2.2. Sample Collection
fractures, orthodontic
Non-carious maxillary premolars with all cusps and walls intact, freshly extracted for orthodontic reasons, were collected from the specialist clinic, PSAU. These teeth were inspected using a stereomicroscope (RX-100, Hirox, Tokyo, Japan) at 16× magnification for the presence of any deformities, craze lines or indications of fractures, which if found were excluded. Forty teeth which met the inclusion criteria were disinfected with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 30 min and stored in normal saline at room temperature until further use.