Impact of adhesive layer addition on the optical properties of remineralized white spot lesions

Francesca Zotti; Giorgia Lanzaretti; Francesca Pilati; Nicoletta Zerman

doi:10.34172/joddd.025.43844

Impact of adhesive layer addition on the optical properties of remineralized white spot lesions

J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2025 Sep 30;19(3):160-171. doi: 10.34172/joddd.025.43844. eCollection 2025 Sep.

Authors

Francesca Zotti¹, Giorgia Lanzaretti², Francesca Pilati³, Nicoletta Zerman¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgical Sciences, Pediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy.
² Private Practice, Vicenza, Italy.
³ Private Practice, Trento, Italy.

Abstract

Background: The present in vitro study evaluated the camouflage effect of two treatments for white spot lesions (WSLs): remineralization with Mi Paste Plus© (GC Europe N.V.) and remineralization combined with a Scotchbond Multi-Purpose© (3M ESPE 2015) adhesive layer. Additionally, the study assessed the color stability of the treatments when exposed to a staining agent, such as coffee.

Methods: Sixty extracted anterior and posterior teeth were preserved in saline solution and divided into two groups. Artificial WSLs were created using 37% orthophosphoric acid for 1 minute. Both groups underwent daily 6-hour remineralization treatments with Mi Paste Plus© for 14 days. In the second group, a thin adhesive layer was applied after remineralization. Color analysis was performed using an MHT SpectroShade Micro spectrophotometer at baseline (T₁), after remineralization (T₂), after adhesive application for group 2 (T_R), and after immersion in coffee for 24 hours (T₃). Color differences (ΔE) between healthy tissue and WSLs were assessed, with ΔE≤3.3 considered clinically acceptable. Data were analyzed using STATA 17 (P≤0.05).

Results: ΔE analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the camouflage effect in the adhesive-treated group (T_R) compared to remineralization alone (T₂). After coffee exposure (T₃), ΔE values increased significantly in both groups, with higher values observed in the adhesive-treated group. Intragroup analyses indicated significant differences between T₂ and T₃, as well as T_R and T₃.

Conclusion: The application of an adhesive system can be considered a valid option to improve the aesthetic outcome of a remineralization treatment; however, this approach carries the risk of resin staining over time.

Keywords: Adhesive; Remineralization; Spectrophotometer; White spot.