Carlos Munoz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Carlos Munoz

The International journal of prosthodontics

The International journal of prosthodontics

Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the strength of aluminous porcelain jacket ... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the strength of aluminous porcelain jacket crowns made in the following manners: (1) the conventional technique, (2) the conventional technique with a pure alumina insert, (3) the twin foil technique, and (4) the twin foil technique with a pure alumina insert. The conclusions of this investigation can be summarized as follows: 1. Porosity was observed in all the restorations made by each of the techniques. 2. The porosity was greater at the porcelain-platinum foil interface than anywhere else throughout the restoration with both the conventional and twin foil techniques. 3. The porosity seemed to be evenly distributed along the interface, with no concentration in any area. 4. Regardless of the technique, crowns that were more porous fractured at lower values. 5. Crowns built by the twin foil technique were significantly more porous at the interface of the tin-plated platinum and the porcelain core than those built by the conventional technique. 6. Crowns constructed with the conventional technique were significantly stronger than those constructed with the twin foil technique. 7. There was no bond between the core porcelain and the platinum foil matrix in crowns constructed by the conventional technique. 8. There seemed to be a strong bond between the core porcelain and the tin-plated platinum matrix in crowns built by the twin foil technique. 9. The presence or absence of the alumina insert on crowns constructed with the conventional and twin foil technique did not affect the strength of the crowns when tested at the incisal edge.

The International journal of prosthodontics

The International journal of prosthodontics

The International journal of prosthodontics

The marginal and internal adaptation of metal ceramic crowns fabricated by electrical discharge m... more The marginal and internal adaptation of metal ceramic crowns fabricated by electrical discharge machining and conventional metal ceramic alloys were compared. The crowns were cemented using zinc phosphate cement, embedded in epoxy resin, and sectioned in two planes: diagonal and buccolingual. The crowns were then measured at nine sites. The results showed that there were no statistical differences between the external marginal opening of the titanium and the gold-platinum-palladium crowns. The overall marginal discrepancies for the restorations in this study were 61 microns (+/- 34 microns) for the titanium metal ceramic crowns and 47 microns (+/- 17 microns) for the gold-platinum-palladium metal ceramic crowns.

The International journal of prosthodontics

Several physical property tests were conducted to compare microwave energy and conventional hot w... more Several physical property tests were conducted to compare microwave energy and conventional hot water bath polymerization techniques. The two methods of polymerization produced similar dimensional accuracy in complete denture bases. No differences were found in transverse strength, Knoop hardness, density, and residual monomer content of resin test strips. Comparable strength was found between microwave-polymerized and autopolymerized repairs of resin test strips. No porosity was observed in complete or removable partial denture bases polymerized by either technique. The Knoop hardness of microwave-polymerized removable partial denture bases was found to be slightly lower near the metal framework.

The International journal of prosthodontics

ABSTRACT

The International journal of prosthodontics

The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measure... more The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measured and analyzed to determine relationships between design features and recorded differences in the strengths of restorations fabricated for each preparation design. To assess clinical feasibility, the remaining dentin thickness of each preparation design was measured. A total occlusal convergence angle of 10 degrees provided the best combination of restoration strength and remaining dentin thickness. Five degrees produced the weakest restorations, and 15 degrees and 20 degrees required greater tooth reduction and pulp proximity. Stronger restorations were noted when the shoulder finish line had a sharp axiogingival line angle, possessed minimal cervical inclination, and was located as close as possible to the same occlusocervical level on all four axial surfaces.

The International journal of prosthodontics

ABSTRACT

The International journal of prosthodontics

The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measure... more The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measured and analyzed to determine relationships between design features and recorded differences in the strengths of restorations fabricated for each preparation design. To assess clinical feasibility, the remaining dentin thickness of each preparation design was measured. A total occlusal convergence angle of 10 degrees provided the best combination of restoration strength and remaining dentin thickness. Five degrees produced the weakest restorations, and 15 degrees and 20 degrees required greater tooth reduction and pulp proximity. Stronger restorations were noted when the shoulder finish line had a sharp axiogingival line angle, possessed minimal cervical inclination, and was located as close as possible to the same occlusocervical level on all four axial surfaces.

