Product Evaluation

PATTERSON DENTAL

5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish

This easy-to-apply, pleasant-tasting fluoride varnish delivers maximum fluoride benefit and hypersensitivity relief to patients

Some might say that small miracles happen every day in dental offices. For hygienist Donna Grzegorek, finally convincing a patient to accept fluoride varnish treatment could be considered a small miracle, especially since this patient had previously refused fluoride applications because he hated their sticky consistency. After demonstrating the smooth, non-sticky texture of Patterson Dental’s 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish, Grzegorek convinced this patient to give it a try, and they not only “loved it!” but are now “moving forward with fluoride varnish applications.”

With 5 pleasing flavors, a non-sticky consistency, quick drying to a natural tooth color, and little to no sensitivity, this varnish won over Grzegorek and her patients. After requesting honest feedback from patients, she found it to be “very acceptable to patients in terms of feel, flavor, esthetics, and sensitivity,” which is a small miracle for Grzegorek, who typically receives myriad excuses from patients who don’t comply with treatment. Very pleased with the overall performance of Patterson’s 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish, Grzegorek declared, “Patient perception encourages continued use.”

Packaging, Application, & Clean-Up

For quick and easy application, the varnish comes in convenient pre-measured unit doses, each with a brush applicator. Impressed with the “individual package for avoidance of cross-contamination,” Dr. Pedram Mastour liked the “fast and easy” application, and Dr. Sancerie O’Rourke-Allen said it was “very easy to apply to the teeth” and “contained enough material for a full-mouth application.” Describing it as “much easier to open than other varnishes,” Grzegorek suggested the corner be prebent or lifted to make it easier to grasp when gloved.

The ease of opening “cuts down on time fumbling chairside,” said Diana Carr, RDHAP, who also praised the ease of application and flowability of the varnish. “So many other products clump up on the brush or are so thin they run right off. This product does neither; its consistency is just right.” Dr. Mark Taira agreed that “it has good texture and doesn’t clump or harden quickly like other products.” Appreciating the “single use, easy-peel packaging and easy application,” dental assistant Heather Richardson said the varnish “stayed on the brush well, was very easy to clean up, and stayed in the well without leaking out onto my tray.” Hygienist Jennifer Gugliotti called the varnish “super easy to apply with less mess,” and the longer brush made it easy for Dr. Mary Gaddis to access posterior teeth, although she suggested more fluoride be included in each dose.

Patient Reaction: Flavor and Consistency

The patient-friendly varnish has a smooth consistency, is sweetened with xylitol, and comes in 5 pleasant flavors—mint, bubblegum, strawberry, cherry, and caramel. “Patients like the taste,” which helps “with good patient acceptance,” noted Dr. Bruce Nelson. Jody Ebert, RDH, said children “were surprised by the great taste,” and Dr. Gaddis stated, “The flavors were agreeable, the consistency was less sticky, and it was less messy and more convenient” than other varnishes. Calling it “smooth, not clumpy,” Richardson said the Patterson varnish is “flavorful compared to other brands that taste artificial.” Dr. Byron Davis said his patients also liked it better than other varnishes because it did not feel as thick and tacky.

“Patients love the varnish. I had no complaints about taste or stickiness, and it was easy to apply,” said Dr. Pooja Saroha, who suggested more flavor options. Gugliotti said the caramel flavor was “light with little aftertaste” and got “amazing reviews” from patients, and Dr. O’Rourke-Allen’s patients enjoyed being able to “eat and drink right away vs waiting 30 minutes, as with gel.” Dr. Mastour called it “a perfect mixture (not too runny or dry) by a very reliable company,” and Grzegorek noted, “It was much thinner than [another varnish], so it was more acceptable to patients.”

Fluoride Benefit & Lack of Sensitivity

With a fast and steady fluoride release, the Patterson varnish maximizes the benefits of fluoride while also treating hypersensitivity. The smooth, consistent texture “adhered to the teeth well for better, longer fluoride uptake,” said Dr. O’Rourke-Allen, whose patients reported no sensitivity after scaling and root planing. Ebert’s patients were “very pleased with the great taste and comfort post-application.” The varnish relieved sensitivity in cases of root exposure and enamel erosion, reported Richardson, who added, “Xylitol is a great addition to increase mineralization.”

Overall Satisfaction

The Patterson varnish is “easy to use with pleasant flavors and has great color on the teeth without being very sticky,” noted Donna Chuchla, RDH, who said she would recommend the varnish to colleagues. Dr. Saroha called it a “great product for every dental practice,” and Grzegorek said her “patients found the product very pleasing, and happy patients affect their experience and the practice as a whole.” Calling it “a great addition to the hygiene appointment,” Dr. Mastour concluded. “I highly recommend it.”

"The varnish was very acceptable to patients in terms of feel, flavor, esthetics, and sensitivity."
- Donna Grzegorek, RDH, BS, PHDH Lake in the Hills, IL 

Overall Satisfaction

Most of the evaluators said they would purchase Patterson’s Primary Molar Stainless Steel Crowns and recommend them to colleagues, including Dr. Fagan, who said they would save his practice money without sacrificing quality. “I think this is a good SSC for pediatric dentistry; it was very easy to use predictably,” described Dr. Sullivan. “Overall, they are a great addition to the choices of stainless steel crowns, a bread-and-butter treatment for a pediatric dentist!” concluded Dr. Verma. And Dr. Buchina summed up his thoughts by saying, “You cannot find fault with a product that makes treatment easier.”

Takeaways

•  5% sodium fluoride varnish and dentin hypersensitivity treatment

• Fast and steady fluoride release maximizes fluoride benefit

• Pleasant flavors, smooth texture, lack of sensitivity, and natural tooth color encourage patient compliance 

• Easy application with pre-measured unit dose and included brush applicator