The effectiveness of dental fluoride varnish treatments in the prevention of dental decay and dentine hypersensitivity is widely recognized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and various other organizations recognize fluoride varnish treatment as effective.

As per the CDC, fluoridation of municipal water is believed to be among the best effective methods for combating tooth decay. [1] Several fluoride treatments are available that can be performed in the dental clinic to both children and adults. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) identifies sodium fluoride (NaF) 5% or fluoride varnish 2.26% treatment as effective therapies for caries prevention, provided that they have performed a minimum of two times every year to kids up to the age of 18. [2] Other recommendations of NaF varnishes include prevention of root caries in adults by performing the procedure twice a year at a minimum. Thus, fluoride varnishes are helpful for all age groups, particularly adolescents as well as people potentially at high risk of caries. [3] 

So, what makes the best kind of varnish, and how are they different from one another? 

With an assortment of fluoride varnishes available in the market, it can be challenging to decide which brand and product to use. There is more to handling characteristics and patient acceptability that makes one an exclusive varnish. Unique ingredients and properties at an affordable price allow varnish to stand out from the rest.

At present, there aren’t enough studies supporting the clinical merits or those that provide a comparison of the types of professional fluoride therapies. What’s known is, ‘the greater the frequency and time period of teeth contact with fluoride, the greater the success rate of the therapy. When evaluating the effects of fluoride carriers, for example, varnish, toothpaste, and fluoride rinse, there isn't enough high-quality evidence proving the benefits of a particular delivery system. [4] Hence, it is inquisitive why a varnish should be used, and which type of varnish would be the best.

MARK3 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish

Features and Benefits of MARK3

Comparison with other varnishes

Why choose MARK3 5% Fluoride Varnish?

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Features and Benefits of MARK3

MARK3 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish is unique in that it supplies the ideal volume of fluoride to the teeth in an application as quick as 60 seconds. It comes as a resin-based formula that offers a powerful desensitizing action, during the application on the surfaces of enamel and dentin. Its unique formulation contains xylitol which prevents tooth decay and Tricalcium Phosphate that potentially helps in remineralization of the teeth while reducing hypersensitivity. MARK3 5% NaF Varnish comes with a unit dose packaging, which makes its use and application ultra-convenient for any dental setting.

Comparison with other varnishes

Although the general formulation of varnished is similar, not all products are equal and contain different types and amounts of ingredients which give them diverse properties. The following are the features of the most popular varnish in the market.

MARK3 is a perfect alternative to these brands: 

• 3m ESPE Varnish

• Durashield by Sultan Healthcare

• Safco Fluride Varnish 

• Nupro WhiteVarnish

• Kolorz Clearshield by DMG America

• Ultraclear by WaterPik

Quick and short-range fluoride release 

Most products do provide a rapid release of fluoride in as low as the first 2 hours, making them good for patients who are not compliant with post-op instructions. However, most of them offer only short-range fluoride exposure to the teeth. This makes them less recognizable and less successful in retaining tooth remineralization. 

Shellac-based varnishes

Several varnished in the market comprise of food-grade shellac, instead of tree resin. This allows them to dry thin but does not allow a great fluoride adherence to the teeth. 

Less fluoride concentration

Some products only contain 2.5% sodium fluoride, claiming it to be the saturation point of fluoride release. On the other hand, MARK2’s Sodium Fluoride Varnish contains 5% NaF, allowing it to work at its maximum potential. 

Inadequate viscosity and tint

Some varnishes are seen to have a tint. This may be said to deliver better visualization but is not great in terms of esthetics as it leaves a noticeable tinted layer over the teeth. Other products either have too thin or thick consistencies. This makes them too viscous or too thin to slump away when applied, making their manipulation and application on teeth difficult.

Milk protein-based varnishes

While delivering 5% NaF, certain varnishes come with Recaldent (CPP-ACP), which is a combination of casein phosphopeptide (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). Milk contains the casein peptide naturally and can bind to the teeth, mucosa, as well as a biofilm. Although this may allow ACP stabilization until it contacts the teeth for recalcification, these varnishes are not suitable for use on patients having milk protein allergy. [6]

Why choose MARK3 5% Fluoride Varnish?

According to a hygienist, Cheri Lindstrom, patients quite often deny fluoride varnish treatment due to its unpleasant taste or poor consistency. Thus, Lindstrom was looking for a product that could help her deliver fluoride benefits to her patients. For better patient comfort, clinicians prefer fluoride varnish products that are quick and convenient to apply with a better texture and taste. It was this when Lindstrom considered using MARK3’s 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish. 

The feedback from patients after the application of the varnish was overwhelmingly and positive. Its caramel flavor and adequate consistency gave patients a favorable taste without being bulky on the surfaces of the teeth. MARK3 fluoride varnish is also available in spearmint and bubble gum flavors to match patient preference. It also consists of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) that helps prevent caries while promoting tooth remineralization. This is a resin-based formula that exhibits desensitization of enamel and dentine after application. What’s more? It dries to an esthetically pleasing, natural enamel color.

