Artificially formed carieslike lesions around restorative materials.

Secondary caries formation around restorations is a major cause for their replacement. This in vitro study assessed the capacity of various restorative materials to to resist caries attack. An acidified gel technique was used to produce carieslike lesions around the restored teeth. Assessment of the occurrence and extension of carious lesions was performed using polarized light microscopy. The results showed wide variations in the ability of the restorative materials to resist erosion.