3M ESPE has released a new formulation of its Vanish varnish. Vanish 5% sodium fluoride white varnish contains tricalcium phosphate (TCP), which "delivers more protection to the teeth, and helps relieve sensitivity," according to the company.
The new product can "flow more than competing varnishes, meaning that it can reach more places and deliver more fluoride to the teeth," 3M stated in a press release.
Vanish includes a protective barrier around the calcium, according to the company. As the varnish flows on the teeth, it comes into contact with saliva, breaking down the protective barrier and making calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions available to the teeth. Fluoride and calcium react to form calcium fluoride, which aids in sensitivity reduction, 3M said.
Vanish 5% sodium fluoride white varnish with tricalcium phosphate. Image courtesy of 3M ESPE.The company also uses TCP in its Clinpro 5000 1.1% sodium fluoride anticavity toothpaste.
Vanish 5% sodium fluoride white varnish doesn't harden where applied; the varnish beneath the surface layer continues to flow from treated to untreated tooth surfaces -- including interproximal areas, which traditional varnishes may miss -- so more varnish reaches more tooth surfaces, according to 3M.
Teeth to be treated only need to be "toothbrush clean" prior to application, and the product can be swept on in one coat, the company said. The treatment is completed "in seconds," and the color is similar to enamel, 3M said.
Vanish is available in cherry, melon, or mint flavors and is sweetened with xylitol. There is no limit on drinking and eating for patients who have had the product applied.
3M is the first to incorporate the TCP ingredient into a varnish, although at least one other company, Premier, claims to remineralize teeth and reduce sensitivity using calcium phosphate. Premier's Enamel Pro varnish includes the ingredients in a different formula: amorphous calcium phosphate.
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