Prevalence of white spot lesion in a section of Indian population undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment: An in vivo assessment using the visual International Caries Detection and Assessment System II criteria

BACKGROUND: Enamel demineralization resulting in White Spot Lesion (WSL) is one of the most common disease outcome associated with fixed orthodontic therapy with high prevalence rates in western countries. However, no such studies have been done on Indian population. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of WSLs in a section of urban Indian population between the age group of 12-20 years undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy for a period of 12-15 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 180 patients who qualified for this study were examined and evaluated for WSLs: Group I (test group) comprised of 90 subjects who were undergoing orthodontic treatment for a period of 12-15 months; Group II (control group) comprised of 90 subjects who were in need of orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: The result showed a high prevalence rate of 75.6% in Group I compared to 15.6% in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: The study elicited significantly higher prevalence rate of WSLs in Indian patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.