White Spot Lesions: Formation, Prevention, and Treatment

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.