Longitudinal quantification of incipient carious lesions in postorthodontic patients using a fluorescence method

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of two caries-preventive programs, and to apply the laser fluorescence method, DIAGNOdent, for longitudinal quantification of changes in incipient carious lesions. Twelve subjects with 127 test teeth exhibiting white spot lesions on the buccal surfaces after completed orthodontic therapy were enrolled in the study. Visual examination was performed at baseline and after 12 months. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group received repeated professional tooth cleaning combined with oral hygiene instruction; and the control group received repeated oral hygiene instruction only. The white spot lesions were measured by DIAGNOdent at baseline, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months thereafter. There was a significant difference in the DIAGNOdent readings between the first and the final evaluations. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups regarding changes of DIAGNOdent values over time. In conclusion, it may be possible to use DIAGNOdent for longitudinal quantification of carious lesions on smooth surfaces over a period of 1 yr under in vivo conditions. The combination of professional tooth cleaning and oral hygiene instruction had a similar efficacy to professional tooth cleaning only for promoting the remineralization of white spot lesions.