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Objectives: Our primary objective was to establish the efficacy of fluoride gel and fluoride varnish in the prevention of white spot lesions (WSLs) development during fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 60 adult patients in a prospective split-mouth study design. Interventions, that is, topical fluoride gel and topical fluoride varnish were assigned at the time of bonding to either the right or left halves of the dentition. In all subjects, repeated evaluation of demineralization was done on the facial surfaces of sample teeth in each quadrant. Evaluation using laser fluorescence and by direct visual observation under magnification was carried out at bonding (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Results: The distribution of mean DIAGNOdent score at T1 (3.14 ± 1.00 vs. 2.81 ± 0.852) and T2 (4.17 ± 1.41 vs. 3.51 ± 1.13) was observed which is significantly higher in the Gel group compared to the Varnish group. In the Gel group, the distribution of mean DIAGNOdent score at T1 (3.14 ± 1.00) and T2 (4.17 ± 1.41) is significantly higher compared to mean DIAGNOdent score at baseline T0 (2.07 ± 0.66). In the Varnish group, the distribution of mean DIAGNOdent score at T1 (2.81 ± 0.852) and T2 (3.51 ± 1.13) is significantly higher compared to the mean DIAGNOdent score at T0 (2.07 ± 0.66). Visual scores also correlated with DIAGNOdent scores. Conclusion: Fluoride varnish is more efficacious than fluoride gel in reducing enamel demineralization. Initial application of fluoride varnish around the orthodontic bracket at bonding appointment can offer significant protection against WSLs.

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Developing patient-centered communication skills in orthodontics A ccording to Stephen Covey, we should "seek first to understand, then to be understood" to achieve effective interpersonal communication. 1 The purpose of clinical communication is to link the patient's needs and preferences with the clinician's knowledge, skills, and performance so that both work together to accomplish therapy goals and are satisfied with treatment outcomes. This face-to-face interaction should be patient-centered, and the clinician must integrate his or her skills in the use of communication strategies and techniques with a set of desirable personality traits or soft skills. 2 Patient-centered communication skills can be analyzed using the 4 clinical domains adopted by the