The International journal of prosthodontics

ABSTRACT

The International journal of prosthodontics

Prosthodontists surveyed preferred inverted V-shaped canine cingulum ledge rest seats located at ... more Prosthodontists surveyed preferred inverted V-shaped canine cingulum ledge rest seats located at the junction of the middle and cervical thirds of the lingual surface. Most respondents indicated that they preferred a ledge depth of at least 1.0 mm and indicated that their preparations usually did not extend into dentin. When the respondents evaluated various ledge depths, the mean depth of those judged adequate was 0.74 mm, which was less than the respondent and textbook recommendations. Premolar occlusal rest seats judged adequate generally met textbook size guidelines. The mean clinical incidence of dentin exposure with cingulum ledges and occlusal rest seats was 61%, close to the 55% exposure rate found on extracted teeth. Dentin Detector Gel effectively identified clinical dentin exposure but tooth sensitivity was not a good indicator of dentin exposure. Seventy-one of the 107 rest seats studied for incidence of caries and decalcification had exposed dentin but only two of the 71 had lesions. Ten of the 107 had small enamel fractures, primarily occurring on cingulum ledges.

The International journal of prosthodontics

Molar teeth were prepared to a standardized cylindric form using a lathe. Dicor crowns were luted... more Molar teeth were prepared to a standardized cylindric form using a lathe. Dicor crowns were luted on these preparations using zinc phosphate, glass-ionomer, and resin cements. The crowns were thermocycled and subjected to fracture loading to compare the effect of the different luting agents on fracture strength. Five finishing lines were used to determine if resin cement and associated bonding procedures could counteract the negative effect certain finish lines produce on all-ceramic crowns. When resin cement was used in conjunction with restoration and tooth precementation bonding treatments, the crowns were significantly stronger than when glass-ionomer or zinc phosphate cements were used. No difference in strength was found between the five finish lines when the crowns were cemented with resin and associated bonding procedures.

The International journal of prosthodontics

This study compared the effects of an antimicrobial agent (Asepto-Sol) on the physical properties... more This study compared the effects of an antimicrobial agent (Asepto-Sol) on the physical properties of types III, IV, and V gypsum casts made from two types of impression materials. Selected physical properties of five gypsum-based dental stones (Prima-Rock, Ortho Stone, New Fujirock, Die-Keen, Microstone) and two resin-based dental stones (Resin-Rock, Instone) were evaluated using an addition silicone impression material (Reprosil) and an irreversible hydrocolloid (Jeltrate Plus). In group 1, Asepto-Sol solution replaced water as the gauging liquid for the seven dental stones. The mixed gypsum was poured directly onto impressions of two master dies using two impression materials. In group 2, impressions made with both impression materials were sprayed with the Asepto-Sol solution, left for 10 minutes, rinsed for 30 seconds with tap water, and poured with each dental stone mixed with deionized water. In group 3 (control), the gypsums were mixed with deionized water and the mixed stone was poured directly into impressions, with no exposure to Asepto-Sol. The physical properties evaluated for the gypsum specimens were linear dimensional change, detail reproduction, Knoop hardness, and transverse strength. The linear dimensional stability, detail reproduction, and transverse strength tests were relatively unaffected by the use of Asepto-Sol, with few exceptions. Detail reproduction appeared to be least affected by Asepto-Sol, and changes in Knoop hardness were noted but results differed among the seven dental stones. However, New Fujirock was not ideally matched with Jeltrate Plus, and no stone specimens could be produced. Whether mixed with the gypsum powder or sprayed on impressions, Asepto-Sol solution did not adversely affect the physical properties of the dental stones tested.

The journal of contemporary dental practice

The purpose of this article is to provide potential authors with a contemporary guide to scientif... more The purpose of this article is to provide potential authors with a contemporary guide to scientific writing. It is in essence a handbook that covers the planning for a scientific publication from inception of the project or study to manuscript preparation and, ultimately, acceptance by a journal. Major topics such as manuscript formatting, data analysis, use of charts, graphs and images, reference formats, and manuscript submission are presented.

