Microabrasion in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Abstract
Greta Bacionyte
Enamel defects can differ in etiology (trauma, fluorosis, genetics, inflammation, systemic diseases or initial caries) and may present various appearance (varying from small white spots and pits to dark brown enamel morphology deficiencies). Depending on degree of expression of the defect or discoloration, it is proven to have a negative effect on the child’s psychosocial life, but options for treatment are limited and often not even considered because of the young age of the patient. Enamel defects caused by fluorosis are common among up to 45 percent of children in Lithuania and up to 19 percent of children have other type of enamel defects so the treatment need is significant. Microabrasion – a technique based on using acid etching combined with abrasive materials on enamel. It is a minimally invasive enamel defect treatment technique that can improve the aesthetics in young age or allow to get better results during the following treatment. Microabrasion can also be combined with fluoride therapy, bleaching, composite fillings or even veneers and crowns after the occlusion is formed. The aim of this article is to review the literature, compare minimally invasive treatment versus restorative techniques for enamel defect elimination and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of various treatment options considering the age of the patient.