A comparative in vitro study on fluoride release and water sorption of different flowable esthetic restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate fluoride release and water sorption of three flowable esthetic restorative materials: a giomer, a fluoride-releasing resin composite, and a nonfluoridated resin composite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten samples from a giomer, a fluoride releasing nano-hybrid, and a nonfluoridated nano-hybrid composite were prepared and immersed in deionized water. Fluoride measurements were done using an ion-specific electrode attached to a microprocessor-based fluoride meter after 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks. Another thirty samples were made and placed in desiccators. Water sorption was calculated by weighing the specimens before and after water immersion for 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks. Data analysis was done using two-way ANOVA, paired t -test ( P < 0.05), and Pearson's correlation coefficient to calculate correlations between fluoride release and water sorption.

RESULTS: The highest fluoride release was from giomer after 1 day, it was statistically significant from all other groups. Both nano-hybrid composites after 1 day showed significantly lower water sorption which was different than all the other groups. Pearson's correlation showed no significant correlations between fluoride release and water sorption.

CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride release is material and time dependent, while water sorption is material dependent.