Abstract
Enamel defects and discolorations are common clinical findings and may represent both a biological concern and a significant esthetic complaint for patients. Their appearance can vary considerably according to etiology, depth, color, and structural characteristics, making correct recognition and documentation essential before treatment. This lecture will provide a practical overview of the most common enamel alterations, including hypomineralization, fluorosis, post-traumatic defects, and white spot lesions, with particular attention to their clinical appearance, differential recognition, and esthetic impact. The role of prevention, risk-factor control, clinical monitoring, and patient communication will be discussed, highlighting the importance of collaboration between dental hygienists and dentists in developing an appropriate treatment pathway. Particular attention will be dedicated to minimally invasive and additive strategies for improving enamel discolorations. Resin infiltration will be discussed both as a stand-alone treatment and as part of combined approaches that may include tooth bleaching, superficial microabrasion or macroabrasion, and, when necessary, selective use of direct composite resin. Clinical cases will demonstrate how different techniques can be selected and combined according to lesion characteristics and esthetic expectations, following a progressive treatment philosophy that begins with the least invasive option and preserves as much healthy dental tissue as possible.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the main enamel defects and discolorations.
- Discuss their clinical appearance and possible etiologies.
- Explain preventive, monitoring, and documentation strategies.
- Discuss the indications of resin infiltration.
- Explain combined approaches using bleaching, micro/macroabrasion, and composite resin.
