of freshly slaughtered calves and cows were partially embedded in polyurethane and polished flat. Human deciduous incisors and second molars were subjected to the same procedure. These various tooth types (bovine secondary, bovine primary, human deciduous) were then randomly assigned to 22 groups containing 10 teeth each. The specimens in each group were treated by a specific combination of an air-polishing device (n=2; PROPHYflex 3®, Air-Flow® Handy 2+) and an abrasive (n=3; Air-Flow® Pulver Classic, ClinPro™ Prophy Powder, PROPHYpearls®) applied from a distance of 5±0.5 mm at maximum setting for 60 s. Additional groups of specimens were polished with CCS® 40 or Cleanic® pastes applied with a rotating brush at low speed. A Perthometer PCV profilometer was used to analyze the degrees of surface roughness and enamel reduction in each group.

RESULTS

PROPHYpearls® created significantly (p<0.05; t-test) more surface roughness and enamel reduction than both Air-Flow® and ClinPro™. There was no significant difference between the latter two abrasives. Any surface changes created by blasting or polishing were significantly (p<0.05; t-test) smaller on the bovine secondary teeth than on bovine primary or human deciduous teeth, with no significant difference between the latter two. The degrees of surface roughness induced by air polishing surpassed the effect of CCS® 40 paste but resembled the effect of Cleanic® paste.

CONCLUSION

Both Air-Flow® Handy 2+ and PROPHYflex 3® are appropriate devices to remove plaque and discoloration from the surface of deciduous teeth. PROPHYpearls® powder is excessively aggressive.

Effect of air abrasion and polishing on primary molar fissures

AIM

To evaluate the effect of air abrasion and polishing on primary molar fissures under light microscopy.

METHODS

15 exfoliated primary second molars were longitudinally sectioned and photographed under a stereomicroscope (40×; baseline evaluation). Sections were then randomly allocated into one of the two groups (n = 15) and treated by either air abrasion (aluminium oxide jet) or air polishing (sodium bicarbonate jet) for 30 s. After treatment, sections were washed with an air/water spray, dried with absorbent paper, and photographed as previously described (final evaluation). Baseline and final morphology were compared by two blinded examiners who evaluated changes in the width and depth of fissures.

STATISTICS

The percentage of changed fissures was analysed, and the two treatments were compared using the Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.01).

RESULTS

Both air systems resulted in fissure changes in most (93.3 %) of the sections. No significant differences in fissure width changes were found between treatments, but when changes in fissure depth were evaluated, air polishing was found to be less damaging than air abrasion (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Air abrasion and polishing cause changes to the anatomical configuration of occlusal fissures of primary molars.