Effect of different fluoride varnishes on remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions

Abstract

Objectives: To compare remineralization potential of topical fluoride varnishes with added calcium phosphate-based delivery systems on artificial enamel caries. Methods: Human enamel specimens (n = 60) were randomly divided into six groups: Group 0: Control (no varnish), Group 1: Duraphat®, Group 2: MI Varnish™, Group 3: Embrace™ Varnish, Group 4: Enamel Pro® Varnish, and Group 5: Clinpro™ White Varnish. Specimens were immersed in demineralizing solution for 96 h to create artificial caries lesion. Each specimen was then immersed in artificial saliva for 6 h after fluoride varnish application and pH cycling was performed for 8 days. Specimens were evaluated using Knoop surface microhardness (KHN) and transverse microradiography (TMR). One-way anova test was performed to examine the effect of fluoride varnishes on change in percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR), change in lesion depth (ΔLD), and change in mineral loss (ΔΔZ) with the significance limit set at 5%. Results: %SHR of enamel following treatment with Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 3 and Group 4. Conversely, ΔLD and ΔΔZ of Group 1 were significantly higher than Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. No significant differences in %SHR, ΔLD, and ΔΔZ were found between Group 1 and Group 5. Conclusions: Duraphat® alone achieves significant remineralization of enamel carious lesions. Clinpro™ White Varnish had similar enamel remineralization effect as Duraphat®.