Modification of surface pretreatment of white spot lesions to improve the safety and efficacy of resin infiltration

OBJECTIVE: A low-viscosity resin (infiltrant) was used to inhibit the progression of white spot lesions (WSLs) and resolve associated esthetic issues. An alternative pretreatment was explored to increase the pore volume of the surface layer of the WSLs. Also, the penetration effects of the infiltrant were evaluated for various pretreatments. METHODS: Sixty two artificial lesions were fabricated on bovine teeth. As a positive control, 15% HCl gel was applied for 120 seconds. Further, 37% H(3)PO(4) gel was applied for 30 seconds using three methods. The samples were divided as follows: H(3)PO(4) only group, H(3)PO(4) sponge group, and H(3)PO(4) brush group. The acid was gently rubbed with the applicators (i.e., a sponge or brush) throughout the application time. To compare the effects of resin infiltration, twenty paired halves of specimens were treated with an infiltrant (ICON®). RESULTS: Thicknesses of the removed surface layers and infiltrated areas were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope. The positive control and the 37% H(3)PO(4) brush group failed to show significant differences in the removed thickness (p > 0.05); however, the mean percentage of the infiltrated area was higher in the 37% H(3)PO(4) brush group (84.13 ± 7.58%) than the positive control (63.51 ± 7.62%, p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscope observations indicate higher pore volumes for the 37% H(3)PO(4) brush group than for the positive control. CONCLUSIONS: Application of 37% H(3)PO(4) with a brush for 30 seconds increased the pore volume of WSL surface layers and the percentage of infiltrated areas in comparison to the use of 15% HCl for 120 seconds.