Seminars in Orthodontics
Volume 14, Issue 3 , Pages 174-182, September 2008

White Spot Lesions: Formation, Prevention, and Treatment

  • Samir E. Bishara

      Affiliations

    • Professor, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to Samir E. Bishara, BDS, DDS, DOrtho, MS, University of Iowa, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Iowa City, IA 52242-1001
    • ,
  • Adam W. Ostby

      Affiliations

    • Predoctoral Dental Student, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

As oral hygiene becomes more difficult in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, the decalcification of the enamel surface adjacent to these appliances is prevalent. Decalcification is manifested as a white spot lesion (WSL), and orthodontic patients develop significantly more WSLs than nonorthodontic patients. If WSLs are left untreated, they may progress to produce carious cavitations, and may also present esthetic problems. Thus, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of WSLs is crucial to minimize tooth decay as well as tooth discoloration that could compromise the esthetics of the smile.

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PII: S1073-8746(08)00019-4

doi:10.1053/j.sodo.2008.03.002

Seminars in Orthodontics
Volume 14, Issue 3 , Pages 174-182, September 2008

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