Prevalence of White Spot Lesions following Orthodontic Treatment-An in vivo Study

To determine prevalence and severity of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients after debonding of brackets on maxillary and mandibular teeth. Total 1716 teeth were examined in 96 patients who had undergone fixed orthodontic treatment. The sample was divided in to maxilla and mandible with 858 teeth in each arch. Visual examination was done under well lighted condition and initial photographic records were obtained of enrolled participants. After debonding post treatment photographs were taken and compared with pre-treatment photographs for evaluation of white spot lesions. Image-processing software (Auto CAD-2010) was used to quantify the size (in mm²) of visible areas of demineralised lesions. Out of 96 patients, 25 patients (26%) were found to be affected with white spot lesions (WSL). Among 1716 teeth examined; 126 teeth (7.34%) were affected with WSL. In maxilla; right lateral incisors and maxillary canines were the most affected teeth in 12.5% of cases and 16.67% maxillary lateral incisors were affected on left side. Prevalence of WSL was 9.8% in maxilla as compared to 4.9% in mandible which was statistically highly significant. The severity of WSL was affirmed using Auto Cad software measuring surface area of lesion (mm²). The mean surface area of maxillary central incisor and mandibular second premolars was found to be maximum among all teeth. Prevalence of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients was 26%. Overall severity of white spot lesions in affected teeth was mild with score of 1. It is ethical duty of every health care professional to recognize risk factors involved and emphasize the importance of maintaining oral hygiene.