2021 John Valentine Mershon Award Lecture; New Technologies for Controlling White Spot Lesions

Modern concepts of cariology are reviewed with emphasis on the early invisible lesions that often lead to white spot decalcifications during orthodontics treatment. Recent technologies for detecting early carious lesions are recommended as routine diagnostic procedure prior to active treatment with fixed or removable appliances. Routine treatment progress evaluations of decalcifications should include assessment of insipient invisible lesions. Control of biofilm pathogenecity is particularly important for treatment with aligners. Prevention and control of enamel decalcifications requires pretreatment, progress and follow-up evaluations to detect early lesions that can be managed with control of biofilm and remineralization procedures.

Learning Objectives:

• Diagnose insipient carious lesions that can lead to decalcifications.
• Monitor the correction or progression of invisible lesions during and after treatment.
• Utilize advanced technologies to prevent or at least control white spot lesions.