Resin Infiltration Research Articles

Systematic review of preventive and treatment measures regarding orthodontically induced white spot lesions.

White spot lesions (WSLs) are one of the most common adverse effects following comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this review was to evaluate recent studies addressing the prevention and treatment of these lesions. Electronic databases were searched for English-written studies published between 2015 and October 2020 involving randomized clinical trials aiming at prevention or treatment of orthodontically induced WSLs using the following keywords in their title or abstracts: randomized clinical trial OR randomized controlled trial AND white spot OR caries OR demineralization OR decalcification OR remineralization. From the 23 papers which met the inclusion criteria, 11 were on preventive methods, while 12 addressed treatment protocols. However, most of the reviewed studies had a high risk of bias. The results of this review strongly support the importance of oral hygiene observation in preventing WSLs. Sodium fluoride varnish 5% was confirmed to be effective in the treatment of these lesions, as well as in the prevention of WSLs in patients with suboptimal oral hygiene. In addition, immediate CO2 laser irradiation after bonding can effectively prohibit formation of WSLs during orthodontic treatment. The literature also illustrates a promising masking effect of resin infiltration for the treatment of WSLs. However, little scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) against WSLs, although more clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed. Oral hygiene maintenance is crucial in the prevention of WSLs, and 5% sodium fluoride varnish and CO2 laser irradiation are recommended in patients with compromised oral hygiene. In the case of WSL formation, fluoride varnish and resin infiltration are effective treatment modalities.

Brazilian dentist's knowledge of minimum intervention dentistry for caries management: application of a developed knowledge scale (MIDDeC-KS) and evaluation of its psychometric properties.

To assess the knowledge of Brazilian dentists about Minimum Intervention (MI) using a Minimum Intervention Dentistry to Dental Caries-Knowledge Scale (MIDDeC-KS) and evaluate its psychometric properties. An online scale was developed to evaluate dentists' knowledge about MI. The higher the score, the greater the knowledge and vice versa. A preliminary study was carried out with 143 dentists to validate the MIDDeC-KS. For psychometric properties analysis, convergent and discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of the instrument were assessed. After validation, MIDDeC-KS was applied to a representative sample of Brazilian dentists. T test for independent samples, Chi-square, and/or ANOVA one-way tests were applied. The MIDDeC-KS convergent (Spearman's = 0.48) and discriminant (P = 0.001) validity and reliability (ICC = 0.85, α = 0.72 and ω = 0.74) were proved. The participants (n = 637) obtained an overall mean score of 7.4 ± 2.5. The sample was mainly composed of females (P < 0.01), who graduated over 10 years prior (P = 0.02), from public colleges (P < 0.01), and most were pediatric dentists (38.2%). The highest and lowest scores were reached by pediatric dentists (9.2 ± 1.6) and bucomaxillofacial professionals (3.1 ± 2.1), respectively. Brazilian dentists demonstrated more knowledge about diet, biofilm, and topical fluoride control (84.3%), while the Hall technique (31.9%), resin infiltrant (47.6%), and chemical mechanical caries removal (48.4%) were the least known MI techniques. Brazilian dentists demonstrated more knowledge about preventive measures and less about more recent protocols, such as the Hall technique, resin infiltrant, and chemical mechanical caries tissue removal. Sufficient psychometric evidence of the MIDDeC-KS was found. Identify dentist's knowledge about MI.

Effectiveness of Different Application Modalities on the Bond Performance of Four Polymeric Adhesive Systems to Dentin.

