An intra-oral single-section demineralization/remineralization model.

This paper reviews the use of our intra-oral crown single-section model for the evaluation of in situ demineralization and remineralization. The model uses normal, healthy adults who are in need of a gold crown. A slot is placed in the working crown which can hold 3-4 single sections. A typical experiment would use an enamel lesion, root lesion, and sound root section which are characterized with polarized light microscopy and/or microradiography prior to insertion in the crown. After the experimental regimen, the sections are removed and re-characterized for any changes. The model has been used to evaluate mineral changes from the use of fluoride dentifrices and rinses, chewing gum, and food sequencing. The advantages of the model system are the before-and-after measurements on the same section, a natural plaque formation, interaction with saliva, episodic demineralization and remineralization, no bulky appliances, and the use of reasonable time frames. This model, therefore, reduces the artificiality of the in situ study to a great extent and appears to be a useful predictor of demineralization/remineralization interactions.