Efficacy of Fluoride Varnish on White Spot Lesion Formation

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of topical fluoride varnish applications on white spot lesion (WSL) formation in adolescents during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Methods: A prospective, randomized study with 41 orthodontic patients (12 males and 29 females, average age 13.9 years) was designed. Children in the test group (19) brushed teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste (1400 ppm F) and the application of the fluoride varnish (5% sodium fluoride, Duraphat®, Colgate) was performed every three months. Children in the control group (22) brushed teeth twice a day with the same toothpaste but no application of fluoride varnish was performed. White spot lesion index (WSL) were recorded by the examiner, and pictures of maxillary anterior teeth were reviewed and scored according to WSL by an expert. Comparing the results of WSL by the examiner and the expert, the least score was selected at baseline and after 6 months (8 dropouts).
Results: At 6-month evaluation, 8 children dropped out. Statistically significant differences in WSL scores from baseline to 6-month evaluation were found in both two groups (test group: 1.16±0.15 versus 0.76±0.16, p<0.01; control group: 0.92±0.18 versus 0.68±0.15, p<0.01). In the test group, the change of WSL score from baseline to 6-month evaluation was 0.40 whereas in the control group, it was 0.24. No statistically significant difference in the change of WSL scores from baseline to 6-month evaluation was found between the two groups.

Conclusions: It was concluded from the results of this study that no inhibitory effect on white spot lesion development was found in the application of Duraphat in adolescents during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances.