The Technology
Fluoride has a major role in fighting dental caries, and it is Fluorinex's main goal to ensure that as much fluor adheres to tooth enamel as possible - where it is most efficient.
Fluoride-enriched gels can provide protection through teeth immersion. However, it has been convulsively shown that such protection has very limited endurance.
The Fluorinex breakthrough is achieved through a unique two-stage process.
The first stage is the preparatory stage in which there is a unique activation of the teeth aims at enhancing the electric conductivity of the teeth, that keeping the teeth at positive polarity throughout the entire procedure.
In the second stage the Fluoritray® is filled with the APF gel and contains the anode and cathode for electrical activation of the gel. The cathode is designed to make contact with the teeth to ensure the electro-chemical reaction and free travel of fluoride ions from the gel to the teeth, and displace the hydroxide group (OH-) on the outer layer of the tooth to produce a new highly protective mineral layer (Fluoroapatite). This layer has significantly improved chemical and physical resistance to the aggressive bacteria and the resulting acidic environment in the mouth.
The Fluorinex operating principle differs from previously proposed "iontophoretic" fluoride delivery systems, where current clearly passes through the patient's tissues. In the Fluorinex method, positive and negative electrodes are within the gel - when energized - and are a part of the tray itself. There is no passage of the current through the patient's body.
The product is being developed as a platform that can be used in the future for additional applications.
Major Advantages
- Rapid - the Fluorinex process involves only a few minutes in the dentist's chair.
- Safe - the Fluorinex system controls fluoride release well within approved FDA limits.
- Painless - fluoride application - using Fluorinex - involves, at most, temporary, and very minor discomfort.
- Effective - On-going in-vivo clinical trials have shown that Fluorinex ensures a much higher rate of fluoride uptake than existing commercial gel treatment presently in use.
- Universal - The Fluorinex applicator is suitable for both children and adults.
- Long Lasting - Fluorinex is administered only once a year.