Comparison of two minimally invasive approaches for the management of molar-incisor hypomineralization opacities: effects on esthetic perceptions of children and their parents

This study aimed to compare the short-term esthetic outcomes of two minimally invasive approaches for the management of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) opacities on the esthetic perceptions of children and their parents, and to assess color changes in affected incisors. Fifty children aged 8–10 years presenting with well-demarcated white-cream and/or yellow-brown opacities on their permanent incisors due to MIH were included. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (resin infiltration, Icon ® ) and Group II (etch-bleach-seal (EBS) technique). The ‘‘Child’s and Parent’s Questionnaire about Teeth Appearance’’ was administered to assess esthetic perception. Color changes were measured using a spectrophotometer, and the color differences ( ΔE ) were calculated. The data were statistically analyzed. Although the overall questionnaire results at the 3-month follow-up showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( p > 0.05), improvements were observed in the physical and psychological domains of esthetic perceptions for both children and parents. Moreover, increased satisfaction among children regarding tooth appearance and color ( p < 0.05) suggested that the minimally invasive approaches positively influenced esthetic perception. The color change at 1 month ( ΔE 1 ) observed in Group I (Icon ® ) was statistically greater than that in Group II (EBS) ( p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between the groups at 3 months. Both treatment approaches improved esthetic perceptions of children and their parents, although the difference between groups was not significant. Minimally invasive approaches produced clinically perceptible color changes; however, complete masking of MIH-related anterior enamel opacities was not consistently achieved. The study protocol was retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov on 20 March 2026 (ID: NCT07494682).