Healthy smile emerging from orthodontic braces

Goodbye White Spots: The Future of Monitoring Your Smile After Braces

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how new technology offers hope for objectively tracking and improving post-orthodontic white spot lesions."

Braces are a rite of passage for many, promising a straighter, more confident smile. However, the journey doesn't always end with debanding. Many find themselves facing an unwelcome guest: white spot lesions (WSLs). These unsightly marks are areas of demineralization that appear around where the brackets used to be. The good news? Advances in dental technology are offering hope for objectively monitoring and even reversing these lesions.

White spot lesions are more than just a cosmetic concern. They represent weakened enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Traditional methods of monitoring WSLs, like visual assessments or quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), have limitations. Visual exams are subjective, and QLF requires specialized equipment. This is why researchers are exploring new technologies to provide more accurate and accessible solutions.

One such promising technology is alternating current impedance spectroscopy (ACIS). The tech works by directing a small current through the tooth to measure mineral density. This information can help dentists track the remineralization of enamel over time, leading to better treatment plans and healthier smiles. Now, let’s dive into understanding how ACIS can revolutionize post-orthodontic care.

What is Alternating Current Impedance Spectroscopy (ACIS) and How Can It Help?

Healthy smile emerging from orthodontic braces

Alternating current impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) is a method used to evaluate the mineral density of teeth by directing a low-voltage current through the enamel. The technology displays a numerical value between 0 and 100, often accompanied by color-coded lights, to indicate the health of the tooth. ACIS offers several advantages over traditional methods:

The beauty of ACIS lies in its potential for objective monitoring. It provides dentists with a quantifiable measure of mineral density, allowing them to track changes over time and assess the effectiveness of remineralization treatments. Unlike subjective visual assessments, ACIS offers a consistent and reliable measure.

Objectivity: Provides quantifiable data rather than subjective assessments.
Early Detection: Can detect mineral changes before they are visible to the naked eye.
Non-Invasive: A gentle and painless procedure.
Tracking Progress: Allows dentists to monitor the effectiveness of remineralization efforts.

A recent study published in the European Journal of Orthodontics explored the use of ACIS to monitor the regression (remineralization) of post-orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs). The study followed 28 adolescents who had recently had their braces removed and had at least two WSLs on their front teeth. Researchers used ACIS to measure the mineral density of the lesions over a 16-week period.

The Future is Bright for Post-Orthodontic Smiles

While more research is always welcome, the initial findings suggest that ACIS could become a valuable tool in the fight against post-orthodontic white spot lesions. By providing a more objective and reliable way to monitor remineralization, ACIS can help dentists provide more effective and personalized care, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the full benefits of a straighter, healthier smile long after their braces come off.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/ejo/cjy075, Alternate LINK

Title: Monitoring Regression Of Post-Orthodontic Lesions With Impedance Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study

Subject: Orthodontics

Journal: European Journal of Orthodontics

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: Diana Mortensen, Sotiria Gizani, Olina Salamara, Iosif Sifakakis, Svante Twetman

Published: 2018-11-08

Everything You Need To Know

What are white spot lesions (WSLs) and why are they a concern after braces?

White spot lesions (WSLs) are areas of demineralization that can appear on teeth after braces are removed. They manifest as unsightly white marks and represent weakened enamel. This weakening makes teeth more susceptible to decay, posing a risk to long-term oral health. Effectively monitoring and treating WSLs is critical to preventing further dental issues and maintaining a healthy, attractive smile post-orthodontic treatment.

How does Alternating Current Impedance Spectroscopy (ACIS) work to monitor tooth health?

Alternating current impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) works by directing a small, low-voltage current through the tooth enamel. The technology measures the mineral density of the enamel, providing a numerical value between 0 and 100, often with color-coded indicators, reflecting the tooth's health. This method allows dentists to objectively assess and track changes in enamel density over time, offering a more precise and reliable evaluation compared to subjective visual assessments.

What are the key advantages of using ACIS compared to traditional methods for assessing WSLs?

ACIS offers several key advantages over traditional methods like visual assessments or QLF. First, ACIS provides objective, quantifiable data, unlike subjective visual exams. Secondly, it enables early detection of mineral changes before they are visible, facilitating timely intervention. Moreover, the ACIS procedure is non-invasive and painless. Finally, ACIS facilitates accurate tracking of remineralization progress, enabling dentists to monitor the effectiveness of treatments and adjust plans as necessary. This combination of benefits makes ACIS a superior tool for post-orthodontic care.

In the context of the study, how did ACIS contribute to understanding the healing of post-orthodontic white spot lesions?

In the study published in the *European Journal of Orthodontics*, ACIS was used to monitor the remineralization of post-orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs). The study followed adolescents over a 16-week period, using ACIS to measure the mineral density of WSLs. The findings suggested that ACIS could be a valuable tool in tracking and improving post-orthodontic white spot lesions. By providing an objective and reliable way to monitor remineralization, ACIS helps dentists provide more effective and personalized care.

What does the future hold for patients concerned about white spot lesions after braces, and what role does ACIS play?

The future looks promising for individuals worried about white spot lesions (WSLs) after braces, thanks to advancements like ACIS. ACIS is poised to become a standard tool for post-orthodontic care. By offering an objective method to monitor remineralization, ACIS helps dentists provide more effective and personalized treatment plans. This technology can ensure that patients enjoy healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smiles long after their braces are removed. Ongoing research and broader adoption of ACIS are expected to further improve outcomes in managing and mitigating WSLs.