ABSTRACT White spot lesions are one of the clinical problems encountered in fixed orthodontic treatment that aims at providing an ideal occlussion and correcting the smile esthetics. The forma- tion of new retention areas by band, bracket and other various appliances routinely used in ortho- dontic treatment are known to facilitate the formation of biofilm. It has been seen that Streptococcus mutans located in biofilm layer causes acid formation by fermentation of carbohy- drates. This acid formation decreases the pH of enviroment and disrupts the demineralization and remineralization cycle which is ongoing in equilibrium on enamel surface. In the case of falling below the critical pH required for the remineralization phase in this dynamic cycle, mineral loss of enamel appears in the form of enamel decalfication. Today orthodontic adhesive materials without any antibacterial properties against microbial attack have also begun to be seen as a risk factor in the formation of enamel decalcification. The aim of this review is to provide information about the preventive effects of orthodontic adhesive contents on the formation of white spots which is con- sidered to directly affect the success of fixed orthodontic treatment.

Key Words: Adhesives; tooth demineralization; tooth remineralization; orthodontics