RESUMEN
Objective: To compare the reliability of two scoring systems for detecting white spot lesions (WSLs) from clinical photographs captured during debonding of fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: Digital images of 58 healthy adolescents (34 females and 24 males) were examined, depicting 384 buccal surfaces of maxillary incisors, canines, and first premolars. Three trained examiners (E1, E2 and E3) independently evaluated the fully anonymized photos in a randomized order using the Gorelick index (GI) and the modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II). A 1-2-week interval separated the scorings. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Fisher's z-test, and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied to compare the scoring methods and express examiner agreement. Results: The two scoring systems showed a moderate to strong positive relationship, but inter-examiner variations were significant (p<0.05). We found moderate to good reliability (ICC 0.60 to 0.84) with the ICDAS II system and good to excellent values with the GI (ICC 0.72 to 0.94), depending on the examiner. The agreement concerning the sound surfaces and the most severe WSLs was perfect, whereas the scoring of the milder lesion stages appeared more uncertain. Conclusion: A moderate to strong positive relationship was demonstrated between the two methods when scoring the presence and severity of WSLs from digital images. Significant inter-examiner variations affected reliability.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a 5% sodium fluoride varnish with functionalized tri-calcium phosphate (fTCP) on post-orthodontic white spot lesions. A secondary aim was to study if the patients and their clinicians perceived clinical improvements. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Fifty-nine patients with at least two visible WSLs on their maxillary incisors, canines, or first premolars present at the debonding of fixed appliances (baseline) were enrolled and assigned to a Varnish group (Clinpro White Varnish, 3M Espe) receiving topical applications at baseline and after 8 weeks, or a Control group treated with a fluoride-free mock product. The primary endpoint was white spot lesion appearance after 16 weeks, assessed from photographs using the modified ICDAS white spot lesion score (0 to 3). The patients and the dental examiners rated the white spot lesions subjectively with aid of a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients completed the study. After 16 weeks, 62% of the white spot lesions in the Varnish group were completely reversed (score 0) compared to 39% in the Control group. The treatment effect was statistically significant (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.59, P = .003) after adjusting for baseline oral hygiene index and type of tooth. A significant correlation (P < .05) was observed between patients' and orthodontists' perception of the lesions. CONCLUSION: The 5% sodium fluoride varnish with fTCP appeared clinically effective in reversing post-orthodontic white spot lesions 16 weeks after debonding. The patients and the clinicians agreed on the obtained esthetic improvements.