Novel topical fluoride-delivery system for remineralization of dental enamel: optimization studies

Abstract

Further studies have been conducted on a calcium fluoride delivery system with a view to optimizing its ability to remineralize dental enamel. The influence of particle size and load of calcium fluoride used, as well as treatment time, was evaluated in vitro on prior demineralized bovine enamel. Initial studies with the original singlemembrane system did not allow an unambiguous interpretation of efficacy, due to persistent interference from calcium fluoride particles. To overcome this problem, the system was modified to include a second membrane as protection for the enamel surface. This double-membrane system revealed a marked particle size and load effect on fluoride delivery. The performance of a high load of small size calcium fluoride particles was significantly better than previous results obtained with the system and approached the most effective remineralizing conditions established with solution fluoride.