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CC BY 4.0 · European Journal of General Dentistry
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809985
Original Article

Effect of Resin Infiltrant and Fluoride Varnish on the Microhardness of Artificially Induced Enamel Lesion: An In Vitro Study

Authors

  • Zahraa Mohammed

    1   Department of Pedodontics Orthodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

  • Dunia A. Aldulaimy

    2   Professor at College of Dentistry, Mustansiriyah University, Department of Pedodontics Orthodontic and Preventive Dentistry, Baghdad, Iraq
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Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to assess the effects of resin infiltrant in comparison to fluoride varnish on the microhardness of artificially induced enamel lesions at various storage time intervals.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 36 tooth samples were assigned to two groups (n = 18): resin infiltrant and fluoride varnish. The groups were further subdivided into three distinct subgroups (n = 6) based on the storage time in artificial saliva (1-week, 2-week, and 4-week). All samples were subjected to the pH cycling procedure to induce the formation of white spot lesions. The first group received resin infiltrant treatment, while the second group was treated with fluoride varnish. Microhardness assessments were performed at the baseline, subsequent to the pH cycling procedure, and following 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week intervals from the initial application of treatment agents.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test to evaluate within-group differences across the three time points for each material. Subsequently, an independent t-test was employed to assess between-group differences following treatment.

Results

Statistical analysis of mean microhardness values following the pH cycling procedure revealed a significant reduction in enamel microhardness in both groups (p = 0.001). Although no significant differences were observed between the two materials during the first two time intervals, a significant difference was detected in the third interval.

Conclusion

Both infiltrant and fluoride varnish enhanced enamel microhardness, with resin infiltrant demonstrating a more sustained effect over time.

Keywords

resin infiltrant - fluoride varnish - microhardness - white spot lesions - minimally invasive dentistry

Ethical Approval

This study received review and approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the College of Dentistry (approval Number: REC140). The research adheres to the current Human Research Guideline, with full ethical approval granted on December 1, 2023. All methods were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.




Publication History

Article published online:
17 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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