Effect of Two Methods of Remineralization and Resin Infiltration on Surface Hardness of Artificially Induced Enamel Lesions

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The progression of incipient carious lesions may be simply prevented by non-invasive remineralization of lesions, eliminating the need for invasive and high-cost restorative procedures. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effect of two commonly used remineralizing agents and resin infiltration on surface micro hardness of incipient enamel lesions at different time points. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this in vitro study, 45 intact human maxillary central incisors were selected. After disinfection, enamel samples measuring 5x5x2.5 mm were cut out of the labial surface of the teeth. The surface of samples was polished and they were mounted in auto-polymerizing acrylic resin. According to Amaechi’s method, samples were immersed in acidified hydroxyethylcellulose system (pH= 4.5) for 96 hours to induce white spot lesions (WSLs). The baseline value of surface micro hardness of samples was measured using a Vickers hardness tester, then the samples were randomly divided into three groups (n=15) based on different remineralization methods: MI-Paste Plus, Remin Pro and ICON-Infiltrant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All samples were stored in anti-dry mouth treatment agent during the experiment and their surface hardness was measured at 15 days (T1) and 20 weeks (T2). RESULTS: The hardness of samples in MI-Paste Plus and Remin Pro groups significantly increased at both T1 and T2 (p< 0.001) but this increase was not significant in ICON group (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: MI-Paste Plus and Remin Pro can efficiently increase the hardness of incipient enamel lesions.