Effect of home-use fluoride gels on glass ionomer and composite restorations.

The effect of home-use topical fluorides on the surface integrity of two glass ionomers and a composite was studied using SEM. Class V cavities prepared in extracted teeth were restored with two commercial glass ionomers and a composite. Teeth were randomly divided into groups and each group treated for 24 h with one of the following fluoride gels: acidulated phosphate fluoride (pH5), stannous fluoride (pH4.5), sodium fluoride (pH7), and a non-proprietary sodium fluoride (pH5.8). Surface degradation of the restorations was studied using SEM, rated according to specific criteria, and statistically analyzed by the Wilcoxon test (Rank Sums). It was found that the APF and the non-proprietary gel had a significant effect on both Gl matrix and particles and on the composite particles (p < 0.01). The neutral sodium fluoride had no significant effect on the materials (p > 0.01).