Assessment of Fluoride Release Pattern from Different Fluoride Varnishes - An in vitro Study

Background: Since the time they were introduced, researchers have put in endeavours to better the delivery of the fluoride in the fluoride varnishes. With numerous fluoride varnishes accessible in the market today, each product claims of superior and enhanced properties. In the recent years, significant differences have been reported in these products in terms of cumulative amount as well as the amount of fluoride released. Aim: To determine the fluoride release pattern of four different calcium-phosphate based 5% sodium fluoride varnishes. Materials and Methods: This in vitro study was conducted at Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Christian Dental College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India for 6 months. 75 non-carious premolar teeth were randomly divided into five groups and coated with a different coloured nail varnish except for a 3mm X 3mm window on the labial surface of the crown. Four groups received fluoride varnish coating on this window while the fifth group served as the control. The various fluoride varnishes tested included MI Varnish (TM)(containing CPP-ACP), Clinpro (TM) White Varnish(containing f-TCP), Embrace (TM) Varnish(containing xylitol coated calcium and phosphate) and Enamel Pro(R) Varnish(containing ACP).Thereafter, the 15 teeth of each group were placed together in a plastic container containing 50ml of artificial saliva. After 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, the teeth were placed in a new plastic container containing 50ml of fresh artificial saliva while the previous saliva sample was assessed for the fluoride released in it through the SPADNS Method. The data was compiled by using Microsoft Excel 2010 SPSS version (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: Clinpro (TM) White Varnish exhibited the greatest cumulative fluoride release while MI Varnish (TM) exhibited the greatest substantivity at the end of 6 months. Three of the tested varnishes released increasing amounts of fluoride upto 3 months, thereafter, the values began to decline. Meanwhile, Embrace (TM) Varnish released increasing amount of fluoride only upto one month, thereafter the values began to decline. Conclusion: The varying excepient ingredients could be held accountable for the different fluoride release pattern of the studied on calcium phosphate based 5% sodium fluoride varnishes.