Efficacy of resin-modified glass ionomer cement varnish in the prevention of white spot lesions during comprehensive orthodontic treatment: a split-mouth study

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of resin-modified glass ionomer cement varnish in the prevention of white spot lesions (WSLs) during early orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Materials and methods:

A total of 480 maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were studied. The varnish was applied to either the right or left side of the maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth on a random basis. For each experimental quadrant in each patient, the varnish was applied to the labial surfaces of incisors and canines, from the gingival surface of the bracket to the free gingival margin. White spot lesions were recorded on a standard pro forma before (T ₀) and approximately 6 months following varnish application (T ₁) by DIAGNOdent and direct visual inspection.

Results:

The DIAGNOdent score at T ₁ was increased significantly in the control maxillary lateral and mandibular central (P < 0·05), and lateral incisors (P < 0·01). The visual scores in experimental maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular canines were decreased significantly at T ₁ (P < 0·05). The sidewise post-treatment (T ₁) comparisons of control and experimental teeth for visual scores revealed significant decreases for maxillary lateral incisors, maxillary canines and mandibular canines (P < 0·05).

Conclusion:

Application of resin-modified glass ionomer cement varnish had a favourable effect in the prevention of WSLs during comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Keywords:

• Fluoride varnish
• Clinpro XT varnish
• white spot lesions
• comprehensive orthodontic treatment
• DIAGNOdent