NON-INVASIVE ESTHETIC TREATMENT OF INITIAL CARIES WITH RESIN INFILTRATION IN A PATIENT WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.

This study reports on dental treatment for an 11-year-old boy with autism who had white spots on his front teeth that were hurting his confidence. Instead of drilling, dentists used a gentle technique called resin infiltration to improve the appearance of his teeth. The treatment worked well - the white spots nearly disappeared and stayed that way after three months. The child felt better about his smile and the procedure was comfortable for him without needing sedation.

This case report describes successful treatment of early dental caries in an 11-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder using ICON® resin infiltration technique. The child presented with mild dental fluorosis and carious lesions on central incisors that were affecting his self-confidence. Given his cooperative behavior and mild sensory sensitivity, clinicians selected a non-invasive resin infiltration approach rather than traditional drilling procedures. The treatment was performed without sedation using a custom isolation device.

Immediate and three-month follow-up assessments showed significant aesthetic improvement with stable results. The white spots became less prominent, enamel appeared more uniform, and the patient reported improved self-perception and confidence. The procedure was well-tolerated by both patient and family, demonstrating the potential for minimally invasive dental interventions in autism populations.

Resin infiltration may offer a sensory-friendly alternative to traditional dental procedures for autistic children with early caries. The non-invasive nature could reduce dental anxiety and improve treatment acceptance. However, more research is needed to establish broader applicability and long-term outcomes.

Single case report with no control group or comparison interventions. Results cannot be generalized to broader autism population. Short follow-up period (three months) limits long-term efficacy assessment. No standardized outcome measures reported.

This report presents the case of an 11-year-old male patient diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who was treated for mild dental fluorosis using the ICON® resin infiltration technique. The child's parents expressed concern about the esthetic appearance of the teeth, which was affecting his self-confidence in social situations. Clinical examination revealed carious lesions of the enamel on the central incisors corresponding to code 3 of the CAST system (distinct changes in enamel color due to demineralization, indicating a more advanced initial stage of caries). Vital staining was performed for diagnostic purposes and to assess the condition of the enamel, revealing significant demineralized areas.

Additionally, light-induced fluorescence was used to confirm structural changes in the enamel. As part of the treatment protocol, remineralizing therapy was also administered using R.O.C.S. gel to enhance enamel structure. Considering the cooperative behavior of the patient and his mild sensory sensitivity, a non-invasive resin infiltration technique (ICON®) was selected. The procedure was carried out on the upper central incisors using a custom-designed device developed by our team for isolating the anterior tooth group, which served as an alternative to the conventional rubber dam.

The infiltration protocol was followed step-by-step in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Immediately after the procedure, vital staining and light fluorescence methods revealed a marked improvement in tooth aesthetics, with white spots appearing less prominent and the enamel displaying a more uniform color. Resin infiltration provided good material integration with the enamel, significantly improving the appearance of the teeth. At the three-month follow-up, repeat examination using light-induced fluorescence and vital staining demonstrated stable results: the enamel remained uniform, the white spots had almost disappeared, and enamel color was preserved.

The resin infiltrate exhibited durability with no signs of degradation or discoloration. The patient reported improved esthetic self-perception, which contributed to enhanced self-confidence. The treatment was performed without sedation and was well tolerated by the patient, resulting in satisfaction for both the child and his parents. Minimally invasive resin infiltration demonstrated high efficacy and esthetic benefit in the management of early caries on the central incisors in children with ASD, ensuring clinical success and patient comfort.