The evaluation of resin infiltration for masking labial enamel white spot lesions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to clinically assess the effectiveness of masking white spot enamel lesions using a resin infiltration technique that was recently developed to arrest incipient caries in a micro-invasive concept. Twenty teeth with a Developmental Defect of Enamel (DDE) and 18 teeth with Post-orthodontic Decalcification (POD) were selected and treated with resin infiltration. Standardized photographs were taken before, immediately after, and 1 week after treatment and were analysed using image analysing software to calculate the ΔE values. The results were classified into three groups: completely masked, partially masked, and unchanged. Among the 20 teeth with DDE, five teeth (25%) were classified as completely masked, whereas seven (35%) and eight teeth (40%) were partially masked and unchanged, respectively. Among the 18 teeth with POD, 11 teeth (61%) were completely masked, six teeth (33%) were partially masked, and one tooth (6%) was unchanged. In some teeth, the result was more improved after 1 week than immediately after infiltration. The masking effect was dramatic in some cases but not in others. The long-term colour stability of the result should be followed up through continuous clinical and scientific studies.