Transillumination-aided infiltration: A diagnostic concept for treating enamel opacities

Esthetic management of enamel opacities related to molar-incisor hypomineralization is recognized as an unpredictable procedure when resin infiltration is used. The use of transillumination during this procedure may increase its predictability. The aim of this paper is to describe a new transillumination-based concept for treating enamel opacities with resin infiltration.

This report describes a case of enamel opacities affecting the maxillary central incisors related to molar-incisor hypomineralization where transillumination-aided infiltration was used for treating these lesions. Pre-operatively, the lesion depth is assessed using transillumination, which shows the presence of enamel surface layer covering the lesion. The mandatory removal of this layer is also monitored using transillumination as the lesion is progressively exposed and brought into the surface. Then, the classic protocol of resin infiltration is followed. Transmitted light was also efficient in monitoring the progression of resin-infiltration.

The appearance of the lesions' edges in transillumination was the main clue in indicating their depth and eventually their exposure into the surface. Transillumination was also reliable in monitoring the progression of the infiltration until complete saturation of the porous enamel.

The use of the proposed concept may help the dental practitioner in obtaining predictable results when enamel opacities related to molar-incisor hypomineralization are treated with resin infiltration. Besides, transillumination can be used as a diagnostic tool during the lesion transformation as well as its infiltration.