The Effect of the Er:YAG Laser and MI Paste Plus on the Treatment of White Spot Lesions.

Abstract

Introduction: White spot lesions (WSLs) occurring after orthodontic treatment lead to patient dissatisfaction and aesthetic problems. The role of calcium-phosphate demineralization systems and the Er:YAG laser in the treatment of these lesions has recently been taken into account. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Er:YAG laser and MI Paste Plus on the treatment of WSLs. Methods: A total of 65 premolars extracted due to orthodontic treatment were studied in this research. To create enamel lesions, the teeth were placed in a demineralizing solution. The teeth were then randomly divided into five groups (n=13) as follows: first group, control; second group, saliva; third group, MI Paste Plus; fourth group, Er:YAG laser; and fifth group, MI Paste Plus together with the Er:YAG laser. The teeth were kept in artificial saliva between treatment processes. Artificial saliva was replaced daily with fresh artificial saliva. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally by a disc from the middle of the exposed enamel and each section was mounted in polyester resin. The surface of the samples was serially polished and the microhardness of the teeth was measured at depths of 0, 50, 100, and 150 µm. Results: The microhardness was significantly higher in the fifth group than other groups at depths of 50 and 150 µm (P <0.005). Using the laser or MI Paste Plus alone did not significantly increase the microhardness. Conclusions: The combined application of the Er:YAG laser and MI Paste Plus is effective in the treatment of WSLs.