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Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients after treatment with fixed appliances using QLF in comparison to conventional visual examination. The buccal surfaces of 62 participants (29 males, 33 females) were examined with QLF and visually for presence or absence of caries after debonding. Using QLF, 406 carious surfaces were recorded with an average fluorescence loss of 10.7% (SD 5.8%). Visually a number of 285 lesions were scored with a similar distribution pattern as for QLF. The average fluorescence loss of the visually detected lesions as determined by QLF was 12.6% (SD 4.5%) and 85% of lesions detected visually had a maximum fluorescence loss >15%. 97% of participants had one or more decalcifications. On average 30% of the surfaces were affected. The mean proporion of affected surfaces for males (40%) was significantly higher than for females (22 %), p < 0.01. The number of lesions found on incisors and canines was significantly lower than the number of lesions on molars and premolars (t-test, p < 0.01). This effect was mainly due to the distribution found in the lower jaw. No significant differences were found between the left and right side of the mouth or upper and lower jaw. Also, tooth type and location did not influence the fluorescence loss of lesions. We conclude that the majority of all orthodontic patients develop initial decalcifications during treatment with fixed appliances, with males being at greater risk than females. Molars and premolars are more often affected than incisors or canines. Further research to determine the influence on future caries development in these patients is necessary. |