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Stephen Adam Le Breton, 17, of Greenwich, investigated a novel system to recoat teeth with artificial enamel, in vivo, for his Intel Science Talent Search project in medicine and health. Teeth cannot regenerate enamel, but researchers had shown that artificial enamel can be reformed by exposure to a solution of calcium, phosphorous and other chemicals for 24 hours. Unfortunately, this process takes too long to be practical, and the chemicals can be toxic. Stephen developed a mixture that would apply artificial enamel in one hour and tested it on tooth samples from which the natural enamel had been removed. He then used a polymer to time-release his reagents and applied it to the inside of a plastic retainer. Analysis of a tooth inserted into the retainer for one hour suggested that it was recoated with enamel. More research is needed, but Stephen believes his study could lead to a treatment for people whose natural enamel layer has eroded away. Stephen is a member of Greenwich crew's rowing team and the Greenwich Basketball Association. An Eagle Scout, he enjoys scuba diving and runs his own lifeguarding business. The son of Patrick and Linda Le Breton, Stephen attends Greenwich High School and hopes to become a military doctor.
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