Estimation of fluoride release and recharge potential among Zirconomer, GC Gold Label Hybrid, Ketac Molar, and Tetric Prime: An in vitro study

Background: The preventive role of fluoride in caries control is mainly due to the formation of fluorapatite crystals which are more resistant to acid attack. Glass ionomer cement (GIC), its newer modifications, and certain composites in which fluoride has been incorporated show fluoride release. Aim: This research aims to compare the initial fluoride liberated, the fluoride liberated after recharge, and the mean percentage reduction of modified varieties of GICs along with fluoride-releasing composites. Materials and Methods: Forty specimen blocks of the materials to be tested were divided into 5 groups (n = 8), namely Group 1: Zirconomer (SHOFU), Group 2: GC GOLD Label Hybrid (GC), Group 3: Tetric Prime (Ivoclar), Group 4: Ketac Molar (3M), and Group 5: TE-Econom Plus (Ivoclar). The initial fluoride liberated was measured on the 1st day, after 1 week, and after a fortnight, using a benchtop analyzer and total ionic strength adjustment buffer III analyzer. Then, fluoride application was done with fluoridated dentifrice using the hand brush method, and the samples were rechecked for fluoride release at similar time intervals, i.e. 1, 7, and 15 days. Results: Zirconomer showed significantly higher initial fluoride release. The minimum mass of fluoride was released by TE-Econom. A similar pattern was observed for fluoride liberation after recharge, with Zirconomer showing maximum re-release of fluoride and TE Econom showing maximum reduction in fluoride release after 15 days. Conclusion: Zirconomer exhibited high initial fluoride liberation and fluoride liberation after recharge following topical fluoride application. GC Gold Label Hybrid and Ketac Molar showed the least percentage reduction in the biweekly fluoride liberation which was remarkably lower than Zirconomer. Fluoride-releasing composites showed the least amount of initial fluoride liberation and fluoride liberation after recharge