Aim: To demonstrate an effective and practical application of the microabrasion technique
to remove white spot lesions in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Material
and Methods: Fifteen patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances, and who developed
white spot lesions, participated in this study. From the 178 teeth with white spot
lesions, standard intraoral photographs were taken before and after the microabrasion.
Lesions were scored as mild, severe, or cavitation level. Before the microabrasion procedure,
the gingivae were isolated using rubber dam and dental floss. A custom-made abrasive
gel consisting of 18% hydrochloric acid, pumice, and glycerin was applied on enamel
surfaces using an electric toothbrush equipped with a modified brush tip for 3 to 5 minutes.
Results and Conclusion: With this microabrasion technique, all mild lesions were completely
removed and severe lesions were improved to an acceptable level. Brown-yellow
enamel discolorations were eliminated and smooth enamel surfaces were achieved. World
J Orthod 2003;4:152156.
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