Effects of professionally applied topical fluorides on surface hardness of composite-based restoratives

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of professionally applied topical fluorides on the surface hardness of a composite (Spectrum TPH), a compomer (Dyract AP) and a giomer (Reactmer). Thirty specimens of each material were fabricated and stored in distilled water at 37°C for one week. These specimens were then randomly divided into five groups of six and treated for 36 hours at 37°C with one of the following: distilled water (control), 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) foam, 0.9% neutral foam, 1.23% APF gel and 0.4% stannous fluoride gel. The treated specimens were subsequently subjected to microhardness testing (load = 500gf; dwell time = 15 seconds). Results were analyzed using ANOVA/Scheffe's test (p