Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 5-31-1997

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Biomedical Engineering Committee

First Advisor

David S. Kristol

Second Advisor

VaidyanathanT. K. Vaidyanathan T.K.

Third Advisor

Peter Engler

Abstract

The abrasive characteristics of six (6) brands of toothpastes on Enamel and Dentin material were assessed. Human teeth were sliced to expose the dentin surface and then polished using 3 μm and 0.25 μm diamond paste. The outside surface of the tooth (after slicing) was used "as is" for the enamel surface testing. The surface smoothness was evaluated prior to testing using a surface profiler and averaging four (4) to five (5) readings across the surface for each sample.

The tooth slices were then embedded into the acrylic plate surface by routing out an area with a dental drill and using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to adhere the teeth to the plate.

An acrylic abrasion machine was used to brush each sample for 3000 strokes with each of the toothpastes being tested. At least three (3) samples of each material were used for each paste. The same type of medium stiffness brush was used for each test. The surface smoothness was then re-assessed using the surface profiler again averaging four (4) to five (5) readings across the surface. The data was statistically analyzed and ranked by abrasiveness.

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