The International journal of prosthodontics

This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of Procera copings using different toot... more This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of Procera copings using different tooth preparations. The variations comprised 4 finish line forms, 3 occlusal forms, 3 occlusocervical undulation forms to the proximal finish line, and 3 proximal auxiliary retention forms. One hundred twenty preparations were made and copings were fabricated, cemented, embedded in an epoxy resin, sectioned, and measured at 14 sites. The feather-edge finish line had the highest mean external marginal opening (135 +/- 79 microns), compared with the chamfer finish line (64 +/- 38 microns), the 0.8-mm rounded shoulder (51 +/- 34 microns), and the 0.5-mm rounded shoulder (68 +/- 56 microns). All 3 forms of occlusal reduction produced comparable internal adaptation at the axial wall. Specimens with normal occlusal reduction had the best occlusal adaptation at the cusp tip but not to a statistically different degree from the exaggerated form. Variations in the vertical height of interproximal finish lines did not significantly affect marginal opening. However, proximal retentive features less than 2.5 mm wide and more than 0.5 mm deep cannot be accurately reproduced with the present Procera scanner tip. Feather-edge finish-line forms, deep retentive grooves, and deep occlusal morphology are not well reproduced using this system, but all other finish-line forms and design variations are accurately and clinically acceptably reproduced using this system.

The journal of contemporary dental practice

The clinical management of mobile teeth can be a perplexing problem, especially if the underlying... more The clinical management of mobile teeth can be a perplexing problem, especially if the underlying causes for that mobility have not been properly diagnosed. In some cases, mobile teeth are retained because patients decline multidisciplinary treatment that might otherwise include strategic extractions. This article discusses the relationship between occlusion and tooth mobility with an emphasis on identifying differences between increased mobility and increasing mobility. The indications, contraindications, and basic principles of tooth splinting are also reviewed. Provisional and definitive splints are defined and described with their respective occlusal considerations. Some mobile teeth can be treated through occlusal equilibration alone (primary occlusal trauma). Whereas mobile teeth with a compromised periodontium can be stabilized with the aid of provisional and/or definitive splinting (secondary occlusal trauma). It is important to consider splint therapy, because it may not only improve the prognosis of teeth, but may actually enhance the stability of the final prosthodontic treatment. The ultimate goal of successful management of mobile teeth is to restore function and comfort by establishing a stable occlusion that promotes tooth retention and the maintenance of periodontal health.

The Journal of clinical dentistry

The effect of remineralizing and conventional toothpaste treatments on the hardness of intact and... more The effect of remineralizing and conventional toothpaste treatments on the hardness of intact and acid soft drink-etched enamel were assessed in a laboratory study. The remineralizing toothpaste (Enamelon Toothpaste) used in the study contains NaF, and simultaneously provides dissolved calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions. The conventional toothpaste contains NaF in a silica base. Sound extracted maxillary human incisors, mounted in epoxy resin with the facial incisal two-thirds exposed, were polished with 0.3 mu alumina. Groups of ten teeth were exposed to either twenty 5-minute treatments with an acid soft drink (pH 2.4), remineralizing or conventional fluoride toothpaste, or to twenty alternating cycles of a 5-minute protective treatment with either the remineralizing or conventional toothpastes, followed by 5-minute exposures to the acid soft drink, or to 20 five-minute exposures to the acid soft drink followed by 20 five-minute restorative treatments with the remineralizing or conventional toothpastes. Knoop Hardness measurements were made before and after treatment using a 500 g load and 15-second dwell time. Acid soft drink exposure produced a 15.4% drop in hardness compared with 4.9% and 1.6% hardness increases due to treatments of intact enamel with the remineralizing and conventional toothpastes, respectively. Protective treatments using the remineralizing and conventional toothpastes significantly reduced the drop in hardness due to acid soft drink exposure to 3.3% and 6.2%, respectively. Restorative treatments by the remineralizing and conventional toothpastes significantly increased the hardness of the acid soft drink-weakened enamel by 12.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Both toothpastes were effective in inhibiting damage due to acid soft drink exposure, but the remineralizing toothpaste was more effective in hardening intact and decalcified enamel than the conventional toothpaste (p < 0.05).