One of the major goals of adhesive dentistry is to improve the interaction of the already-existing adhesives with different substrates by using different application techniques. Thus, the objective of the present in vitro study was to assess the bond performance of four adhesive systems, Prime&Bond Universal (PBU), Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), OptiBond Universal (OBU), and OptiBond FL (OBFL), to dentin using various application modes: passive application (PA), active application (AA), Compo-Vibes modified application (CVM), and Compo-Vibes application (CV). Eighty extracted human molars were allocated into four groups based on the application modalities tested. The micro-tensile bond strength as well as fracture mode were tested in accordance with ISO/TS 11.405 after 24 h and 6 months of aging. Adhesive contact angle (CA) and scanning electron microscope analysis were also performed (n = 3). Statistical tests were performed with α = 0.05. After 24 h, a significant difference with a higher bond strength value was found for PBU in the AA modality and for CSE in the CVM modality (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was shown between the techniques used among the other adhesives (OBFL and OBU). Moreover, at 24 h, only the PA demonstrated significant differences between the tested materials (p < 0.05). After 6 months, CSE, PBU, and OBU demonstrated significant differences between the techniques (p < 0.05), with a higher bond strength for CSE in AA and CVM modalities, for PBU in AA modality, and for OBU in AA and PA modalities. No significant differences were found between the techniques used among the OBFL (p > 0.05). In addition, only the CVM technique demonstrated significant differences between the tested materials after 6 months. CV and CVM showed a decreased value after aging for CSE and PBU, respectively. However, all the modalities decreased for OBU and OBFL after aging. All the adhesives showed marked resin infiltration into dentinal tubules in AA among all the modalities tested. Both universal adhesive systems (OBU and PBU) demonstrated statistically lower CA when compared to the other systems (CSE and OBFL) (p < 0.05) when applied in the PA mode. Concerning the AA mode, only CSE and OBFL were tested. The AA demonstrated lower CA values compared to the same adhesives in PA (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that the bond strength could be influenced by both materials and application techniques. It seems that the AA technique could be recommended as a gold standard for the application of an adhesive system to dentin. Plus, the CV and CVM modalities after 6 months of aging were considered stable for PBU and CSE, respectively. Consequently, the performance of these adhesive systems might vary when applied to other modalities. Future studies are needed to test this hypothesis.

Application of Resin Infiltration Technique in the Treatment of Tooth Surface Losses Due to Erosion: In-Vitro Study

Objective: Study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of resin infiltration technique on the eroded enamel surface of both primary and permanent teeth with DIAGNOdent pen and CIE L*a*b values. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: Buccal surfaces of 28 permanent and 28 primary teeth were covered with nail polish leaving an area of 2*2mm width*height and kept in orange juice for 4 days as a part of the erosion cycle. Then, resin infiltration agent (ICON, DMG, Hamburg, Germany) was applied to all teeth. Within the scope of this study pre-erosion, post-erosion and post-treatment measurements were made before erosion, after erosion and after resin infiltration application with a fluorescent-based device and CIE L*a*b values. CIE L*a*b values were analyzed with paired T-test and ΔLab values were compared by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Statistical significance level was p

Comparison of Resin Infiltration and Pit and Fissure Sealants with Respect to Physical Properties of Demineralized Lesions: An In Vitro Study

Comparison of Resin Infiltration and Pit and Fissure Sealants with Respect to Physical Properties of Demineralized Lesions: An In Vitro Study

Masking-efficacy and caries arrestment after resin infiltration or fluoridation of initial caries lesions in adolescents during orthodontic treatment–A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this randomised, controlled, split-mouth trial was to assess the masking results in initial caries lesions (ICL) that were either resin infiltrated or fluoridated during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. MethodsAdolescent patients (age range:12–18years) with fixed orthodontic appliances who had developed ICL [ICDAS 1 or 2 (International Caries Detection and Assessment System)] during orthodontic treatment were consecutively recruited and randomly assigned to either resin infiltration with up to 3 etching procedures (Group:Inf) or to 3-monthly application of a fluoride varnish (Group:FV). Both interventions were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Primary and secondary outcomes (ΔE, ICDAS, DIAGNOdent) included the evaluation of the appearance of the ICL before (T0), 1 week after (T1) treatment and at the last appointment before debonding (T2). ResultsFifteen patients (8females, 7males) with 57ICL were included. Mean (SD) observation time at the last appointment before debonding was 0.5 (0.3) years. At T0 FV and Inf did not differ significantly in ΔE (median ΔE0,FV(25th/75th percentiles):11.6 (8.7/20.3): ΔE0,Inf:15.1 (11.4/19.5); pT0 = 0.135), ICDAS (pT0 = 0.920) and DD (pT0 = 0.367). At T1 and T2 ΔE values (pT1<0.001, pT2<0.001), ICDAS scores (pT1<0.001, pT2<0.001) and DIAGNOdent values (pT1 = <0.001, pT2 = <0.001) for Inf were significantly reduced whereas ΔE values (pT1 = 0.382, pT2 = 0.072) and ICDAS scores (pT1 = 0.268, pT2<0.001) for FV remained unchanged. ConclusionsResin infiltration effectively masked ICL during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances both immediately after application and at the last appointment before debonding. Furthermore, the visual appearance of fluoridated lesions was not as satisfactory as that of the infiltrated ones at both T1 and T2. Clinical significanceResin infiltration effectively masked ICL during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances both immediately after application and at the last appointment before debonding. Furthermore, the visual appearance of fluoridated lesions was not as satisfactory as that of the infiltrated ones immediately after first application as well as half a year after application. Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00011797)

"Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Microabrasion Techniques in Esthetic Management of Fluorosis": An In Vivo Study.

"Comparative evaluation of three different microabrasion techniques in esthetic management of fluorosis"-an in vivo study. A total of 48 permanent incisors in children between the age-groups of 8-12 years with Dean's fluorosis index modified criteria 1, 2, and 3 were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups; each group included 16 samples. Group I-phosphoric acid and pumice microabrasion (37% phosphoric acid and pumice as abrasive), group II-opalustre microabrasion [6.6% hydrochloric (HCL) acid and silicon dicarbide (SiC2)], and group III-icon etch microabrasion (15% HCL acid gel as icon etch, pumice, and resin infiltrate). Preoperative sensitivity and pulp vitality of each tooth were evaluated. Standardized preoperative photographs were captured for the evaluation of color parameters L1, a1, and b1 by Adobe Photoshop 7 software and an assessment of color enhancement was carried out. Preoperative surface roughness was evaluated with two methods like, cellulose acetate replicating tape and confocal microscope, and Epoxy resin replica obtained from the preoperative impression of teeth using additional silicone and contact profilometer. Microabrasion was done accordingly. Postoperative values of all the parameters were evaluated. Phosphoric acid and pumice showed the best color change, followed by icon etch resin infiltrate. Opalustre (6.6% HCL acid and SiC2) and was unsuccessful as it had less concentration and was more abrasive. Phosphoric acid and pumice showed the best color enhancement, followed by icon etch resin infiltrate and opalustre. Icon etch resin infiltrate showed minimal surface roughness followed by phosphoric acid and pumice and opaluster group. Reddy VN, Nagar P, Lakhotia R, et al. "Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Microabrasion Techniques in Esthetic Management of Fluorosis": An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):572-581.

Calidad de vida relacionada con salud bucal en niños y adolescentes con defectos del desarrollo del esmalte infiltrados con resina

Introduction: Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) can affect the aesthetic self-perception of children and adolescents. Among the minimal invasive therapeutic choices is infiltrant resin, which could better aesthetic problems. Objective: To evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with resin-infiltrated developmental defects of enamel. Methodology: A longitudinal study was conducted in children and adolescents (n = 10) from 8 to 14 years old with DDE. The impact of resin infiltration on OHRQoL was evaluated utilizing CPQ 8-10 and CPQ 11-14 questionnaires. The total and dimensions scores “emotional well-being” and “social well-being”, of the complete sample, were re-scaleted. Descriptive statistics were calculated and the mean total and per dimensions scores were compared (Student-t test for paired samples; p &lt; 0.05) with SPSS program v.25, IBM. Results: The OHRQoL improved significantly in both age groups after resin infiltration. “Social well-being” was the dimension of bigger impact in the 8 to 10 years age group, while “emotional well-being” dimension was in the 11 to 14 years age group (p = 0.016). Standardized scores analysis revealed statistically significant differences (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The OHRQoL in children and adolescents with DDE significantly improved after resin infiltration.

