Resin Infiltration Therapy: A micro-invasive treatment approach for white spot lesions

Purpose: The demand for esthetic dentistry has led to the development of new treatments for white spot lesions (WSLs). Microinvasive therapies, such as resin infiltration, have been used to treat demineralized enamel. Recently, resin infiltration using the active ingredient triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), has been used to restore WSLs. The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the evidence on TEGDMA, an innovative resin that has been introduced, as an alternative dental material for treating WSLs.Methods: A review of the literature was conducted using key words pertaining to WSLs and resin infiltration including cosmetic dentistry; dental caries; dental materials; general dentistry; sealants; technology for patient care. Evidence was incorporated from biomedical data bases including PubMed and the Cochrane Library, which formed the framework for the review.Results: Based on the synthesis of the evidence, resin infiltration using TEGDMA is an effective alternative treatment option for WSLs. Studies suggest that the outcomes for micro-invasive procedures using resin infiltration may vary depending on the depth of the lesion.Conclusion: Resin infiltration, using TEGDMA, removes minimal amounts of enamel and preserves the hard tissue surrounding the WSLs. Additionally, TEGDMA restores the natural fluorescence, hardness, and texture of intact enamel. Future studies are needed to assess the long-term clinical effects of resin infiltration using this material on both permanent and primary dentition.