cosmetic dentistry_ beauty & science

16 I I special topic _ white spot lesions Fig. 1_Typical white spots: C-shaped or irregular. Fig. 2_Smooth surface caries lesion. Fig. 3_Clinical image of an incipient caries lesion. Fig. 4_Clinical image of an incipient caries lesion. Fig. 5_Pore system of an incipient caries lesion. cosmeticdentistry 1_2012 _Demineralisedwhite spot lesions occur fre- quently after orthodon- tic treatment. Some teeth are more prone to dem- ineralisation,typicallythe maxillary lateral incisors and the mandibular ca- nine teeth. The disto-gin- gival area of the labial enamelsurfaceisthearea most commonly affected (Fig. 1). In the first few weeks after removal of the fixed appliances, there is a reduction in white spot lesion size and appearance, possibly due to the action of saliva (Fig. 2). Various treatment methods have been proposed toassisttheprocessofremineralisation.Itisimpor- tanttonotethatfluorideshouldnotbeusedinhigh concentration, as it tends to prevent deminerali- sation and can lead to further unsightly staining. Lowconcentrationsoffluoride,however,mayassist remineralisation, such as those found in casein calciumphosphatematerials.Additionally,stimula- tion of salivary flow by chewing sugar-free gum is helpful. This article will describe a revolutionary new approach to the cosmetic treatment of white spot lesions (Fig. 3). With Icon, a microinvasive technol- ogy from German manufacturer DMG, deminer- alised enamel can be filled and reinforced without drilling or anaesthesia (Figs. 4 & 5). Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 1 The problem of white spot lesions Anew method for remineralisation post-orthodontic treatment Author_Dr Derek Mahony, Australia