Treatment of orthodontic white spot lesions with a remineralizing dentifrice applied by toothbrushing or mouth trays.

This pilot study investigated the effect of a remineralizing fluoride dentifrice (Enamelon) on newly formed incipient carious lesions using two methods of application. Teenage orthodontic patients with obvious white spot lesions on their teeth were selected to begin treatment within 30 days after debanding. At baseline, the surface enamel of the test teeth was cleaned by air etching with 50 microns alumina at 150 psi. Lesion size (mm2) was measured using a calibrated periodontal probe and surface appearance was quantified as shiny (0), dull (1), or chalky (2). Twice daily for 3 months, one group with a total of 27 lesions brushed with the remineralizing dentifrice, while a second group with 41 total lesions brushed and used a mouth tray to apply the paste directly to the lesions for 5 min. In order to promote treatment compliance, test group assignment was based on subject and parental preference. After 1, 2, and 3 months, lesion size was reduced by 5% (ns), 10% (p < 0.05) and 22% (p < 0.01), respectively, for the brushing group, and 16% (p < 0.05), 37% (p < 0.01) and 30% (p < 0.01) for the combined brushing and tray group, respectively. The dull appearance of the lesions treated by brushing improved slightly over 3 months. However, the lesions receiving combined brushing and tray applications became significantly (p < 0.01) less dull by 28%, 44% and 61% after 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively, indicating the formation of a shiny, intact surface layer. In conclusion, brushing with a remineralizing dentifrice significantly reduced the size of new orthodontic white spots within 2 months, while brushing combined with topical tray applications reduced lesion size within 1 month with concomitant formation of a shiny enamel surface layer. Thus, the combined brushing and mouth tray treatment significantly accelerated the remineralization process.