GD562 - Noninvasive esthetic masking of enamel hypoplasia: an alternative approach with polymer-based color stains-GD562 Article

GD562 Article

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This case report describes a conservative, noninvasive approach for a 9-year-old boy with enamel hypoplasia and caries in a permanent maxillary incisor caused by trauma to the primary predecessor. The defect produced severe dentinal sensitivity, pain, poor esthetics, anxiety, and reduced oral health-related quality of life.<br /><br />Treatment began with a desensitization protocol combining low-power laser photobiomodulation and a desensitizing paste with tubule-obliterating action, repeated over several sessions and continued at home by the parents. Pain and sensitivity were monitored using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and FLACC scale. Scores decreased from moderate pain to near zero, suggesting effective hypersensitivity control. Oral health-related quality of life, measured with CPQ8-10, also improved.<br /><br />After desensitization, the carious dentin was managed with atraumatic restorative treatment using resin-modified glass ionomer cement. For the esthetic correction, the authors used a no-preparation masking technique with polymer-based color stains (Optiglaze Color). After sandblasting, acid etching, and bonding, multiple stain shades were layered according to complementary color principles from Newton’s color wheel to match the adjacent tooth. An achromatic nanohybrid resin was placed as a final protective and anatomical layer, followed by finishing and polishing.<br /><br />The report concludes that combining pain control with ultraconservative esthetic masking can effectively improve comfort, appearance, and quality of life in young patients with developmental enamel defects. The authors emphasize that minimally invasive, multidisciplinary treatment helps preserve tooth structure and may be a preferable alternative to repeated restorative procedures.

Keywords

enamel hypoplasia

dental trauma

tooth sensitivity

photobiomodulation

desensitization protocol

atraumatic restorative treatment

resin-modified glass ionomer

esthetic masking

minimally invasive dentistry

oral health-related quality of life