Aesthetic efficacy of resin infiltration on post-orthodontic white spot lesions using different conditioning methods: 24-month randomized control follow-up

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess color and fluorescence changes in post-orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs) using different surface conditioning methods from prior to resin infiltration to a 24-month follow-up. Materials and Methods Thirty patients, each with a minimum of four WSLs with ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) II code 1 and 2 after bracket debonding were included. After baseline (T0), the lesions were randomly divided into four groups: regular brushing, 15% HCl (hydrogen chloride) gel, 37% H 3 PO 4 (phosphoric acid) gel, and Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser. Icon resin infiltration was applied. In the treatment groups, color and fluorescence were reexamined just after the resin infiltration treatment (T1), and after 6 (T2) and 24 months (T3). Results There were no significant fluorescence or color changes between the treatment groups for the different time intervals. The control group showed a significantly lower color change from T0 to T2 and T0 to T3 than all the treatment groups whereas, at T2–T3, the control group showed the greatest improvement. Conclusions Resin infiltration caused greater esthetic improvement and more revival of the lost fluorescence than daily brushing. HCl gel, H 3 PO 4 gel, and Er:YAG laser are adequate conditioning methods for resin infiltration of post-orthodontic WSLs with ICDAS II code 1 and 2.