Electrical resistance-based monitoring of CFRP thickness during vacuum assisted resin infusion

During vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI), the thickness of the fabric manufactured into carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced plastic was monitored using electrical resistance, which was correlated with the mechanical and electrical status of the CF with respect to resin infiltration. Furthermore, the electrical network within CF varied in terms of its volume and number of electrical contacts. These phenomena were monitored by installing a Cu tape on the mold. Thus, an in-situ qualitative monitoring system for composite manufacturing was developed utilizing the electrical resistance variations in the fabric. The proposed thickness-monitoring system for VARI can potentially minimize the cost, time, and labor in composite industries.

Free-Standing CNT Film for Interlaminar Toughening: Insight into Infiltration and Thickness Effects.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites have the advantages of being lightweight, having high strength and designability, and having been extensively used. However, the interlaminar toughness and delamination resistance of these composites are relatively poor due to their laminated structure and intrinsic brittleness of resin matrix. In this paper, commercialized free-standing carbon nanotube (CNT) films, drawn from CNT forests, were used to toughen the interlaminar interfaces of the composites. The effects of resin infiltration state and thickness of CNT films on the interlaminar toughening effect were systematically investigated. The results show that the pre-infiltration treatment of CNT films with acetone diluted epoxy resin solution can effectively improve the degree of resin infiltration. Compared with the samples containing untreated CNT film, the Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of the treated samples were significantly improved. The GIC reached a maximum of 1412.42 J/m2 at a CNT film thickness of 5 µm, which was about 61.38% higher than that of the baseline. At a CNT film thickness of 15 µm, the GIIC reached a maximum value of 983.73 J/m2, approximately 67.58% higher than that of the baseline. The corresponding toughening mechanisms were also systematically analyzed.

A Case Series of Resin Infiltration as Minimally Invasive Method for Treatment of Enamel Opacities

A Case Series of Resin Infiltration as Minimally Invasive Method for Treatment of Enamel Opacities

Comparative evaluation of four treatments for postorthodontic white spot lesions: a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the treatment efficacy of fluoride toothpaste alone and those of adjunctive use of resin infiltration, sodium fluoride varnish, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on white spot lesions (WSLs). Seventy-nine patients (356 teeth) with WSLs after orthodontic treatment were randomly allocated into four groups. The WSLs of the participants received resin infiltration only at baseline, and the other groups received fluoride varnish, CPP-ACP mousse, and placebo treatment every 6months, respectively. A toothpaste containing 1400ppm fluoride and toothbrushes were distributed to all participants, and oral hygiene instructions were provided. Photos of the teeth with WSL were taken to compare the change between groups which was measured by ImageJ software. Twelve months later, different degrees of reduction in the area of WSLs were observed in all groups. The percentage of lesion area reduction in WSLs in the resin infiltration group was 46.6%, which was significantly higher than that in fluoride varnish group (26.6%), CPP-ACP group (28.6%), and control group (29.8%), and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). This study shows that after 1-year follow-up, the use of fluoride toothpaste, with or without the use of fluoride varnish or CPP-ACP, can reduce the area of WSLs. While resin infiltration can immediately improve dental aesthetics and continuously improved in 12months, resin infiltration groupshowed much better results than other groups. Clinical Trials Registration Number: ChiCTR2000032516. The use of fluoride toothpaste, with or without adjunctive use of fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP, can reduce the area of WSLs, while resin infiltration treatment has additional effect and can immediately improve dental aesthetics.

