Evaluation of penetration depth of a commercially available resin infiltrate into artificially created enamel lesions: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Early enamel lesions have a potential to re-mineralize and prevent caries progress. AIM: The aim of the following study is to determine the depth of penetration of low viscosity resin into artificially created enamel lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 20 sound premolars, indicated for orthodontic extraction, formed the study group. The teeth were coated with a nail varnish, leaving a window of 4 mm × 4 mm, on buccal surfaces of sound, intact enamel. Each tooth was subsequently immersed in demineralizing solution for 4 days to produce artificial enamel lesions. The demineralized area was then infiltrated with low viscosity resin (Icon Infiltrant, DMG, Hamburg, Germany) as per the manufacturer's instructions. All the restored teeth were then immersed in methylene blue dye for 24 h at 37°C. Teeth were then sectioned longitudinally through the lesion into two halves. The sections were observed under stereomicroscope at ×80 magnification and depth of penetration of the material was measured quantitatively using Motic software. RESULTS: The maximum depth of penetration of the resin material was 6.06 ± 3.31 μm. CONCLUSIONS: Resin infiltration technique appears to be effective in sealing enamel lesions and has great potential for arresting white spot lesions.