Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to the tooth's surface, by a dentist, dental hygienist or other health care professional, as a type of topical fluoride Therapy . It is not a permanent varnish but due to its adherent nature it is able to stay in contact with the tooth surface for several hours. It may be applied to the enamel, dentine or cementum of the tooth and can be used to help prevent decay, remineralise the tooth surface and to treat dentine hypersensitivity.

Fluoride varnish is composed of a high concentration of fluoride as a salt or silane preparation in a fast drying, alcohol and resin based solution. The concentration, form of fluoride, and dispensing method may vary depending on the manufacturer. While most fluoride varnishes contain 5% sodium fluoride at least one brand of fluoride varnish contains 1% difluorsilane in a polyurethane base.

Indications for Fluoride Varnish

• Use as a topical fluoride agent on moderate and high-risk patients
• Desensitizing agent for exposed root surfaces
• Fluoridated cavity varnish
• When a higher concentration of fluoride is needed for high caries risk patients
• In the elderly to prevent increasingly prevalent root dentin lesions, which may require higher concentration of fluoride
• On advanced enamel carious lesions, which may also require higher fluoride concentration for remineralization
• Fluoride treatment for institutionalized patients or in other situations where setting, equipment and patient management might preclude the use of other fluoride delivery methods
• Caries prevention on exposed root surfaces
• Remineralization of lesions in root dentine
• Fluoride application around orthodontic bands and brackets
• Fluoride treatment on patients when there is a concern that a fluoride rinse, gel or foam might be swallowed

Contraindications for use

• Areas with open cavities.
• Treatment of areas where discoloration after treatment may be an aesthetic concern.

Please contact Gainesville Dental Arts regarding information on Fluoride Varnish application. Call us at 703-743-2324 for an appointment and visit us at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville and let us help you to protect your teeth from cavities.