Effectiveness of Various Remineralizing Agents on White Spot Lesions after Orthodontic Treatment: A Comparative Study

To evaluate and compare the ability of three commercially available remineralizing agents on the surface microhardness (SMH) of enamel after induction of white spot lesions (WSLs) by demineralization.

About 80 sound mandibular human premolars that were later removed as a part of orthodontic treatment were employed in this research under the inclusion criteria. After cleaning and disinfecting the teeth, their crowns were mounted in acrylic resin and painted with nail varnish, not including a 3 mm × 3 mm window in the middle of the buccal surface. Each tooth was soaked in 15 mL of a demineralizing solution at a pH of 4.5 that was prepared for this study and left in a place for 10 subsequent days to permit the formation of WSLs after which the SMH was again assessed. The premolar teeth were then randomly allocated and equally divided into one of the four groups of 20 each depending on the treatment they received as Group 1: control group, Group 2: Colgate sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste group, Group 3: Amflor group, and Group 4: Enafix group. After 15 days, the microhardness of all samples was estimated and alterations in the same were noted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the surface morphology.

Enhanced and highest mean SMH was present in the Colgate sensitive Pro-Relief group (53.26 ± 0.10) followed by Enafix group (47.72 ± 0.21), Amflor group (44.84 ± 0.66), and control group (39.52 ± 0.32), respectively after application of remineralizing agents. Except for Group 3 vs Group 4, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in all the groups.

All the three agents employed in this study, that is, Colgate sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste, Amflor, and Enafix improved the SMH of teeth after the therapy given over 15 days compared to the microhardness following demineralization.

White spot lesions often occur on labial surfaces of teeth after orthodontic treatment. Hence, these lesions pose esthetic challenges thereby affecting treatment satisfaction perceived by the patient. As esthetics and appearance are of foremost significance after orthodontic treatment, elimination protocols for remineralization of WSLs are of utmost importance employing economic means. How to cite this article: Nalawade VA, Jeri SY, Dash BP, et al. Effectiveness of Various Remineralizing Agents on White Spot Lesions after Orthodontic Treatment: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):545-548.