Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF₄) has been studied in dentistry as a promissory alternative for prevention and treatment of
carious lesions. However, there are few in vivo studies concerning the consequences of its use on tooth enamel. The goal of this study was to report the effects of a 4% TiF₄ application on the remineralization of an incipient
carious lesion of a permanent tooth. This research found an unexpected clinical outcome. A patient with active white spots had two of these lesions treated with 4% TiF₄ associated with fluoridated
dentifrice and another lesion treated with fluoridated
dentifrice only, thus the remineralization of the two kinds of treatment administered could be observed and compared. An extrinsic pigment appeared in the regions that received the TiF₄ treatment, which was partially removed by professional prophylaxis. Also, regular recidivists of this pigmentation in the review consultations were noted. The authors concluded that although the use of 4% TiF₄ was effective in treating incipient
carious lesions on enamel, it was also responsible for an undesired pigmented layer on the tooth to which it was applied. Beyond the varied fluoridated materials used in dentistry,
titanium tetrafluoride (TiF₄) deserves attention. This compound has the common properties of
fluorides, and researchers are exploring its role in
carious lesion prevention, fissure sealing, and
tooth erosion prevention in in vitro and in situ studies. Research is also exploring its use for microinfiltration prevention in tooth restoration and
hypersensitivity treatment. However, when compared to other fluoridated products TiF₄ demonstrates additional, specific particularities, such as the formation of a
titanium dioxide (TiO₂) layer, which is tough, hydrophobic, and resistant in acidic environments. Nevertheless, there are insufficient in vivo studies concerning the consequences of TiF₄-containing products affecting tooth enamel. Thus, the goals of this study were to report the effects of a 4% TiF₄ application on the remineralization of an incipient
carious lesion of a permanent tooth and to show the results of a backscattered scanning electron (BSE) analysis that was performed on the primary tooth. The clinical outcome was unexpected.