Materials and Methods

Fifteen healthy volunteers were selected for participation in this study.  Eight male subjects had a mean age of 38 years and seven female subjects had a mean age of 36 years.  The DMFS for females was 41.2 compared to 51.1 for males. Following a screening examination, subjects were provided an explanation of the proposed research, a written information summary statement, and each conveyed informed consent to participate in the study.

Either a first or second permanent molar requiring a crown restoration was selected for placement of a test appliance for each individual.  These teeth were prepared for a final restoration and two polyvinyl-siloxane impressions were obtained.  One impression was used for fabricating the test appliance, and the second was used to fabricate the final crown.  The specific design of the appliances replicated those described previously by Jensen and Wefel.¹¹  The "slot" receptacle area in the proximal surface of each appliance was positioned below the contact area with the adjacent tooth to simulate the area where proximal carious lesions are frequently found.  Test sections of human enamel and dentin containing caries-like lesions were placed in these "slot" areas with acid-resistant varnish for two-week test periods.

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