[Clinical relevance of fluoride release from restorative materials]

The observed reduced frequency of secondary caries around silicate cement restorations has initiated the development of various fluoride releasing products, to be used as restorative materials, lining cements, sealants and orthodontic cements. The fluoride release is substantial only in the period immediately following usage of the product (e.g. placement of the restoration). An elevation of the fluoride level in plaque or saliva is therefore only found in the immediate vicinity of the fluoride source. Initially, this results in a change of the plaque composition. As a small change in fluoride level affects the caries balance, it is conceivable that fluoride release from dental materials reduces secondary caries, or caries around orthodontic brackets.