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Fluoridated elastomers: in vivo versus in vitro fluoride release
D Tinsley1, J J O'Dwyer, Philip E Benson
1Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield, and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, UK. dtinsley.harrogate@virgin.net
Journal of Orthodontics
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Fluoride elastomers release significantly more fluoride in the mouth than in lab tests. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash increases the residual fluoride in elastomers after one week.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Fluoride Chemistry
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- Fluoridated elastomers are used in orthodontics to release fluoride.
- Understanding fluoride release dynamics is crucial for optimizing oral health benefits.
- In vitro studies may not accurately reflect in vivo fluoride release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare in vivo and in vitro fluoride release from fluoridated elastomers.
- To assess residual fluoride content in elastomers after intraoral use.
- To investigate the effect of fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinse on fluoride release and retention.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, longitudinal, cross-over study design.
- Six subjects with exemplary oral hygiene participated.
- Elastomers were placed on premolar brackets for 1 week, with and without fluoride oral hygiene products.
Main Results:
- In vivo fluoride release in the first week was 90%, compared to only 13% in vitro.
- Significantly higher residual fluoride was found when fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinse were used (P = 0.001).
- In vivo fluoride release significantly exceeded in vitro release within the first week.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride elastomers exhibit substantially higher fluoride release in vivo than in vitro during the initial week.
- Concurrent use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinse enhances residual fluoride in intraorally placed elastomers.
- These findings highlight the importance of in vivo assessments for fluoride-releasing dental materials.