Presentation Category
Research
Introduction/Context/Diagnosis
White spot lesions are white opacity on the surface of the tooth enamel which occurs as a result of subsurface enamel demineralization. They occur as a result of several factors such as poor oral hygiene which leads to plaque build up. Orthodontic brackets can lead to prolonged plaque accumulation on the specific area of the tooth surface. Under these conditions, acid from the bacteria decreases the pH and leads to demineralization of the enamel. If not reversed, can eventually become a cavity.
Methods/Treatment Plan
Method: The study of the increase in remineralization and decrease in demineralization of orthodontic white spot lesions using remineralization agents such as MI Paste, Clinpro, and Sensodyne toothpaste through a review of the literature.
Results/Outcome
Overall, a few of studies that I looked at claimed that for short term remineralization of white spot lesions, whether they are formed in vitro or in the oral cavity due to orthodontic treatment, CPP-ACP and tricalciumphosphate are effective, however, they show no beneficial effects for long term treatment. It also seems like most of the studies like to focus on intervals and application of these agents. For long term beneficial effects fluoridated toothpaste used twice a day for at least 6 months showed positive effects on remineralizing white spot lesions during and after orthodontic treatment. Flouridated toothpaste , such as Sensodyne Repair and Protect, showed most positive effects and is also easy to purchase. Patients can purchase these for a reasonable price at their local grocery store or drug store. On the other hand, remineralization agents such as tricalciumphosphate (Clinpro5000) and CPP-ACP (MI Paste plus Fluoride) are not as easily accessible to purchase. These creams are to be purchased by the dentist or orthodontist and is not usually for sale to the public. When patients do purchase them from their dentist, they are usually quite pricey which is why patients tend not to purchase them. One tube of MI Paste can cost anywhere from $25 to $30, whereas, one large tube of Sensodyne toothpaste will cost around $8-$12. Another reason why some patients are not using CPP-ACP (MI Paste) or tricalciumphosphate as much as fluoridated toothpaste is because their dentists are either not educating them on the product or they , the dentist, is not aware of this product yet. These remineralization agents are new in comparison to fluoridated toothpastes. There are also a lot of companies such as Oral-B and Colgate that do a lot of advertisements to get patients to buy their products. The companies that manufacture MI Paste and Clinpro 5000 are GC America and 3M, respectively. Both of these companies only advertise to dentists and dental professionals more than they do to patients who are not in the dental field. This is why patients only learn about these products through their dentist and orthodontists.
Significance/Conclusions
n/a
Format
Event
The Effects of Remineralization Agents on Orthodontic White Spot Lesions
White spot lesions are white opacity on the surface of the tooth enamel which occurs as a result of subsurface enamel demineralization. They occur as a result of several factors such as poor oral hygiene which leads to plaque build up. Orthodontic brackets can lead to prolonged plaque accumulation on the specific area of the tooth surface. Under these conditions, acid from the bacteria decreases the pH and leads to demineralization of the enamel. If not reversed, can eventually become a cavity.
