Microabrasion using 18% hydrochloric acid and 37% phosphoric acid in various degrees of fluorosis - an in vivo comparision.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 18% hydrochloric acid and 37% phosphoric acid by an in vivo comparison.

METHODS: Sixty fluorotic permanent maxillary central incisors from 30 patients were divided into 3 categories. The teeth received 5 seconds (mild fluorosis), 20 seconds (moderate fluorosis) and 30 seconds (severe fluorosis) application of 18% hydrochloric acid on 11 and 37% phosphoric acid on 21. Standardized intraoral photographies were taken immediately before, after, and one month after treatment. Vinyl polysiloxane impression of the patient were made before and after the treatment. A scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluation was carried out on the models to judge the surface alterations. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used to verify the hypothesis.

RESULTS: A statistically significant result was obtained in the reduction of white spot opacities, intensity of stains and the total area occupied by the stains in mild and moderate fluorosis teeth. Results of severe fluorosis had an unpredictable outcome. An SEM evaluation revealed good improvement in the surface texture of mild and moderate fluorosis teeth. Teeth with severe fluorosis showed only a slight improvement.

CONCLUSION: A microabrasion procedure is effective for treating mild and moderate fluorosis cases.