Fluoride recharge of aesthetic dental materials

The objective of the study was to compare the potential for fluoride recharge of two glass-ionomer cements, a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, a compomer and a fluoride-containing composite in artificial saliva. Disc samples of each of the materials were placed into artificial saliva. The fluoride content of the artificial saliva was determined at various intervals up to 57 days. The discs were subjected to a 2 min exposure of NaF (500 parts/106). This recharge procedure was repeated at 64 and 120 days. The fluoride release was measured before and after recharge. The fluoride release for all of the materials increased after each exposure to NaF; however, the amount for the composite was very low. The resin-modified glass-ionomer cement displayed the greatest potential for fluoride recharge at 57 and 64 days (P<0.05). By 120 days, the amount of fluoride released in the 24 h post-recharge interval had decreased in all the materials. All the materials showed a potential for fluoride recharge. This effect, however, was minimal in the fluoride-containing composite.