effect of two methods of remineralization and resin infiltration on surface hardness of artificially induced enamel lesions

Statement of the problem: the progression of incipient carious lesions may be simply prevented by noninvasive remineralization of lesions, eliminating the need for invasive and highcost restorative procedures. purpose: this study aimed to assess the effect of two commonly used remineralizing agents and resin infiltration on surface micro hardness of incipient enamel lesions at different time points. materials and method: in this in vitro study 45 intact human maxillary central incisors were selected. after disinfection, enamel samples measuring 5x5x2.5 mm were cut out of the labial surface of the teeth. the surface of samples was polished and they were mounted in autopolymerizing acrylic resin. according to amaechi’s method samples were immersed in acidified hydroxyethylcellulose system (ph = 4.5) for 96 hours to induce white spot lesions (wsls). the baseline surface micro hardness of samples was measured using a vickers hardness tester, then the samples were randomly divided into three groups (n=15) based on different remineralization methods: mipaste plus, remin pro and iconinfiltrant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. all samples were stored in antidry mouth treatment agent during the experiment and their surface hardness was measured at 15 days (t1) and 20 weeks (t2).   results: the hardness of samples in mipaste plus and remin pro groups significantly increased at both t1 and t2 (p < 0.001) but this increase was not significant in icon group (p > 0.05). conclusion: mipaste plus and remin pro can efficiently increase the hardness of incipient enamel lesions.