Ion release and in vitro enamel fluoride uptake associated with pit and fissure sealants containing microencapsulated remineralizing agents.

Purpose: To determine if pit-and-fissure sealants with microencapsulated remineralizing agents with sustained release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions could promote enamel fluoride uptake by demineralized tooth structure.

Methods: Sealants that contained 5 w/w% microcapsules with aqueous solutions of 5M Ca(NO3)2 or 0.8M NaF or 6.

Ion release, fluoride charge of and adhesion of an orthodontic cement paste containing microcapsules.

Objectives: Dental materials capable of releasing calcium, phosphate and fluoride are of great interest for remineralization. Microencapsulated aqueous solutions of these ions in orthodontic cement demonstrate slow, sustained release by passive diffusion through a permeable membrane without the need for dissolution or etching of fillers. The potential to charge a dental material formulated with microencapsulated water with fluoride by toothbrushing with over the counter toothpaste and the effect of microcapsules on cement adhesion to enamel was determined.