White spot lesion (WSL) development in the enamel surface is by far the most important iatrogenic effect of fixed orthodontic therapy. One study found that 50% of individuals undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment had a WSL compared with 25% of controls. Little is known about the microflora, clinical variation and 3-dimensional structure of WSLs.
Aims of the present study
- Use molecular microbiological techniques such as the HOMIM microarray to characterize the bacterial flora present prior to, and after bonding of a fixed orthodontic appliance that produces WSLs
- Characterize the bacterial flora present prior to and during deliberate WSL formation in vivo by using specially designed orthodontic bands
- Quantify the color of WSLs and relate it to the bacteria found by HOMIM microarray
- Determine the 3D structure of WSLs and relate it to the bacteria found by HOMIM