Microradiography and confocal laser scanning microscopy applied to enamel lesions formed in vivo with and without fluoride varnish treatment

Abstract The aim of the present investigation was to combine 2 techniques suitable for lesion characterization: quantitative microradiography (TMR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) on in vivo induced lesions with and without a fluoride varnish (Duraphat®) treatment. Orthodontic bands were attached to premolars to be extracted for orthodontic reasons to induce enamel caries on the buccal surfaces. In the caries development part of the study, 1 tooth of each pair received at the start 1 topical application with the fluoride varnish Duraphat®, the contralateral tooth serving as untreated control. All teeth were extracted after 4 weeks. In the caries progression part, the premolars were banded for 4 weeks without any treatment to induce caries. 1 premolar in each pair was then extracted and analyzed. The contralateral tooth received one Duraphat® application and was extracted after another 2 weeks. In the caries development part of the study. TMR analysis showed that the Duraphat® treatment on sound enamel reduced lesion depth by 48% compared to the untreated control. In the caries progression part, no significant difference was found between the untreated teeth extracted after 4 weeks and the fluoride treated lesions extracted after another 2 weeks. CLSM images agreed well with the TMR measurements. In the fluoride treated lesions, the CLSM images showed more light scattering indicating precipitation of material.