Optical evaluation of enamel white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT): An in vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro detection of enamel white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Twenty-four clear orthodontic brackets were bonded onto the enamel surface of bovine incisor specimens using three types of orthodontic resin adhesives: non-fluoridated, fluoridated, and fluoridated light cured. The specimens were subjected to artificial demineralization. SS-OCT images were captured before demineralization and at 24 h and 1 week after demineralization. Lesion depth (LD) was measured and analyzed using Image J software. Results revealed significant increases in LD with time in all three groups. LDs were, however, significantly smaller in the fluoridated adhesive groups than in the non-fluoridated group. In addition, SS-OCT was validated for the detection of micro-leakage and white spot lesions beneath and around the orthodontic brackets.