Abstract
White enamel lesions are common in clinical practice but may have different etiologies, characteristics, and treatment requirements. Distinguishing early carious white spot lesions from developmental enamel defects such as Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is therefore essential for appropriate treatment planning.
Designed for a general dental audience, this lecture provides a practical overview of white spot lesions and MIH, moving from diagnosis and differential diagnosis to treatment selection and long-term management. Participants will be introduced to a structured clinical pathway that integrates prevention, remineralization, resin infiltration, aesthetic management, and restorative treatment according to lesion characteristics and patient needs.
Particular emphasis will be placed on combining treatment modalities and how to come to reliable aesthetic results with the least invasive approaches.
Learning objectives
By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:
- Explain the key clinical features and differential diagnosis of white spot lesions and MIH.
- Discuss how lesion characteristics, severity, and patient factors influence treatment selection.
- Apply a structured clinical pathway for the management of MIH and other white spot lesions.
- Demonstrate appropriate case selection for preventive, remineralizing, infiltrative, and restorative approaches.
- Explain how different treatment modalities can be combined to achieve functional and aesthetic outcomes.
- Discuss strategies for reducing hypersensitivity and improving patient comfort during treatment.
- Evaluate clinical cases and formulate individualized treatment plans that support predictable, long-term outcomes.
