Comparison of in vivo and in vitro demineralized dentin with phosphoric and maleic acid.

This article evaluated possible differences between dentin conditioned in vivo and in vitro with 10 percent maleic acid or with 36 percent phosphoric acid. Semispherical Class V cavities were prepared in vivo and in vitro at the cementum-enamel junction and were divided into four groups. After etching procedures, the in vivo samples were extracted and fixated in 10 percent buffered formaldehyde. Both the in vivo and in vitro samples were then fractured in two parts along their long axis, critical-point dried, and subsequently examined with SEM. Both the acids removed completely the smear layer and demineralized the dentin, leaving a layer of collagenous network. No morphological differences were found between in vivo and in vitro dentin samples.