Short-term efficacy of caries resin infiltration during treatment with orthodontic fixed appliances. A randomized controlled trial.

This article focuses on a randomized, controlled split-mouth trial assessing the short-term masking efficacy of resin infiltration (Icon) compared to fluoride varnish (Tiefenfluorid) on initial caries lesions (ICL) during fixed orthodontic treatment in adolescents. The study found that one week after treatment, resin infiltration significantly improved the visual appearance of ICL, as measured by colorimetric analysis (ΔE), laser fluorescence readings (DIAGNOdent), and ICDAS scores, whereas fluoride varnish showed no immediate aesthetic improvement. The trial demonstrated that resin infiltration can be effectively applied without removing orthodontic brackets, offering early masking benefits during treatment, though longer-term effects on caries progression and aesthetics require further investigation. No adverse effects were reported, and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment allocation.