Hunter–Schreger Bands: Clinical Implications and Future Directions, Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to examine and identify the potential clinical implications and future research directions concerning Hunter–Schreger bands (HSBs) through an analysis of the scientific medical literature. The scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, utilising electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Trials and ScienceDirect, employing keyword combinations for database search. During the selection process, 327 records were identified, of which only 10 studies fully met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The extracted data were summarised in tables. Current evidence suggests that HSB play a crucial role in strengthening enamel by dissipating energy and preventing crack propagation. The use of imaging technologies, optical microscopy and diffraction studies has enabled a detailed characterisation of their structure, distribution and function, opening new avenues for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications in dentistry. However, the predominance of in vitro studies highlights the need for further in vivo clinical research to confirm and translate these findings into innovative dental practices.