"Clinical Evaluation of Self-Assembling Peptides Versus Tri-Calcium Phosphate Based Varnish in Treatment of White Spot Lesions; Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial"

Overview

Brief Summary: This randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effectiveness of two remineralizing agents in the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs) in young adults. White spot lesions are early signs of enamel demineralization that commonly develop after orthodontic treatment. The study will compare a self-assembling peptide-based varnish (Curodont Repair, SAP P11-4) with a tri-calcium phosphate-based varnish (Clinpro White Varnish, 3M) using a split-mouth design. A total of patients aged 15-25 years with at least one eligible WSL on each side of the anterior teeth will be enrolled. Each patient will receive Curodont Repair on one side and Clinpro White Varnish on the contralateral side. Treatments will be applied at baseline and repeated after 3 months. Lesions will be evaluated using standardized digital photography, ICDAS II scoring, lesion size measurements, and patient satisfaction questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcome is the change in color of white spot lesions over 9 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in lesion size, ICDAS scores, and patient-reported satisfaction. The study is double-blinded (patients and outcome assessors) and conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University.

White spot lesions (WSLs) represent the earliest clinically detectable stage of enamel caries and are a common consequence of fixed orthodontic treatment. These lesions are characterized by increased opacity of enamel due to subsurface demineralization. Conventional fluoride-based strategies can promote surface remineralization but often fail to achieve full penetration into the lesion body, limiting complete enamel repair. Novel biomimetic approaches, such as self-assembling peptides (SAP P11-4), have been developed to address this limitation. SAP molecules can diffuse into the subsurface lesion and form a three-dimensional scaffold that attracts calcium and phosphate ions from saliva, facilitating de novo hydroxyapatite formation and deeper remineralization. In contrast, tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) varnishes provide bioavailable minerals in combination with fluoride to enhance surface remineralization. Although both strategies show promising laboratory and clinical results, there is limited evidence directly comparing their clinical performance in patients with orthodontically induced WSLs. This study aims to fill that gap by using a split-mouth, randomized controlled design to compare the effectiveness of Curodont Repair (SAP P11-4) and Clinpro White Varnish (TCP) in young adult patients. The study will focus on the extent of remineralization as assessed by digital imaging and color analysis, supplemented by changes in lesion size and ICDAS II scoring. Patient satisfaction will also be evaluated to capture subjective outcomes of esthetic improvement. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based recommendations for minimally invasive management of WSLs.