Orthodontic positioner used for home fluoride treatments.

It has been well documented that the more time the enamel surface is exposed to fluoride, the higher will be the caries protection. An extremely good method of greatly increasing caries resistance is by daily or weekly home fluoride treatments. This procedure is usually limited to special cases of rampant caries, patients with hemophilia, and handicapped patients in whom caries control is vital. It is not used more widely because of the added costs of impressions, tray fabrication, and professional. If the patient already has a vehicle for applying fluoride, such as a positioner or mouth guard, it is a simple matter to prescribe or dispense fluoride gel to be used when these appliances are being worn. This is expecially true for orthodontic postioners. When bands are removed, a slight space usually exists interproximally. This space greatly facilitates fluoride contact with the proximal surfaces. Fluoride will tend to recalcify decalcified areas of enamel in addition to providing added caries protection for the patient. If positioners are not used after band removal, home fluoride trays or rinses can also be effective. Since many orthodontic patients wear a positioner when bands are removed, the orthodontist can provide his patients with the benefits of topical fluoride by prescribing fluoride gel and explaining how to use it along with his positioner.