Resin Infiltration: A Microinvasive Treatment Option for White Spot Lesions

Background: White spot lesions appear clinically as a first sign of enamel caries, followed by cavitation when left untreated.Number of methods and agents are available to remineralize these lesions, which include resin infiltration and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) plus agent.Aim and objective: The aim and objective of the in vitro study was to compare microhardness of initial enamel caries using two agents (Icon and CPP-ACP Plus).Materials and methods: 120 extracted permanent maxillary central incisors were collected.All the samples were decoronated, and crown portions of 120 samples were inserted in acrylic resin block which was prestandardized.These samples were allocated randomly into control Group I (20) and experimental Group II (100).A 4 × 4 mm window was created on labial surfaces of 100 samples using acid-resistant nail varnish and then demineralized to produce white spot lesions for 4 days.Then, they were allocated into five groups randomly (Group I: normal/nondemineralized enamel (control), Group IIa: demineralized enamel, Group IIb: brushed with 0.25 g of non-fluoridated dentifrice (Meswak™), Group IIc: brushed with 0.25 g of non-fluoridated dentifrice + CPP ACP plus, Group IId: ICON DMG™ resin infiltration technique, Group IIe: ICON DMG™ resin infiltration technique + brushed with 0.25 g of non-fluoridated dentifrice) and treated with the respective remineralizing agents for 1 month.Samples of all the groups were then subjected to microhardness test. Results:The microhardness value of Group IId was significantly (p < 0.001) high when compared to other experimental groups. Conclusion:Resin infiltration technique showed enhancement in the microhardness of initial enamel caries lesions compared to CPP-ACP plus application.Clinical significance: Resin infiltration technique is a microinvasive approach for increasing the microhardness of hypoplastic enamel.This may decrease need of laminates or other full coverage restorations for such teeth.