An in vitro evaluation of the efficiency of a new iontophoresis fluoride tray on remineralization

The aim of this study is to determine the effects on remineralization of a new iontophoresis device called `Fluorinex?, conventional APF gel treatment, and conventional ionthophoresis device comparatively by laser fluorescence measurements.Artificial incipient carious lesions were created on immature, 60 intact premolar and molar teeth with no defects. The specimens were randomly allocated to four groups. To specimens in the first group 1.23% APF gel was applied by conventional method for 4 minutes and in the second group 2% NaF solution applied by conventional iontophoresis device for 4 minutes. In Fluorinex group specimens were pretreated with CuCl2 for 1 minute and then treated for 4 minutes with 1.23% APF gel in a Fluoritray. Control group was placed in distilled water for 4 minutes. After these applications all specimens were included to a pH cycling, this schedule was designed to approximate the pH dynamics of the oral environment.DIAGNOdent pen measurement were obtained in three different time intervals; after incipient carious lesions, after fluoride treatments and after pH cycling. Specimens were studied by SEM after artificial caries lesions and fluoride treatments.The results of this study has shown that alterations on DIAGNOdent pen measurements before and after treatment, the Fluorinex group was statistically different from conventional APF gel (p=0.011), conventional NaF iontophoresis (p<0.001) and control group (p<0.001). As the DIAGNOdent pen measurements before treatment and after pH cycling were compared, differences were statistically significant in Fluorinex and conventional APF gel groups. (p<0.001)