Australian Dental Journal 2007;52:2. 101

Laser-activated fluoride treatment of enamel against an artificial caries challenge: comparison of five wavelengths J Vlacic, * IA Meyers, † J Kim, ‡ LJ Walsh§ Background: Laser-activated fluoride (LAF) therapy with 488nm laser energy has been shown previously to increase the resistance of human enamel and dentine to acid dissolution in laboratory models of dental caries. The aims of this study were to examine whether LAF therapy, conducted using a range of wavelengths in the visible and near infrared regions, can protect human dental enamel from an artificial cariogenic challenge. Materials and methods: Buccal and lingual surfaces of extracted sound, molar and premolar teeth were used to prepare matched pairs of enamel slabs (N=10 per group). After application of neutral sodium fluoride gel (12300ppm F ion), slab surfaces were lased (energy density 15 J/cm2; spot size 5mm