Fluoride release from orthodontic bonding materials. An in vitro study

Decalcification of enamel continues to be a problem with fixed orthodontic appliances. An orthodontic bonding composite is now available which claims to release fluoride, although there are no data to substantiate this claim. Fluoride release from this new material (DIRECT) was measured and compared with two other orthodontic bonding materials. The amount of fluoride released was very small and unlikely to have a therapeutic effect.