The use of transillumination in mapping demarcated enamel opacities in anterior teeth: A cross-sectional study

Background: Despite intensive efforts for categorizing demarcated enamel opacities, often related to molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), there is a lack of descriptive criteria aiming to describe them physically outside the scope of color and size. This is most likely due to the indices focusing on molar, not anterior, teeth. Aim: To map and classify demarcated lesions on permanent anterior teeth using reflected and transilluminated light. The association between classification and related lesion characteristics was also examined. Design: Permanent anterior teeth with demarcated opacities related to MIH were selected. For each tooth, standardized photographs were taken using transmitted and reflected light. Each lesion was mapped and classified according to its color, lesion size, surface integrity, and type. The data were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk of PEB. Results: There were significant relationships between lesion size, color, and type with surface integrity. Lesion type and size were more important than lesion color for assessing the risk of PEB. There was also a significant relationship between lesion size and lesion color. Conclusions: Lesion size and type are significant clinical parameters for assessing the risk of PEB on enamel opacities related to MIH.