The International journal of prosthodontics

The International journal of prosthodontics

Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the strength of aluminous porcelain jacket ... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the strength of aluminous porcelain jacket crowns made in the following manners: (1) the conventional technique, (2) the conventional technique with a pure alumina insert, (3) the twin foil technique, and (4) the twin foil technique with a pure alumina insert. The conclusions of this investigation can be summarized as follows: 1. Porosity was observed in all the restorations made by each of the techniques. 2. The porosity was greater at the porcelain-platinum foil interface than anywhere else throughout the restoration with both the conventional and twin foil techniques. 3. The porosity seemed to be evenly distributed along the interface, with no concentration in any area. 4. Regardless of the technique, crowns that were more porous fractured at lower values. 5. Crowns built by the twin foil technique were significantly more porous at the interface of the tin-plated platinum and the porcelain core than those built by the conventional technique. 6. Crowns constructed with the conventional technique were significantly stronger than those constructed with the twin foil technique. 7. There was no bond between the core porcelain and the platinum foil matrix in crowns constructed by the conventional technique. 8. There seemed to be a strong bond between the core porcelain and the tin-plated platinum matrix in crowns built by the twin foil technique. 9. The presence or absence of the alumina insert on crowns constructed with the conventional and twin foil technique did not affect the strength of the crowns when tested at the incisal edge.

The International journal of prosthodontics

The International journal of prosthodontics

The International journal of prosthodontics

The marginal and internal adaptation of metal ceramic crowns fabricated by electrical discharge m... more The marginal and internal adaptation of metal ceramic crowns fabricated by electrical discharge machining and conventional metal ceramic alloys were compared. The crowns were cemented using zinc phosphate cement, embedded in epoxy resin, and sectioned in two planes: diagonal and buccolingual. The crowns were then measured at nine sites. The results showed that there were no statistical differences between the external marginal opening of the titanium and the gold-platinum-palladium crowns. The overall marginal discrepancies for the restorations in this study were 61 microns (+/- 34 microns) for the titanium metal ceramic crowns and 47 microns (+/- 17 microns) for the gold-platinum-palladium metal ceramic crowns.

The International journal of prosthodontics

Several physical property tests were conducted to compare microwave energy and conventional hot w... more Several physical property tests were conducted to compare microwave energy and conventional hot water bath polymerization techniques. The two methods of polymerization produced similar dimensional accuracy in complete denture bases. No differences were found in transverse strength, Knoop hardness, density, and residual monomer content of resin test strips. Comparable strength was found between microwave-polymerized and autopolymerized repairs of resin test strips. No porosity was observed in complete or removable partial denture bases polymerized by either technique. The Knoop hardness of microwave-polymerized removable partial denture bases was found to be slightly lower near the metal framework.

The International journal of prosthodontics

ABSTRACT

The International journal of prosthodontics

The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measure... more The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measured and analyzed to determine relationships between design features and recorded differences in the strengths of restorations fabricated for each preparation design. To assess clinical feasibility, the remaining dentin thickness of each preparation design was measured. A total occlusal convergence angle of 10 degrees provided the best combination of restoration strength and remaining dentin thickness. Five degrees produced the weakest restorations, and 15 degrees and 20 degrees required greater tooth reduction and pulp proximity. Stronger restorations were noted when the shoulder finish line had a sharp axiogingival line angle, possessed minimal cervical inclination, and was located as close as possible to the same occlusocervical level on all four axial surfaces.

The International journal of prosthodontics

ABSTRACT

The International journal of prosthodontics

The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measure... more The dimensions of 120 maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were measured and analyzed to determine relationships between design features and recorded differences in the strengths of restorations fabricated for each preparation design. To assess clinical feasibility, the remaining dentin thickness of each preparation design was measured. A total occlusal convergence angle of 10 degrees provided the best combination of restoration strength and remaining dentin thickness. Five degrees produced the weakest restorations, and 15 degrees and 20 degrees required greater tooth reduction and pulp proximity. Stronger restorations were noted when the shoulder finish line had a sharp axiogingival line angle, possessed minimal cervical inclination, and was located as close as possible to the same occlusocervical level on all four axial surfaces.

