Fig. 1 – Chalky look caused by demineralization of enamel. Fig. 2 – Acid attacks the enamel causing it to demineralize Fig. 3 – Demineralization can occur on many teeth at once as essential enamel minerals are lost. Fig. 4 – Apply product with a clean finger Fig. 5 – Apply product to the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. Many remineralization products available today offer a positive option for both a good taste and a desirable consistency. The products today are also being tailored to work around the increase in patient allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients. Patient comfort can also increase the use of a prod-uct. For example, sensitivity from demineralization and/or exposure of the root surface motivates a person to use a product until comfort is once again restored. It will vary from one patient to the next but the pastes often provide immediate relief from sensitivity related to demineralization and/or root exposure. Compliance is higher in the orthodontic patient because they generally have several factors driving their desire to follow through with instructions. An individual that has chosen to have their teeth aligned has already committed to a higher level of health and they tend to be more aesthetically driven than others. The individual who is accompanied by a parent may not be as motivated but they are often constantly encouraged by that decision maker to acquire a higher well being. 11 The clinician should also play a role in motivation for these patients in particular. It’s powerful to be straightforward and use descriptive but simple words when speaking to patients. A possible example of communicating with a patient involving compliance could be the following: “When you eat, food will continue to break down after you’ve finished because the bacteria in your mouth continue to digest the remaining food then release acid as a by-product. If you eat without cleaning your teeth or eat sticky/sugary things, the bacteria created acid will erode your teeth. As you can imagine, this is harmful for your teeth.” 12 As illustrated above, a good relationship with patients is a key component to reducing white spots. Take home remineralization products are instrumen-tal in achieving superior esthetic results. Some tips for using take home remineralization products that should be brought to the attention of patients are: 16 March/April 2013 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society March-April 2013: Page 16
