title: The effect of different fluoride application methods on the remineralization of initial carious lesions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of single and combined applications of fluoride on the amount of fluoride release, and the remineralization and physical properties of enamel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each of four fluoride varnish and gel products (Fluor Protector, FP, Ivoclar Vivadent; Tooth Mousse Plus, TM, GC; 60 Second Gel, A, Germiphene; CavityShield, CS, 3M ESPE) and two fluoride solutions (2% sodium fluoride, N; 8% tin(ii) fluoride, S) were applied on bovine teeth using single and combined methods (10 per group), and then the amount of fluoride release was measured for 4 wk. The electron probe microanalysis and the Vickers microhardness measurements were conducted to assess the effect of fluoride application on the surface properties of bovine teeth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amount of fluoride release was higher in combined applications than in single application (p < 0.05). Microhardness values were higher after combined applications of N with FP, TM, and CS than single application of them, and these values were also higher after combined applications of S than single application of A (p < 0.05). Ca and P values were higher in combined applications of N with TM and CS than single application of them (p < 0.05). They were also increased after combined applications of the S with A than after single application (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined applications of fluoride could be used as a basis to design more effective methods of fluoride application to provide enhanced remineralization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Biomaterials and Institute of Biodegradable Material, Institute of Oral Bioscience and BK21 plus project, School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Seon Mi
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3611-7000
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Byeon
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Biomaterials and Institute of Biodegradable Material, Institute of Oral Bioscience and BK21 plus project, School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Min Ho
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6142-4876
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Biomaterials and Institute of Biodegradable Material, Institute of Oral Bioscience and BK21 plus project, School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Tae Sung
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8307-4544
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Bae
keywords: Dental Caries; Electron probe microanalysis; Fluorides; Remineralization; Vickers hardness