The International journal of prosthodontics

ABSTRACT

The International journal of prosthodontics

Prosthodontists surveyed preferred inverted V-shaped canine cingulum ledge rest seats located at ... more Prosthodontists surveyed preferred inverted V-shaped canine cingulum ledge rest seats located at the junction of the middle and cervical thirds of the lingual surface. Most respondents indicated that they preferred a ledge depth of at least 1.0 mm and indicated that their preparations usually did not extend into dentin. When the respondents evaluated various ledge depths, the mean depth of those judged adequate was 0.74 mm, which was less than the respondent and textbook recommendations. Premolar occlusal rest seats judged adequate generally met textbook size guidelines. The mean clinical incidence of dentin exposure with cingulum ledges and occlusal rest seats was 61%, close to the 55% exposure rate found on extracted teeth. Dentin Detector Gel effectively identified clinical dentin exposure but tooth sensitivity was not a good indicator of dentin exposure. Seventy-one of the 107 rest seats studied for incidence of caries and decalcification had exposed dentin but only two of the 71 had lesions. Ten of the 107 had small enamel fractures, primarily occurring on cingulum ledges.

The International journal of prosthodontics

Molar teeth were prepared to a standardized cylindric form using a lathe. Dicor crowns were luted... more Molar teeth were prepared to a standardized cylindric form using a lathe. Dicor crowns were luted on these preparations using zinc phosphate, glass-ionomer, and resin cements. The crowns were thermocycled and subjected to fracture loading to compare the effect of the different luting agents on fracture strength. Five finishing lines were used to determine if resin cement and associated bonding procedures could counteract the negative effect certain finish lines produce on all-ceramic crowns. When resin cement was used in conjunction with restoration and tooth precementation bonding treatments, the crowns were significantly stronger than when glass-ionomer or zinc phosphate cements were used. No difference in strength was found between the five finish lines when the crowns were cemented with resin and associated bonding procedures.

The International journal of prosthodontics

This study compared the effects of an antimicrobial agent (Asepto-Sol) on the physical properties... more This study compared the effects of an antimicrobial agent (Asepto-Sol) on the physical properties of types III, IV, and V gypsum casts made from two types of impression materials. Selected physical properties of five gypsum-based dental stones (Prima-Rock, Ortho Stone, New Fujirock, Die-Keen, Microstone) and two resin-based dental stones (Resin-Rock, Instone) were evaluated using an addition silicone impression material (Reprosil) and an irreversible hydrocolloid (Jeltrate Plus). In group 1, Asepto-Sol solution replaced water as the gauging liquid for the seven dental stones. The mixed gypsum was poured directly onto impressions of two master dies using two impression materials. In group 2, impressions made with both impression materials were sprayed with the Asepto-Sol solution, left for 10 minutes, rinsed for 30 seconds with tap water, and poured with each dental stone mixed with deionized water. In group 3 (control), the gypsums were mixed with deionized water and the mixed stone was poured directly into impressions, with no exposure to Asepto-Sol. The physical properties evaluated for the gypsum specimens were linear dimensional change, detail reproduction, Knoop hardness, and transverse strength. The linear dimensional stability, detail reproduction, and transverse strength tests were relatively unaffected by the use of Asepto-Sol, with few exceptions. Detail reproduction appeared to be least affected by Asepto-Sol, and changes in Knoop hardness were noted but results differed among the seven dental stones. However, New Fujirock was not ideally matched with Jeltrate Plus, and no stone specimens could be produced. Whether mixed with the gypsum powder or sprayed on impressions, Asepto-Sol solution did not adversely affect the physical properties of the dental stones tested.

The journal of contemporary dental practice

The purpose of this article is to provide potential authors with a contemporary guide to scientif... more The purpose of this article is to provide potential authors with a contemporary guide to scientific writing. It is in essence a handbook that covers the planning for a scientific publication from inception of the project or study to manuscript preparation and, ultimately, acceptance by a journal. Major topics such as manuscript formatting, data analysis, use of charts, graphs and images, reference formats, and manuscript submission are presented.

