Effect of pretreatment with ethanol containing fluoride on etched enamel surface as evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and tensile bond strength measurement.

The effects of pretreatment with a fluoride-containing ethanol solution on etched enamel surfaces before application of sealant were examined using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and tensile bond strength determinations. The results suggested that when etched enamel surfaces are treated with ethanol containing no more than 250 ppm fluorine in potassium fluoride, there is no interference with the bonding of the sealant to the treated, etched anamel surface.