CLINICAL PROCEDURES INTERVENTIONS
TG
All 40 premolars received prophylaxis (with fluoride-free prophylactic paste) and were divided (split-mouth) into two groups containing 20 teeth each: a test group (TG) containing teeth from the first and third quadrants, and a control group (CG) containing teeth from the second and fourth quadrants. This quadrant stratification arrangement was made to avoid any interference regarding which side of the mouth the patient brushes their teeth best. The CG teeth received prophylaxis and orthodontic bands with a cariogenic locus. The TG teeth, after receiving prophylaxis, also had their buccal surfaces treated by a direct passive application of 4% TiF