Validation of professional tooth brushing test device, test methodology and analysis

Abstract

The present work is focused on developing a test apparatus to simulate the contact situation of the toothbrush used in professional toothbrushing (cleaning and polishing) and a dental biomaterial. Cylindrical samples (8×5 mm) were manufactured from a resin composite (frequently used in practice) in similar manner with the preparation of dental restorations in clinical conditions. The tests were carried by using two different toothpastes: A professional toothpaste and a home used toothpaste. All the experiments were carried out for 15 min, under 280 g normal load applied on the brush and the operating speed was around 5000 rev/min. The preliminary results on the dental restorative material selected for this study indicated that the proposed system is consistent and useful for the investigation of the microabrasion processes that arise at the surface of dental biomaterials.