Insights into the large‐size graphene improvement effect of the mechanical properties on the epoxy/glass fabric composites

AbstractIn this study, we investigated how the chemical structural properties, mechanical properties, and morphology of large‐size graphene platelets (LGPs) doped glass fabric (GF)/epoxy composites are affected by varying loading amounts of LGPs. Scanning electron microscope results revealed that the dispersion and filling effect of LGPs can improve the flowability of the resin, reducing the aggregation and shrinkage of the resin on the glass fabric surface, thereby facilitating better resin infiltration and coverage of the glass fabric surface. From the spectrum analysis, the binding of LGPs with epoxy resin was the physical combination, without new chemical groups generated during the curing process. The addition of LGPs improved the ratio of the crystalline phases in the composites, from 30.00% of the GF/epoxy to 57.50% of the GF/epoxy@2.2LGPs. Mechanical properties indicated that the composites exhibited greater tensile strength than pure GF, which progressively increased with increasing LGPs content until it reached 1.5 wt%, then the tensile strength starts to decrease. And the GF/epoxy@1.5 LGPs exhibited 136% enhancement in tensile strength compared to other carbon fillers reinforced composites, which achieved a satisfactory enhancement under relatively low loading content.Highlights The effect of the large‐size graphene platelets (LGPs) on the properties of glass fabric (GF)/epoxy composites. Compared to the glass fabric/epoxy composite, the LGPs doped composite possessed a much higher storage modulus (E′). The LGPs doped composite exhibited 136% enhancement in tensile strength compared to other carbon fillers reinforced composites. The addition of LGPs improved the ratio of the crystalline phases in the composites.

Radiopacity and physical properties evaluation of infiltrants with Barium and Ytterbium addition.

Radiopaque properties in the infiltrant should be interesting for clinicians to feel more confident to indicate this treatment. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of barium and ytterbium particles on the physical properties of resin infiltrants. Groups were divided according to the addition of ytterbium oxide (Y) alone (30 or 40%) or Y with barium (YB) (15/15% or 20/20% respectively) in the Icon commercial infiltrant and in the experimental infiltrant base. Digital radiography (n=5), Microradiography (n=5), Microtomography (n=3), degree of conversion (n=5), water sorption (n=16), solubility (n=16), contact angle (n=16), flexural strength (n=16), elastic modulus (n=16) and Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (n=10) were performed. Analyses were performed using the R program, with a significance level of 5%, and microradiography and Microtomography analyses were evaluated qualitatively. In groups with 30 or 40% of ytterbium, radiopacity was higher or equal to enamel. Microradiography and Microtomography appear to have more radiopacity in groups with 40% (Y). Among the groups with no particle addition, those of the experimental infiltrant presented a higher degree of conversion than those of Icon®. In most groups, there was solubility below the ISO-recommended levels. The addition of particles resulted in higher viscosity. Groups with Icon had higher flexural strength and elastic modulus than groups with experimental infiltrant. The addition of 40% (Y) improved polymerization, had low solubility, and had greater radiopacity than enamel, however negatively affected the viscosity increasing then. Experimental groups with the base showed a higher water sorption than Icon groups.

Experimental assessment on the mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical properties of halloysite and carbon nanoparticles reinforced epoxy resins for repair applications

AbstractHalloysite nanotubes (HNT) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are potential nanoparticles that can be incorporated into polymer adhesives to enhance their performance for repairing damaged composite structures. However, the nanoparticle adhesive blends need to be assessed as their performance may be affected by the preparation techniques, nanoparticles types, and mass concentration. The present study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties (specifically tensile and adhesion properties), physical properties (including wetting and rheological characteristics), thermal properties, and chemical properties of two commercially available adhesives, namely Epo‐Tek 301 (consists of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin, known as DGEBA) and Nano‐Force E100 (consists of bisphenol A/F epichlorohydrin premixed with CNTs). Furthermore, DGEBA adhesive with 1, 3, 5, and 9 wt% HNTs, and DGEBA adhesive with 1 wt% of treated and untreated CNTs were prepared. The findings revealed that there were no appreciable differences in the mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical properties between the neat DGEBA and DGEBA with 1 wt% HNTs. However, the mechanical and physical properties deteriorated, and the char yield increased after thermal degradation for adhesives containing more than 1 wt% HNTs. On the other hand, no enhancement in all properties was observed for adhesives containing CNTs. Moreover, the adhesives containing CNTs exhibited higher viscosity than Nano‐Force E100, which could hinder resin infiltration for composite repair applications. Therefore, the types of adhesive to be used for repairing impact‐damaged composite structures must be prudently selected.

