Comparative Efficacy of MI Paste Plus and Fluoride Varnish Remineralizing Agents for Preventing White Spot Lesions in Patients on Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: White spot lesions (WSLs), as the initial form of dental caries, develop due to subsurface enamel demineralization. They have a relatively high prevalence in orthodontic patients. Several materials are used to prevent WSLs, and various studies have assessed their efficacy during orthodontic treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of fluoride varnish and MI Paste Plus for preventing WSLs during orthodontic treatment. Methods: This clinical trial evaluated 60 patients in three groups of control, fluoride varnish, and MI Paste Plus for six months. The presence/absence of WSLs was clinically evaluated at baseline and two, four, and six months after the intervention using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. The patients’ saliva pH was measured at baseline and six months after the intervention. Results: The difference in the WSLs score was significant between the MI Paste Plus and control groups (P < 0.05). However, despite the slightly lower frequency of WSLs in the varnish group, the difference between the varnish and control groups was not significant (P > 0.05). The MI Paste Plus group results were superior to those in the varnish group but not significantly. The saliva pH did not change significantly after the intervention compared to the baseline. Conclusions: MI Paste Plus caused a significant WSLs reduction in orthodontic patients but had no significant effect on the saliva pH.