RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is comparative evaluation of the results of treatment of enamel caries (initial caries) of permanent teeth in children using non-invasive and microinvasive methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 45 children aged 10-16 years, who revealed enamel caries in 451 permanent teeth. Noninvasive treatment was carried out using toothpaste with a fluoride content of 2800 ppm (group 1, 138 teeth) or 5% fluoride varnish (group 2, 155 teeth). Microinvasive treatment was performed using caries infiltration (group 3, 99 teeth) or amelogenin peptide (group 4, 59 teeth). The observation was carried out for 18 months. The method of laser fluorescence was used to assess the demineralization of enamel. RESULTS: After treatment, repeated examinations did not reveal carious cavities in groups 1, 2 and 3, and one carious cavity was revealed in group 4 after 18 months. The average values of laser fluorescence after treatment in groups 1, 2 and 4 decreased slightly, in group 3 they corresponded to the values of healthy enamel throughout the observation period. CONCLUSION: The use of noninvasive and microinvasive methods of treatment of permanent tooth enamel caries in children was effective. However, according to laser fluorescence, only the use of caries infiltration significantly reduced enamel demineralization.