The color change in artificial white spot lesions measured using a spectroradiometer

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the color of white spot lesions. Materials and methods Human premolars were subjected to a pH cycling to produce artificial caries lesions and classified into groups ( n = 10/group): group 1, immersion in deionized water; group 2, pH cycling without fluoride (F) application; group 3, pH cycling with immersion in 1,000 ppm NaF solution; and group 4, pH cycling with immersion in 5,000 ppm NaF solution. CIE L * a * b * color parameters of the tooth were determined using a spectroradiometer at baseline, after demineralization and after pH cycling. The extent of demineralization was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA). Results Significant degrees of color change ( ΔE *) were observed after demineralization ( p