Remineralising effectiveness of two fluoride varnishes containing additives: An in vitro study

Purpose: To assess the remineralising efficacy of fluoride varnish containing additives and conventional sodium fluoride varnish. Materials and Methods: 72 extracted upper central incisors specimens were randomly allocated to four groups after demineralisation: control; 5% sodium fluoride varnish (FV) (Fluoritop-SR); resin modified glass ionomer-based calcium phosphate containing fluoride varnish (CV) (Clinpro XT); fluoride varnish with xylitol coated calcium phosphate (cXp) (Embrace). Change in surface morphology, calcium phosphorous ratio and fluoride content of enamel were evaluated using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX). Change in surface roughness was evaluated using profilometer analysis. All readings were taken at baseline, after demineralisation, at 2 weeks and 4 weeks of remineralisation. Results: At 4 weeks of remineralisation surface roughness values were ranked as follows: control > FV = cXp > CV. Calcium phosphorus ratios were in the order: CV > FV = cXp > control and fluoride content (for treatment groups): CV = cXp > FV. Scanning electron microscopy images showed mineral deposition on the surfaces of the treatment groups with different deposition pattern of minerals. Conclusion: Fluoride varnishes with or without additives are effective in remineralisation of early enamel lesions. Glass ionomer-based fluoride varnish results in better remineralisation than xylitol coated calcium phosphate containing fluoride varnish and 5% sodium fluoride varnish.