The remineralizing ability of self-assembling peptide P11-4, 2% arginine enriched sodium fluoride and functionalized tri calcium phosphate fluoride varnishes in treatment of white spot lesions – a randomized controlled trial

TL;DR

This study compared three dental varnishes for treating white spot lesions and found that 2% arginine enriched sodium fluoride was most effective in reducing lesion appearance over nine months.

Contribution

A direct clinical comparison of P11-4, 2% arginine enriched sodium fluoride, and functionalized tri calcium phosphate fluoride varnishes for WSL treatment in children.

Findings

2% arginine enriched sodium fluoride showed the greatest improvement in WSL color correction by the end of the study.

Functionalized tri calcium phosphate fluoride outperformed self-assembling peptide P11-4 in reducing WSL dimensions.

All three varnishes demonstrated progressive improvement in WSL appearance over time.

Abstract

White spot lesions (WSLs) is a caries lesion distinguished by white opacity due to subsurface enamel demineralization. These lesions resulting from a disparity between detrimental and protective factors and can continue to demineralize if untreated. Early diagnosis and remineralization can reverse WSLs, supporting minimally invasive dental care.

To compare and assess the color of WSLs through spectrophotometer after application of Self-assembling peptide P11-4, 2% Arginine Enriched Sodium Fluoride varnish and Functionalized Tri Calcium Phosphate Fluoride varnish.

This randomized controlled triple-blind clinical trial enrolled pediatric participants (ages 8–12 years) presenting with moderate caries risk as defined by CAMBRA (Caries Management By Risk Assessment) criteria, with visible white spot lesions (WSLs) on the labial surfaces of maxillary permanent anterior teeth, classified as ICDAS scores 1 or 2. A total of 39 WSLs were incorporated into the study and randomly allocated into one of the three groups 13/each. Group I: Self-assembling peptide P11-4 varnish (study group), Group II: Arginine-enriched Sodium Fluoride varnish (study group) and Group III: Tri Calcium Phosphate Fluoride varnish (positive control group). The color change ΔE of each WSL was quantified using a spectrophotometer at the baseline. Dimensions of WSLs were assessed by digital photography, remineralizing agents were applied then patients were recalled for further applications after 3 and 6 months and for WSLs assessment after 3, 6 and 9 months.

All groups demonstrated progressive color improvement over time. At 3 months, Group I showed the least improvement (ΔE = 16.39 ± 3.04), followed by Group III (14.80 ± 3.11) and Group II (14.06 ± 4.46). By 9 months, Group II achieved (ΔE = 9.37 ± 3.79), and Group III (9.15 ± 2.74) surpassing Group I (12.21 ± 3.03). so both Group II and III ultimately outperformed Group I in color correction by the study’s end. Group II achieved significantly greater WSL reduction (14.98 ± 7.55%) compared to both Group I (27.93 ± 8.98%) and Group III (22.32 ± 8.61%), with no significant difference observed between Groups I and III.

Although all the three tested materials demonstrated an enhancement in the color and dimension of WSLs, 2% of Arginine Enriched Sodium Fluoride showed the best results followed by Functionalized Tri Calcium Phosphate Fluoride varnish, while self-assembling peptide P11-4 showed the lowest results.

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