Rationale behind a minimally invasive approach in the treatment of dental fluorosis

Modern epidemiology of dental fluorosis is characterized by its high global prevalence. Dental fluorosis is a chronic disease that develops before teething with prolonged ingestion of water or foods with a high content of fluorine compounds. In Russia, an increased concentration of fluorine in water is detected in more than 20 administrative regions. In addition, endemic areas can be assisted with anthropogenic factors, particularly certain chemical industry. Improvement of the novel treatment methods for fluorosis turns out to be important and relevant. For the treatment of various forms of fluorosis, sufficiently effective materials have been currently developed, characterized by convenience and ease of use, as well as safety for a patient. Their use alone or in combination allows achieving high aesthetic results and maximum patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to measure the adhesive strength of the composite filling material to the Icon infiltrant (infiltration concept), as well as to compare it with the adhesion strength of the composite to the enamel using various adhesive systems. Icon was developed by the German company DMG and has been used worldwide since 2000. To assess the adhesive peel strength, 60 teeth with fluorosis and 60 intact teeth were examined. The largest values of the adhesive shear strength were identified in group 2 (the All bond universal adhesive system) and group 4 (the Icon etch), i.e. the approaches which contained MDP polymer. Overall, the results of our experimental study allowed considering the combined usage of the Icon infiltrant and the low-modulus composite material as a promising strategy in a routine dental clinical practice.