All in all, MARK3 has the following benefits:

• TCP helps prevent caries while promoting remineralization.

• Ease of application in 0.4mL unit doses in 60 seconds with the accompanying brush.

• Three pleasant flavors available —bubble gum, caramel & spearmint. 

• Superior patient comfort & reception.

• Adequate consistency delivers a lack of clumping.

• Dries to natural tooth color.

• Do not slump – remains where placed.

• Treats dentin hypersensitivity.

• Dries to a natural, esthetically pleasing color.

Dental Varnish Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dental professionals prefer varnishes?

Varnish is a preferred mode of dental fluoride application due to its ease of use, longer exposure time to fluoride, and potential safety. The reservations with other delivery systems are that they have a greater risk of ingestion and lesser dental contact time. Most of the available varnishes comprise 5% NaF, in an alcohol and resin base. The alcohol evaporates, giving the system fast drying feature, while the resin enables the fluoride to glue over the teeth. However, the carrier can be the primary cause of complaint regarding the varnish, as it may be too sticky and deposits a visible film over the tooth surface. [5]

What is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that forms a protective layer over the teeth, applied using a brush to prevent the formation of cavities on susceptible surfaces of the teeth as well as to stop the progression of caries that preexists. The painted fluoride varnish is adhesive and attaches itself over the tooth surface, making the tooth enamel harder thereby, preventing cavities. 

What is dental varnish used for?

Fluoride varnish is a treatment modality for the teeth that are used to prevent dental decay from occurring, slows it down, and reduces its progress. However, treatment with fluoride varnish will not completely reverse or prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments work best to prevent caries in children who also combine it with regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, regular flossing, having dental checkups regularly, and consuming a healthy diet.  

Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?

Fluoride varnish is generally considered safe. It is used by dentists and hygienists throughout the world for the prevention of dental cavities, particularly in children. It can be used in children from the time the first tooth appears. One application uses only a little amount of the varnish and there is a negligible risk of any fluoride being swallowed. The application takes only about a minute and the product rapidly hardens. It is then brushed off after four to twelve hours. [7] 

How long does dental varnish last?

The fluoride varnish adheres to the tooth surface and dries in a few hours. After this, it can be brushed away the next day. Nonetheless, the potential effects of fluoride can last for several months. The treatment needs to be repeated every three to four months for the best results.

How can I remineralize my teeth?

• Regularly brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.

• Get fluoride varnish treatment after every few months

• Reduce sugar intake

• Chew sugarless gum – it contains xylitol which helps in remineralization

• Eat food rich in vitamins and minerals

How is fluoride varnish applied to the teeth?

The fluoride varnish is applied to the teeth with the help of a small disposable brush that usually comes in the varnish kit. The patient is instructed to eat soft food for 2 to 3 hours after the procedure. The dried varnish can be brushed off the next day. The procedure is painless and quick.

Do adults need fluoride varnish treatment?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), patients of 18+ years of age and adult patients having root caries are advised to undertake 2.26% fluoride varnish treatment a minimum of every 3 to 6 months. It is also shown by a study that all types of fluoride varnish treatments lead to a significant increase in scores of sensitivity from the baseline. [8]

Can enamel decay reverse?

Dental decay can be stopped in the initial stages. The early sign of tooth decay is when the white spots are seen on the enamel. If it is treated at this point, cavitation can be prevented. Enamel can be repaired with the minerals that come from saliva, fluoride toothpaste, and dental varnish. However, if not treated in time, the tooth decay progresses and cavitation occurs which can not be treated by fluoride varnish and decay cannot be reversed.

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We trust that you found this post both informative and practical for purchasing varnish supplies. If you’ve just discovered Noble Dental, we’re considered the top dentist supply company on the east coast with utmost focus on quality, fast shipping, and providing maximum savings for local dental practices. 

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References

1. Water fluoridation basics. Division of Oral Health. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/basics/index.htm. Updated January 24, 2020. Accessed February 17, 2020.

2. Professionally applied topical fluoride: Evidence-based clinical recommendations. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006;137(8):1151-1159. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2006.0356

3. Weyant RJ, Tracy SL, Anselmo TT, et al. Topical fluoride for caries prevention: Executive summary of the updated clinical recommendations and supporting systematic review. J Am Dent Assoc. 2013;144(11):1279-1291. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0057

4. Marinho VCC, Higgins JPT, Sheiham A, Logan S. One topical fluoride (toothpaste, or mouth rinses, or gels, or varnishes) versus another for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004(1):CD002780. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002780.pub2

5. Martel S. A new generation of fluoride varnish is coming to you. Oral Health Group website. https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/new-generation-fluoride-varnish-coming/. Published September 14, 2017.

6. Olson C M. What to consider when choosing a fluoride varnish (part 2). Dentistry IQ. Dec, 2017. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/products/hygiene/article/16366115/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-fluoride-varnish-part-2

7. Anonymous. Fluoride Varnish: What Parents Need to Know. Healthy Children. May, 2015. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Fluoride-Varnish-What-Parents-Need-to-Know.aspx

8. Fluoride Varnishes for Dental Health: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2016 Oct 26. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401516/