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Air rotor stripping (ARS) of interproximal enamel can create space of up to 9.5 mm when anterior, bicuspid, and molar interproximal enamel is reduced by 50%. Because of the potential for caries increase in abraded teeth, use of the stripping technique has been limited. This study compared caries incidence between ARS surfaces and unabraded orthodontic surfaces in the same patients; 40 patients having ARS were evaluated for caries both clinically and with x-rays over the course of 1 to 6 years. All patients had a 6-month prophylaxis, were exposed to fluoridated water, and used fluoridated toothpaste. No fluoride or sealants were applied during this time. DMFT and DMFS scores determined the risk of caries. Results of the study revealed that of the 376 ARS surfaces, 3 interproximal carious lesions developed. On the equal number of control surfaces, 6 lesions developed. None were restored during the study. There was an increase in DMFT and DMFS for both groups, and neither fluoridated water nor fluoridated toothpaste provided protection against decay. There appeared to be no inc-rease in enamel decay with ARS surfaces.
(Source: Dental Abstracts, Volume 52, Issue 2, 2007)
