Objective: Fluoride is widely recognized for its preventive role against secondary caries. This systematic review aimed to evaluate how environmental and material factors influence fluoride ion release from metal-reinforced glass ionomer cements. Methods: A structured literature search was performed in March 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included combinations of fluoride release AND glass ionomer AND silver OR zinc OR strontium OR copper. The study selection process followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was organized using the PICO framework. Out of 281 initially identified records, 153 were screened based on titles and abstracts. After applying predefined eligibility criteria, 23 studies met the inclusion requirements and were included in the qualitative analysis. Results: Among the 23 included publications, 12 involved glass ionomers modified with silver, and 6 of these reported an increase in fluoride release. Seven studies focused on zinc-modified cements, and four examined materials reinforced with strontium. Conclusions: The addition of strontium, titanium oxide, silver nanoparticles, or zirconium oxide increases the release of fluoride ions, while sintered silver reduces it. There is a great discrepancy among researchers regarding the effect of the addition of zinc oxide and its appropriate amount in the glass ionomer material.

Introduction: Fluoride varnishes are widely used in caries prevention, but the rate and duration of fluoride ion release differ depending on material composition and environmental factors. Objectives: This systematic review synthesized evidence from in vitro studies on human teeth to identify key factors influencing fluoride release. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in July 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using the terms “fluoride release” AND “varnish” in titles and abstracts. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, predefined eligibility criteria, and was structured according to the PICO framework. Of 484 retrieved records, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively. Results: The primary outcome was the magnitude and duration of fluoride release from varnishes. Most studies reported peak release within the first 24 h, followed by a marked decline, although some formulations (e.g., Clinpro XT and Duraphat) maintained more stable long-term release. Substantial methodological heterogeneity was observed across studies, including differences in sample type, storage medium, pH, temperature, and measurement protocols, which influenced fluoride release dynamics. Reported secondary outcomes included enamel remineralization, changes in surface properties, and antibacterial activity, with bioactive additives such as CPP–ACP and TCP enhancing preventive effects. Acidic conditions consistently increased fluoride release. Conclusions: The magnitude and persistence of fluoride release from varnishes depend on both intrinsic material properties and external environmental conditions. Bioactive additives may prolong fluoride availability and provide additional preventive benefits.

Introduction: Fluoride-releasing sealants play a crucial role in caries prevention by providing both mechanical protection and controlled ion release. However, the rate and duration of fluoride emission vary depending on material composition and environmental conditions. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze factors influencing fluoride release and recharge capacity from contemporary dental sealants. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in September 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and WorldCat using the keywords “fluoride release” AND “sealant.” Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and predefined PICO-based eligibility criteria. Out of the 375 records initially identified, 16 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the qualitative analysis. Results: Glass-ionomer and resin-modified glass-ionomer sealants (e.g., Fuji VII, Fuji IX, Fuji II LC, Ketac Molar, Vitremer) consistently demonstrated higher fluoride release and superior recharge capacity compared with resin-based sealants (e.g., Clinpro, Helioseal F, BeautiSealant). Most studies reported a biphasic fluoride-release pattern, characterized by an initial burst within the first 24–48 h followed by a slower, sustained phase lasting several weeks. Environmental parameters, including storage medium, pH, and temperature, significantly affected fluoride-release kinetics. Additional outcomes such as enamel remineralization, antibacterial activity, microleakage, and surface hardness were also reported. Conclusions: Both material composition and environmental factors substantially influence fluoride release from dental sealants. Glass-ionomer–based materials demonstrate more durable and higher fluoride release, with acidic conditions enhancing ion diffusion. Clinically, these materials are particularly beneficial for patients at high caries risk, whereas resin-based sealants remain preferable in low-risk cases due to better retention and esthetics.

Colored compomers are widely used in pediatric restorative dentistry because their visual attractiveness may improve patient acceptance and cooperation. Although different color variants are often regarded as purely aesthetic modifications, pigments and decorative fillers may influence polymerization, heat generation, mechanical performance, and surface properties. This study evaluated the thermal, mechanical, chemical, elemental, optical, and surface characteristics of four Twinky Star^® compomer shades (Blue, Gold, Lemon, and Silver) compared with two commonly used tooth-shaded resin composites, Boston A3 and Charisma A2. Thermographic analysis determined maximum temperature, temperature increase, time above 40 °C, and thermal exposure above 40 °C. Mechanical properties were assessed by instrumented indentation, morphology and elemental composition by SEM/BSE and EDS, chemical characteristics by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, optical properties by spectrophotometry, and surface characteristics by contact angle measurements. Pronounced differences among the Twinky Star^® color variants were observed. Blue showed the lowest thermal response, whereas Lemon exhibited the highest thermal exposure. Gold demonstrated the weakest mechanical performance, while Silver showed the most favorable mechanical profile. EDS revealed quantitative differences in Ba, Sr, F, and Si, whereas ATR-FTIR confirmed a comparable chemical matrix among color variants. These findings indicate that Twinky Star^® color variants should not be considered solely aesthetic alternatives, as shade-associated compositional and optical differences may be accompanied by differences in material performance.

This systematic review evaluated the effects of functional additives on fluoride release, fluoride recharge/re-release, and selected mechanical, physical, and biological properties of orthodontic glass ionomer cements (GICs) and glass ionomer-based adhesives. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was retrospectively registered in the Open Science Framework. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and WorldCat were searched for in vitro studies investigating modified orthodontic GICs and reporting fluoride-related or clinically relevant material properties. The final literature search was conducted on 30 April 2026. After screening 87 records, 23 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Owing to substantial methodological and outcome heterogeneity among the included studies, no meta-analysis was performed, and the findings were synthesized narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN Tool; 20 studies were classified as having a medium risk of bias and three as having a low risk, while none were classified as having a high risk. The effects of additives on fluoride release varied according to additive type and concentration, material composition, storage conditions, pH, and evaluation period. Increases in fluoride release were reported in studies evaluating materials containing nCaF₂, TMPnano, nanofluorapatite or nanofluorohydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite, nanochitosan, SNP/ZnONP, and ZnSO₄. Several additives maintained or improved mechanical performance, whereas higher concentrations of some agents adversely affected bond strength, microhardness, or material stability. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity was most evident for CHX, DMAHDM, MDPB, propolis, silibinin, nanosilver, and zinc-containing systems. Limited evidence also suggested potential benefits regarding enamel protection and cytocompatibility. Functional additives may enhance the preventive potential of orthodontic GIC-based materials, particularly through improved fluoride release and antibacterial activity. However, further standardized long-term and clinical studies are required before clinical recommendations can be made.