Microhardness and surface roughness of resin infiltrated bleached enamel surface using atomic force microscopy: An in vitro study

Aimto evaluate the microhardness (VHN) and surface roughness (Ra) of human enamel surface treated with resin infiltration followed by in office bleaching and to study the effect of artificial saliva (AS) storage time on the VHN and Ra of resin infiltrated enamel. Materials and methods: Eighty enamel specimens were prepared from extracted human premolar teeth. Specimens were divided into two main groups (I and II) then, they were demineralized to create white spot lesions (WSLs). Group I was divided into A and B sub groups. Group A was treated with in office bleaching material while for group B, resin infiltration (Icon) was applied after 24 h storage in AS followed by bleaching. Group II was divided into (C and D). Group C was treated like group B. Specimens in group D were stored in AS for 14 d after treatment with Icon and before application of bleaching. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) Ra analysis and VHN calculation were done. Independent T Test was used to compare between groups at P < 0.05. Results: Group B demonstrated a significant increase in VHN compared with group A. Storage time in AS showed no significant difference on VHN or Ra between groups. Conclusion: Application of resin infiltration before bleaching significantly increased VHN and slightly improved Ra of WSLs compared with bleaching alone. Application of bleaching material after 24 h or 14 days of the application of resin infiltration did not have a significant effect or surface hardness or roughness of WSLs.

Clinical evaluation of resin infiltration treatment masking effect on hypomineralised enamel surfaces

BackgroundResin infiltration is a micro-invasive treatment for molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). In this study it was aimed to evaluate the masking effect of resin infiltration treatment (ICON) on hypomineralised enamel surface of permanent anterior teeth by using laser fluorescence, spectrophotometer, and cross-polarisation photography.MethodsA total of 116 permanent central incisors in 37 patients were included in the study. The resin infiltration treatment (Icon®) was applied to the teeth with MIH; the healthy teeth received no treatment (control). Hypomineralised enamel lesions were evaluated by ICDAS II criteria. DIAGNOdent Pen was used to assess the lesions and healthy enamel surface quantitatively. Colour changes in enamel lesions were evaluated by using a spectrophotometer (VITA EasyShare). Each enamel lesion was imaged using a cross-polarization technique before and after treatment. All photos were assessed using Image J to evaluate the changes in lesion size. Enamel lesions were evaluated before; immediately after; 1; 3; and 6 months after treatment. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05.ResultsAfter the resin infiltration, significant decreases were found in the mean DIAGNOdent values for the treatment group (p < 0.05). The colour differences before and after treatment significantly differed in all follow-ups (p < 0.05). In the treatment group, lesion areas decreased significantly after treatment (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe resin infiltration treatment has a masking effect on MIH lesions without cavities, with stable outcomes after six months. The cross-polarization photography technique may be use to evaluate the lesion size instead of photography with flash.Trial registration.NCT04685889 (registered 28 December 2020).

Surface roughness and microhardness of enamel white spot lesions treated with different treatment methods

ObjectiveTo analyse the surface roughness and microhardness of artificial enamel white spot lesions before and after WSL formation, after treatment (Opalsutre™ microabrasion, Sylc® bioactive glass, and ICON® resin infiltration), and after pH cycling with the help of the profilometer surface roughness tester and the digital Vickers microhardness tester. Materials and methodsSeventy-five extracted molars were used to acquire one hundred specimens. 50 specimens were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10) for the surface roughness study: 1) Sound group, 2) WSL group, 3) micro abrasion (MA; Opalustre, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA), 4) bioactive glass 45S5 Sylc powder (Sylc; Denfotex Research Ltd, Inverkeithing, UK), and 5) ICON resin infiltration (ICON; DMG, Hamburg, Germany). An additional 25 specimens were used to obtain 50 enamel slabs for the surface microhardness study, which were also assigned to the same groups. All groups underwent a final stage of pH cycling. Surface roughness and surface microhardness measurements were performed at different stages for all groups. ResultsRegarding surface roughness, ICON significantly reduced the surface roughness compared to Opalustre and Sylc, with no significant difference between Opalustre and Sylc. In terms of surface microhardness, ICON showed the highest improvement, followed by Sylc and then Opalustre. Both surface roughness and microhardness were significantly affected by demineralization, partially improved after treatment, and then regressed significantly after pH cycling. ConclusionICON resin infiltrant can be considered as a superior treatment option for improving surface roughness and microhardness, while Opalustre demonstrated relatively the poorest performance compared to the other treatment options. It is noteworthy that the pH cycling procedure had an adverse impact irrespective of the treatment option used.

