Consultants’ Comments

• “Very simple and easy to use.”
• “Viscosity is similar to honey.”
• “An excellent product for sensitivity – patients reported a dramatic decrease in sensitivity.”
• “Duraflor worked great as a desensitizer after in-office whitening.”
• “I would like to eliminate the yellow color and residue left on the patients’ teeth.”
• “Because the varnish is sticky, a residue tends to accumulate around the cap of the 10-ml tube.”

Description

Duraflor is a 5% sodium fluoride varnish indicated for treatment of dental hypersensitivity, reduction of postoperative sensitivity, and prevention and control of caries. Each milliliter of Duraflor contains 50 mg of sodium fluoride, which is equivalent to 22.6 mg of fluoride ion. For the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, two applications over several days are recommended for optimal results. Duraflor is available in 10-ml multi-dose tubes (bubblegum flavor), a newer unit-dose package of either 0.25-ml children’s dose (bubblegum flavor), or 0.4-ml adult dose (raspberry flavor). The unit-dose package contains the varnish and a disposable brush in a blister pack and includes instructions for patient care after application. Duraflor was evaluated by 28 consultants in over 500 uses. This product received a 91% clinical rating.

Product Features

The taste and scent of Duraflor were highly rated by consultants, hygienists, and patients. For young hygiene patients who cannot tolerate fluoride trays, this paint-on varnish provides an acceptable alternative. Duraflor was found by consultants to be highly effective in reducing sensitivity with a single application. The unit-dose packaging was neater and easier to use than the 10-ml tube, and consultants liked the availability of two different package sizes. For single-tooth application, a small amount dispensed from the larger tube was preferred to avoid wasting material from a unit-dose package. Most consultants commented on the yellow color of Duraflor, some appreciated being able to see where they had applied the product, while others did not like sending their patients home with the yellow residue. The post-operative instructions were well received and helped explain home care to the patient. A few patients complained about the residue remaining on the teeth after application and that they had to manage home care after application. Ninety-three percent of consultants found Duraflor to be equal or better than the current product that they were using for sensitivity. Seventy-seven percent would switch to Duraflor, while 88% would recommend it.

Clinical Tips

• Apply to a relatively dry tooth – it allows the material to adhere.
• Send leftover material home with the patient for another application.
• Use a brush applicator to work the material into furcation areas.
• Do not use suction while using Duraflor – it has a tendency to clog the suction tube.

Editors’ Note: The yellow residue fades and disappears within a day after application and will usually dry to a natural color if the application by the clinician is thin. The manufacturer reports that the ADA now accepts fluoride varnish as an off-label fluoride treatment.