Electron Microprobe Investigations of Stannous Fluoride Reactions with Enamel Surfaces

Abstract

After immersion for 30 seconds in stannous fluoride, tin and fluorine were detected in enamel. When the enamel was immersed for a longer time, it was etched by stannous fluoride treatment. A second tin-rich zone formed on the enamel surface after prolonged exposure and possibly consisted of Sn 3 F 3 PO 4 and a hydrated tin compound.