The Effect of Non-Invasive Treatment Techniques on the Color Masking Ability and Surface Roughness of Induced Enamel Lesions (An in vitro Study)

A BSTRACT Aim of the Study: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the resin infiltration technique and remineralization of induced enamel caries with fluoride solution on the color masking of white spot lesions and surface roughness. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 sound teeth were used in this study. All the teeth were sectioned along the long axes into two halves, lingual and buccal to get 90 specimens. All specimens were immersed in a demineralized solution for 7 days. The specimens were divided randomly into three equal groups ( n = 30) according to the type of treatment; Group 1 ( n = 30) was treated with fluoride varnish (Clinpro); Group 2 ( n = 30) was treated by resin infiltration (Icon); and Group 3 ( n = 30) was used as a control group with no treatment. The color and surface roughness were measured three times at baseline (T1), directly after induction of artificial white spot lesions (WSLs) (T2), and directly after application of the treatment options (T3). The colors were measured using a portable reflective spectrophotometer and the 3D surface roughness was measured using a Light Sectioning Vision System. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using T test and Mann–Whitney U test. The Results: Surface roughness was almost equal in the study groups with no statistically significant differences reported. Icon showed slightly higher color scores than that of ClinPro. Conclusions: The Icon produced favorable esthetic results compared to the fluoride therapy while no significant differences were reported regarding the surface roughness.