[An assessment of fluoride release from a compomer and four resin-modified glass-ionomers]

To compare the fluoride release into water from a compomer (Dyract) and four resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (Fuji II LC, Photac-Fil, VariGlass, Vitremer).

Five specimens of each material were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions and placed into 3.0 mm diameter x 2.7 mm thick disposable Teflon molds. The specimens were placed in well-sealed polypropylene vials with 2 ml of de-ionized water and stored in an incubator at 37 degrees C. The solutions were replaced weekly and the levels of fluoride (ppm) were analysed at day 1, 7, 30 and subsequently every 28 days for 253 days. The results were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls range test.

All materials except the compomer (Dyract) showed high initial release values of fluoride which decreased exponentially, then showed a slow decline during the ensuing time. Initial fluoride release values were significantly different between Dyract, VariGlass, and the three other resin-modified glass-ionomers. The compomer released significantly less fluoride than did the other resin-modified glass-ionomers.

With high caries risk patients, it may be most beneficial to use a high fluoride release resin-modified glass-ionomer cement as the restorative material of choice.