Repeated Etching Cycles of Resin Infiltration up to Nine Cycles on Demineralized Enamel: Surface Roughness and Esthetic Outcomes-In Vitro Study.

Resin infiltration (RI) is used to mask enamel opacities. There are three recommended etching cycles. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that favorable esthetics outcomes can be obtained by increasing the etching cycles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated etching cycles during RI application on esthetic changes and surface roughness of demineralized enamel at multiple treatment stages. Artificial demineralization was prepared on the buccal surface of ninety sound extracted premolars. The teeth were divided into nine groups (n = 10); with each consecutive group having one additional etching cycle up to nine etching cycles. Resin infiltrant was performed twice, first for 3 min (Resin 1) and again for 1 min (Resin 2). Surface roughness and esthetic changes were assessed using a profilometer (Ambios XP-200) and Minolta spectrophotometer, respectively, at baseline (sound enamel), etching, resin 1, resin 2, 7 days, and 28 days post resin applications. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between the different stages and various groups of etching cycles on surface roughness, F(48, 126) = 3.48, p < 0.001. There was a significant interaction between the different stages and various groups of etching cycles on color changes, F(4, 126) = 1.177, p = 0.045. The surface roughness of demineralized enamel infiltrated with RI was less than that of sound enamel (baseline). There is a significant difference in color changes between resin 1 and resin 2 (p < 0.05). After five etching cycles, RI improved the esthetic of the color of teeth similar to the baseline. Surface roughness and color changes remained constant for 28 days. RI can be considered an effective and predictable treatment option for the restoration of early enamel lesions owing to its better surface characteristics and reliable masking effects. The color stability and surface roughness stay unaltered for up to 28 days.

PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN A RESOURCE LIMITED FACILITY.

Background: Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance characterized by excess fluoride in hard tissues of the teeth. The appearance of teeth affected by dental fluorosis may negatively affect individual self-esteem and overall quality of life. Thus, the need for treatment, though there is still debate on the best treatment modalities. The objective of this study was to document the presentation and management of dental fluorosis in a resource limited facility in north central Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted among out-patients attending a secondary oral health care facility in Jos, north central Nigeria between June 2020 and June 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. All patients were examined for presence of dental fluorosis. Dean’s Index was used to classify dental fluorosis. Patients with dental fluorosis who consented to the study were treated. Treatment modalities included oral prophylactic treatment, microabraision and resin infiltration. Data analysis was by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 A p-value of &lt; 0.5 was taken as statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: During the study period, 1201 patients presented with different oral health challenges. Among these 200 (16.7%) were diagnosed of dental fluorosis. The mean of the patients with dental fluorosis was 14.15 ± 1.91 years. Nearly half 98(49.0%) of the patients who presented with dental fluorosis were children, 65(32.5%) were teenagers and 37(18.5%) were young adults (p=0.037). Among the patients, 123 (61.5%) were females. The moderate type of dental fluorosis 75(37.5%) was the commonest type of dental fluorosis seen. Out of the 200 patients with dental fluorosis, dental caries was present among 55(37.5%) patients. 185(92.5%) requested for treatment. 231 intervention procedures were undertaken on different classes of dental fluorosis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Dental fluorosis is prevalent among the dental out-patients seen at the study center during the study period. More patients presented with moderate class of dental fluorosis. Presentation was more among children and teenagers below 20 years. More female presented and requested for intervention than the males. Resin infiltration was found to be cost effective at this facility.&#x0D;