Fluoride-releasing removable appliances

A method was developed to give removable appliances a fluoride-releasing capability. Visible light-cured glass-ionomer cement inserts were made, placed in resins commonly used for removable appliances, and evaluated for fluoride release over a 2-month period. Fluoride release was measured daily for 7 days, weekly for 4 weeks, and monthly for 1 month. All specimens released fluoride at every time period. There was a burst effect in which more fluoride was released the first day, but the amount released decreased significantly on the second day. The amount of fluoride released decreased at each of the daily and weekly measurements, but became relatively stable after 7 days. All specimens were still releasing fluoride at the end of the 2-month test period.