Resin Infiltration for Dental Fluorosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Esthetic Masking Efficacy

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the color masking efficacy of resin infiltration (RI) in the management of dental fluorosis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RI to other minimally invasive techniques, including bleaching, microabrasion, remineralization (PROSPERO Registration: CRD42025635311). Primary outcomes were improvement in stain coverage (SC) and esthetic improvement (EI), both evaluated using the Visual Assessment Scale (VAS), as well as color differences (ΔE) measured by colorimetry. Pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Six RCTs with 11 pairwise comparisons were included: eight compared RI alone to other techniques, and three compared RI combined with other techniques to other techniques. RI achieved significantly higher VAS scores for SC (MD = 1.89, 95% CI: 0.17-3.61, p = 0.031, moderate certainty) and EI (MD = 2.28, 95% CI: 0.73-3.84, p = 0.004, low certainty), and greater color changes (ΔE) compared to other techniques (MD = 5.41, 95% CI: 3.70-7.12, p < 0.001, moderate certainty). RI demonstrates superior color masking efficacy compared to other minimally invasive techniques for mild to moderate dental fluorosis. RI, either alone or in combination with other minimally invasive techniques, can be recommended as an effective esthetic management option for dental fluorosis.