Fluoride Release by Restorative Materials after the Application of Surface Coating Agents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Fluoride is vital in dentistry for caries prevention, enhancing remineralization, and inhibiting bacteria. Incorporating fluoride into restorative materials like glass-ionomer cements, compomers, and giomers has significantly increased fluoride availability in the oral cavity. This review assesses how surface coatings influence fluoride release from various dental restorative materials. Methods: In December 2023, we conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. In the Scopus database, the results were refined to titles, abstracts, and keywords, while in PubMed, they were narrowed down to titles and abstracts. In WoS, the results were refined only to abstracts. The search criteria were based on the terms fluoride AND release AND (coating OR glaze OR layer OR film OR varnish) AND (composite OR glass OR compomer), following PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. Twenty-three studies were rigorously selected and analyzed for fluoride release from coated versus uncoated materials. Results: Surface coatings typically reduce the rate of fluoride release. Glass-ionomer cements had the highest release, followed by giomers and compomers. The initial release was greater in uncoated materials but stabilized over time, influenced by variables like artificial saliva and deionized water. Conclusions: Surface coatings generally decrease fluoride release rates from dental materials. Although initial rates are high, contributing to caries prevention, more standardized research is needed to better understand the impact of coatings and optimize materials for maximum preventive benefits.