Effect of an aqueous 4% titanium tetrafluoride solution on preventing caries in orthodontic patients: a controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION: Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF(4)) is a fluoride compound that, when is applied over enamel, promotes a protection against demineralization through a titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) acid-resistant coat. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to verify the hypothesis that a single application of 4% TiF(4) increases the resistance of enamel to dental demineralization in orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This controlled clinical trial followed CONSORT guidelines and investigated the prevention of enamel demineralization, fluoride retention, and the presence of a Ti layer after TiF(4) application on banded teeth exposed to clinical cariogenic biofilm. Forty premolars were divided into a control group (CG; n = 20) and a test group (TG; n = 20). Teeth from both groups received prophylaxis and orthodontic bands with a cariogenic locus. In the TG, all teeth additionally underwent aqueous 4% TiF(4) solution application after prophylaxis before being banded. After one month, teeth from both groups were extracted and prepared to assess the microhardness, fluoride retention, and evaluation of the Ti coating over the enamel surface. All data were analyzed with a paired Student’s t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Enamel microhardness and fluoride uptake were higher in TG than in CG, while the Ti layer could be seen over TG teeth that received TiF(4) application. CONCLUSION: Under clinical circumstances, the 4% aqueous TiF(4) solution was effective in preventing enamel mineral loss through increasing the enamel resistance to dental demineralization, enhancing its microhardness and fluoride uptake, and forming a Ti coat.