The International journal of prosthodontics

This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of Procera copings using different toot... more This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of Procera copings using different tooth preparations. The variations comprised 4 finish line forms, 3 occlusal forms, 3 occlusocervical undulation forms to the proximal finish line, and 3 proximal auxiliary retention forms. One hundred twenty preparations were made and copings were fabricated, cemented, embedded in an epoxy resin, sectioned, and measured at 14 sites. The feather-edge finish line had the highest mean external marginal opening (135 +/- 79 microns), compared with the chamfer finish line (64 +/- 38 microns), the 0.8-mm rounded shoulder (51 +/- 34 microns), and the 0.5-mm rounded shoulder (68 +/- 56 microns). All 3 forms of occlusal reduction produced comparable internal adaptation at the axial wall. Specimens with normal occlusal reduction had the best occlusal adaptation at the cusp tip but not to a statistically different degree from the exaggerated form. Variations in the vertical height of interproximal finish lines did not significantly affect marginal opening. However, proximal retentive features less than 2.5 mm wide and more than 0.5 mm deep cannot be accurately reproduced with the present Procera scanner tip. Feather-edge finish-line forms, deep retentive grooves, and deep occlusal morphology are not well reproduced using this system, but all other finish-line forms and design variations are accurately and clinically acceptably reproduced using this system.

The journal of contemporary dental practice

The clinical management of mobile teeth can be a perplexing problem, especially if the underlying... more The clinical management of mobile teeth can be a perplexing problem, especially if the underlying causes for that mobility have not been properly diagnosed. In some cases, mobile teeth are retained because patients decline multidisciplinary treatment that might otherwise include strategic extractions. This article discusses the relationship between occlusion and tooth mobility with an emphasis on identifying differences between increased mobility and increasing mobility. The indications, contraindications, and basic principles of tooth splinting are also reviewed. Provisional and definitive splints are defined and described with their respective occlusal considerations. Some mobile teeth can be treated through occlusal equilibration alone (primary occlusal trauma). Whereas mobile teeth with a compromised periodontium can be stabilized with the aid of provisional and/or definitive splinting (secondary occlusal trauma). It is important to consider splint therapy, because it may not only improve the prognosis of teeth, but may actually enhance the stability of the final prosthodontic treatment. The ultimate goal of successful management of mobile teeth is to restore function and comfort by establishing a stable occlusion that promotes tooth retention and the maintenance of periodontal health.

The Journal of clinical dentistry

The effect of remineralizing and conventional toothpaste treatments on the hardness of intact and... more The effect of remineralizing and conventional toothpaste treatments on the hardness of intact and acid soft drink-etched enamel were assessed in a laboratory study. The remineralizing toothpaste (Enamelon Toothpaste) used in the study contains NaF, and simultaneously provides dissolved calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions. The conventional toothpaste contains NaF in a silica base. Sound extracted maxillary human incisors, mounted in epoxy resin with the facial incisal two-thirds exposed, were polished with 0.3 mu alumina. Groups of ten teeth were exposed to either twenty 5-minute treatments with an acid soft drink (pH 2.4), remineralizing or conventional fluoride toothpaste, or to twenty alternating cycles of a 5-minute protective treatment with either the remineralizing or conventional toothpastes, followed by 5-minute exposures to the acid soft drink, or to 20 five-minute exposures to the acid soft drink followed by 20 five-minute restorative treatments with the remineralizing or conventional toothpastes. Knoop Hardness measurements were made before and after treatment using a 500 g load and 15-second dwell time. Acid soft drink exposure produced a 15.4% drop in hardness compared with 4.9% and 1.6% hardness increases due to treatments of intact enamel with the remineralizing and conventional toothpastes, respectively. Protective treatments using the remineralizing and conventional toothpastes significantly reduced the drop in hardness due to acid soft drink exposure to 3.3% and 6.2%, respectively. Restorative treatments by the remineralizing and conventional toothpastes significantly increased the hardness of the acid soft drink-weakened enamel by 12.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Both toothpastes were effective in inhibiting damage due to acid soft drink exposure, but the remineralizing toothpaste was more effective in hardening intact and decalcified enamel than the conventional toothpaste (p < 0.05).