FLUORIDE RELEASE PROCESS OF (RESIN-MODIFIED) GLASS-IONOMER CEMENTS VERSUS (POLYACID-MODIFIED) COMPOSITE RESINS

The fluoride release of conventional and resin-modified glass-ionomers is reviewed and compared to that of fluoride-releasing (polyacid-modi fied) composite resins. Each formulation displays a typical fluoride r elease profile. The cumulative amount of fluoride released is describe d by [F](c) = [F](I)t/(t + t(1/2)) + beta root t for glass ionomers wh ether resin-modified or not, whereas for composite resins this quantit y is given by [F](c) = [F](I)t/(t + t(1/2)) + alpha t. Both equations indicate that two kinetic processes are responsible for the fluoride r elease profiles. The kinetic parameters [F](I), t(1/2), beta and alpha depend on the formulation On the basis of the exchange characteristic s for fluoride, an attempt is made to explain the mechanisms responsib le for these fluoride release processes. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.