Characterization of sound enamel and natural white spot lesions

Objective: To compare optical, morphological, chemical, and physical aspects of the sound enamel whitespot lesions (WSL) classified as ICDAS 2. Material Methods: Seventeen human molars with one surfacepresenting WSL a surface (2 x 2 mm window) were characterized by Quantitative light-inducedfluorescence (QLF®), Optical coherence tomography (OCT), microhardness, Raman spectroscopy. The ANOVAand Tukey’s test used at 5% significance level. Results: QLF comparison between distinct substratesyielded decreased Q (integrated fluorescence loss) -15,37%mm2 -11,68% F (fluorescence forWSL. OCT detected mean lesion depth 174,43 um. ANOVA could not detect differences in opticalattenuation coefficient substrates (p>0.05). Lower microhardness measures observed WSLthan on (p<0.05). spectra showed four vibrational phosphate bands (v1, v2, v3, v4),where highest peak was 960.3 cm-1 (v1) for both substrates. However, 40% decrease (v1)was WSL. 1071 higher enamel, indicating presence phosphateband instead B-type carbonate. intensity organic composition 1295 cm-1and 1450 Conclusion: Non-invasive QLF, spectroscopy able to distinguishdifferences fluorescence, optical properties, organic/inorganic components, respectively, soundenamel WSL, validated destructive analysis. KEYWORDSDental caries; Dental enamel; White-spot lesions; Diagnosis; Spectroscopy.