Effects of self-applied topical fluoride preparations in orthodontic patients.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of toothbrushing followed by fluoride rinsing, fluoride gel brushing, or fluoride gel dentifrice brushing alone in controlling the demineralization that often follows orthodontic treatment. Seventy-eight consecutive adolescent patients undergoing orthodontic care were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (control) used a low-potency, high-frequency fluoride rinse; group 2 used a high-potency, high-frequency fluoride brush-on gel; and group 3 used a high-potency, high-frequency fluoride gel dentifrice. When pretreatment levels of demineralization were subtracted from posttreatment values, both gel groups displayed a significant difference (P < .05) in smooth surface demineralization sites when compared to controls. Reversal of white-spot lesions occurred in 15% of sites that exhibited pathology as a result of the fluoride and preventive regimen. These results indicate that a daily use of a 5000-ppm fluoride gel along with toothbrushing with a fluoride paste or brushing twice daily with a 5000-ppm fluoride dentifrice alone provides greater protection beyond that of tooth-brushing with a fluoride paste (1000 ppm) and rinsing with a 0.05% sodium fluoride rinse.