What is it about?

Even though the orthodontic field has seen several advances over the last few years this is one complication that persists. White spot lesions are very commonly seen after completion of fixed orthodontic therapy when brackets are debonded. Previously conducted research has shown that there is a high prevalence rate of white spot lesions which ranges from 50 to 90%. On intra-oral examination, a white spot can be seen as a matte-textured, opaque white lesion. Since the demineralization process takes place below the enamel surface the outer layer only demonstrates pores that affect the natural light refractory properties of a tooth. This is what leads to the characteristic appearance of these lesions.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Previously conducted research has shown that there is a high prevalence rate of white spot lesions, which ranges from 50 to 90% [5]. In another study, it was seen that the highest prevalence of WSLs was in the canines (48.1%), followed by lateral incisors (32.3%), the central incisors, and first premolars (31.6%) [6]. There was a lesser presence in the second premolars (27.2%), followed by molars, which only reported a low prevalence of 8.9% [6].

Perspectives

I always think Orthodontics must be viewed from a holistic perspective and we must not only focus on results but on the overall health of our patients as a result of the treatment offered by us. Any long term side-effects must be minimized and handled carefully in order to provide the best long term results.

Anand Marya
University of Puthisastra

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: White Spot Lesions: A Serious but Often Ignored Complication of Orthodontic Treatment, The Open Dentistry Journal, April 2022, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/18742106-v16-e2202230.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page