DENTAL-CARIES AND FLUORIDES IN RELATION TO FIXED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT - A REVIEW

This paper reviews the cariological aspects of fixed orthodontic treat ment and discusses the role played by topical flurides. During fixed o rthodontic treatment, carious lesions may occur in the form of white s pots. These may constitute an aesthetic problem. The clinical manageme nt of white spot lesions remains unresolved. In order to prevent devel opment of these lesions, the use of topical fluorides is advocated. Th e need for patient co-operation in the use of self-administered topica l fluorides is critical. To reduce this critical need, the use of fluo ride-releasing orthodontic cements is recommended. The literature sugg ests that calcium fluoride, which is the major reaction product on ena mel during topical fluoride application, plays an important role in th e cariostatic mechanism.