[In vitro effect of topical fluoride gels on the surface of composite resins]

This study was designed to compare the surface change in 6 brands of composite resins immersed in 4 topical fluoride gels of various pH. The result was evaluated by visual change in light reflectance and SEM. The findings were as follows: 1) five 4-minute immersions in acidic fluoride gels increased surface roughness and decreased the light reflectance of Prisma-Fil, Prisma APH, Brillant D and P-30, 2) Silux-Plus and Heliomolar were not affected by acidic fluoride gels, and 3) the surface texture of all resin samples was not changed when immersed in neutral fluoride gels. The findings suggested that a) neutral fluoride gels should be recommended for patients who have extensive composite restorations and require fluoride treatment, and b) when resin restoration is indicated, microfilled composite resin should be considered for patients who plan to use acidic fluoride gels.