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The Penetration Depth of Resin Infiltration Into Enamel: A Systematic Review
Dayang Fadzlina Abang Ibrahim1, Annapurny Venkiteswaran1, Noren Nor Hasmun2
1Centre of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.
Summary
Resin infiltration depth is crucial for halting early caries. Optimal penetration depends on enamel treatment, resin formulation, and application technique, outperforming other dental materials.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Caries management
- Minimally invasive dentistry
Background:
- Resin infiltration is an emerging technique for early caries management.
- The depth of resin penetration is critical for forming a diffusion barrier and ensuring treatment success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the penetration depth of commercially available resin infiltrants in early caries lesions.
- To identify factors influencing resin infiltration capability.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2009 to 2022.
- Included in vitro studies assessing factors affecting resin penetration into enamel.
- Risk of bias was assessed using the checklist for reporting in vitro studies (CRIS).
Main Results:
- Twenty-three studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, all with moderate risk of bias.
- Penetration is influenced by enamel surface treatment (hydrochloric acid), resin formulation (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate - TEGDMA, ethanol), penetration time, saliva contamination, caries activity, and tooth type.
- Removing the hypermineralized surface layer enhances resin perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Optimal resin infiltration success relies on enamel surface treatment, application technique, infiltration duration, resin composition (TEGDMA, ethanol), and tooth-specific factors.
- Resin infiltration demonstrates superior penetrability over fissure sealants, nanocomplexes, flowable composites, adhesives, and fluoride varnishes.
- Resin penetration depth is a critical factor for creating a diffusion barrier and effectively halting caries progression.
