Abstract
Enamel hypomineralization and white spot lesions are frequently encountered in children and adolescents, yet similar clinical appearances may reflect different etiologies, biological behavior, and treatment needs. Accurate diagnosis is therefore essential before any preventive or therapeutic approach is selected. This lecture will present a practical diagnostic pathway for the assessment of enamel alterations in young patients, with particular attention to molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), fluorosis, post-traumatic enamel hypomineralization, and early carious white spot lesions. Patient history, lesion distribution, clinical appearance, caries activity, and individual risk factors will be discussed as key elements in differential diagnosis and treatment planning. Particular emphasis will be placed on prevention and early intervention, including caries-risk control, remineralization strategies, monitoring, and preservation of affected enamel within a minimally invasive philosophy. Resin infiltration will be presented as a micro-invasive treatment option for appropriately selected lesions, with discussion of its principles, indications, limitations, and potential role in improving both lesion management and esthetic appearance. Through clinical cases, the lecture will illustrate how diagnosis, prevention, and minimally invasive treatment can be integrated into a structured approach aimed at preserving dental tissues and reducing the need for conventional restorative procedures in young patients.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the differential diagnosis of enamel hypomineralization and white spot lesions.
- Explain the role of caries risk assessment and prevention.
- Identify appropriate preventive and remineralization strategies.
- Explain the indications and limitations of resin infiltration.
- Discuss minimally invasive treatment options in young patients
