RESUMO
AIM: To compare and evaluate the caries preventive effectiveness of resin infiltrant (ICON), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (GC Tooth Mousse), and nanohydroxyapatite (Aclaim) on incipient enamel lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 human maxillary incisors extracted for periodontal reasons were included in this study. The sectioning was done at the middle third region of the crown for the 60 samples with approximate dimensions of 5 × 5 × 5 mm). In order to create the artificial enamel lesions, the samples were demineralized by placing in a beaker containing the prepared demineralizing solution for 14 days. The study samples were then divided into four groups that are resin infiltrant (group I), CPP-ACP (group II), nanohydroxyapatite (group III), and control (group IV) with 15 enamel samples in each group. The caries preventive efficacy of each group was evaluated using a confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: The mean values after demineralization of enamel samples in demineralizing solution are 245 µm for resin infiltrant (group I), 246 µm for CPP-ACP (group II), 250 µm for nanohydroxyapatite (group III), and 247 µm for control (group IV). After remineralizing the enamel samples for a period of 30 days, the results are group I (resin infiltrant) 158 µm > group II (CPP-ACP) 28.8µm ≥ group III (nanohydroxyapatite) 26.3 µm. After subjecting it to demineralizing solution again for 14 days, the amount of material that was resistant to acid attack was group I (resin infiltrant) 114 µm (72%) > group III (CPP-ACP) 16.4 µm (57%) ≥ group III (nanohydroxyapatite) 13.8 µm (50%). The untreated control group showed increased progression of lesion and least resistance to acid challenge. CONCLUSION: Based on the results from this in vitro study, it can be concluded that when compared to the two remineralizing agents the resin infiltrant showed better caries preventive effectiveness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resin infiltrants have a favorable penetration potential in subsurface or incipient enamel lesions.