A fluoride-releasing composite for dental applications

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Glass ionomer materials are known for fluoride release but have limitations in physical properties.
• Dental composites offer superior physical properties but typically lack significant fluoride release.
• A need exists for dental restorative materials combining the benefits of both glass ionomers and composites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a novel dental composite with fluoride release comparable to glass ionomers.
• To evaluate the physical properties and bond strength of the experimental fluoride-releasing composite.
• To assess its potential as an alternative to existing dental materials.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBATFB), an organic fluoride, into a hydrophilic monomer system (BisGMA/HEMA).
• Filling the monomer system with 81 wt% silane-treated quartz.
• Testing fluoride release, diametral tensile strength, and bond strength to etched enamel against control materials.

Main Results:

• The experimental composite demonstrated a linear and comparable fluoride release rate to glass ionomer materials, with long-term release exceeding some controls.
• Diametral tensile strength was found to be comparable to resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) materials.
• Bond strength to etched enamel was statistically equivalent to a commercial hybrid composite control.

Conclusions:

• The developed resin-based composite shows potential as an alternative to glass ionomers in specific dental applications.
• Suitable for non-stress bearing restorative applications and orthodontic bracket bonding due to desirable high fluoride release.
• Offers a combination of fluoride release and adequate physical properties for niche dental uses.