Simultaneous release of fluoride and aluminum from dental materials in various immersion media

Since fluoride (F-) and aluminum (Al3+) present anticariogenic properties and F- release from ionomeric materials depends on the media used in the evaluation, this study tested the hypothesis whether release of Al3+ also depends on the testing media. The simultaneous release of F- and Al3+ was assessed over 15 days in three media: (i) distilled and deionized water (H2O), (ii) artificial saliva (AS) and (iii) solutions simulating a cariogenic challenge (pH-cycling in demineralizing and remineralizing solutions, De-Re-). Six cylindrical samples of each tested material (Ketac-Fil, Vitremer, Fuji Ortho LC and F 2000) were prepared and suspended individually in 1.0 mL of each solution. All solutions were changed daily. F- and Al3+ were determined by ion-selective electrode and atomic absorption, respectively. ANOVA showed statistical significance for the interaction of material, time, media (p < 0.05), either for F- or Al3+ release. The resin-modified glass ionomer Vitremer released the highest amount of F- and Al3+ in De-Re- solutions compared to the other materials (p < 0.05); differences among the materials in H2O and AS were statistically consistent. The data suggest that the media used to evaluate the simultaneous release of F- and Al3+ should be taken into account when the anticariogenic potential of different dental materials is assessed.