Development of a sustained fluoride delivery system

• Published in: The Angle orthodontist 2010-11, Vol.80 (6), p.1129-1135
• Main Authors: Baturina, Olga, Tufekci, Eser, Guney-Altay, Ozge, Khan, Shadeed M, Wnek, Gary E, Lindauer, Steven J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cariostatic Agents - administration & dosage; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Dental Caries - prevention & control; Drug Delivery Systems; Elastomers - chemistry; Fluorides - analysis; Original; Orthodontic Appliance Design; Orthodontic Appliances; Polyethylenes; Polyvinyls; Sodium Fluoride - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 0003-3219; 1945-7103
• DOI: 10.2319/112309-664.1

To develop a novel delivery system by which fluoride incorporated into elastomeric rings, such as those used to ligate orthodontic wires, will be released in a controlled and constant manner. Polyethylene co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) was used as the model elastomer. Samples (N = 3) were prepared by incorporating 0.02 to 0.4 g of sodium fluoride (NaF) into previously prepared PEVA solution. Another group of samples prepared in the same manner were additionally dip-coated in PEVA to create an overcoat. Fluoride release studies were conducted in vitro using an ion selective electrode over a period of 45 days. The amount of fluoride released was compared to the optimal therapeutic dose of 0.7 microg F(-)/ring/d. Only coated samples with the highest fluoride content (group D, 0.4 g of NaF) were able to release fluoride at therapeutic levels. When fluoride release from coated and uncoated samples with the same amount of NaF were compared, it was shown that the dip-coating technique resulted in a fluoride release in a controlled manner while eliminating the initial burst effect. This novel fluoride delivery matrix provided fluoride release at a therapeutically effective rate and profile.