LOSS OF ENAMEL DUE TO ETCHING WITH PHOSPHORIC OR MALEIC-ACID

In this study, the effect of enamel etching resulting in permanently l ost enamel was investigated. Phosphoric acid and maleic acid were used as etchants. Also the etch duration was varied. The results of the st udy show that phosphoric acid removed significantly more enamel than m aleic acid. The relationship found between the loss of enamel and the etch duration suggested that a diffusion controlled mechanism plays a role in the case of both acids. Morphological information obtained by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the surface structure resu lting from etching with phosphoric acid and maleic acid is similar.