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Resin infiltration in white spot lesions caused by orthodontic hypomineralisation: a minimally invasive therapy

British Dental Journal volume 231, pages 387–392 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective White spot lesions are characterised by the presence of clinically detectable opaque lesions due to enamel demineralisation. These frequently present in patients following fixed orthodontic treatment, mostly due to the prolonged accumulation of bacterial plaque on the dental surface. When remineralisation is not achieved through good oral hygiene and prophylaxis with fluoride products, the infiltration of lesions with low-viscosity photopolymerised resin has proved to be a valid micro-invasive alternative compared to traditional conservative therapy.

Clinical considerations A case series will be presented, where the chosen approach was resin infiltration, a micro-invasive and aesthetic technique.

Clinical significance Infiltrative resin therapies are single-session procedures that reduce the need for more invasive therapies such as the use of rotary instruments for greater patient comfort. The need for periodic fluoride applications is also avoided. This approach increases the durability of the infiltrated lesion without compromising its mechanical properties and impedes the development of recurrent or secondary caries.

Conclusions Resin infiltration might be considered as a routine procedure in the treatment of post-eruptive hypomineralised lesions. This follows the line of thought of minimally invasive dentistry, is an excellent treatment option and prevents the lesion's progression.

Key points

  • Patients under orthodontic treatment must follow strict preventive measures.

  • Early intervention with infiltrative resins can stop caries lesion progression.

  • Infiltrative resins allow achieving a good aesthetic result and are minimally invasive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Coimbra, Institute of Integrated Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal

    Maria Inês Tavares, José Saraiva & Inês Flores Amaro

  2. University of Coimbra, Institute of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal

    Francisco do Vale & Inês Francisco

  3. University of Coimbra, Institute of Integrated Clinical Practice, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), area of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal

    Ana Sofia Coelho, Anabela Baptista Paula & Eunice Virgínia Carrilho

  4. University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), area of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Institute of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal

    Carlos Miguel Marto

  5. University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), area of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Institute of Endodontics, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal

    Manuel Marques Ferreira

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  1. Maria Inês Tavares
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  2. José Saraiva
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Correspondence to Anabela Baptista Paula.

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Tavares, M., Saraiva, J., do Vale, F. et al. Resin infiltration in white spot lesions caused by orthodontic hypomineralisation: a minimally invasive therapy. Br Dent J 231, 387–392 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3476-z

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