3M ESPE Vanish XT
Extended Contact Varnish
Vanish XT Extended Contact Varnish combines long-term fluoride protection with immediate hypersensitivity relief.
Available from 3M, Vanish XT Extended Contact Varnish is a site-specific, light-cured coating that provides immediate relief of dentinal hypersensitivity while providing long-term fluoride protection.
In addition to creating a protective layer on exposed root surfaces and dentin, Vanish XT varnish penetrates and seals tubules, and has been shown to reduce dentin permeability by 88%.1 The resin-modified glass ionomer material creates a barrier against demineralization and acid erosion, and it helps to repair demineralized enamel adjacent to the coating.
Vanish XT varnish releases fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, and it remains on the teeth for 6 months or longer. According to the manufacturer, Vanish XT varnish releases more fluoride than conventional varnishes in the first 24 hours after application and is “recharged” when patients brush with fluoride toothpaste. Vanish XT varnish is formulated to be virtually invisible when applied to the tooth surface.
Ten dentists participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of Vanish XT varnish. They rated such features as relief of hypersensitivity, ease of use, handling, and versatility.
Immediate Relief of Hypersensitivity
According to 3M, Vanish XT varnish provides hypersensitivity relief immediately upon application. The material’s ability to provide immediate relief of hypersensitivity was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, as very good by 3, as good by 2, and as fair by 1. One evaluator “used it on a patient who didn’t respond to any other product and it worked immediately” and another evaluator said patients “experienced immediate relief of hypersensitivity after application.” A third evaluator reported “immediate relief, even to direct air stimulus.”
When asked to evaluate patient comfort, 4 dentists rated it as excellent, 4 rated it as very good, and 2 rated it as good.
Ease of Use and Handling
The manufacturer states that Vanish XT varnish is formulated for exceptional ease of use; it is moisture-tolerant (no need to dry or pretreat the tooth surface) and does not require the use of a rubber dam. Both ease of use and viscosity were rated as excellent by 1 evaluator and as very good to good by 9. The dentist who noted that the material “flowed easily and adapted well to tooth structure” also reported that the material’s viscosity “allowed for effective placement.” The same evaluator also said, “The clicker dispenser ensures that a minimal amount of material is dispensed to avoid waste.”
Handling was rated as excellent by 2 evaluators, as very good by 6, and as good by 2. The evaluator who called it “excellent” also said it “blended well with the surrounding tooth structure.” One dentist noted a learning curve, adding, “After using it a while I would probably give it a 5.”
Working time and length of time to cure were both rated as excellent by 2 evaluators, as very good by 5, and as good by 3.
Versatility
According to the manufacturer, Vanish XT varnish’s ability to provide the protection of both a physical barrier and long-term fluoride delivery makes it an ideal material for a range of indications, including desensitization of exposed roots and dentin, prevention of acid erosion, and use with orthodontic appliances. When asked about the product’s versatility, 3 dentists rated it as excellent, 6 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. One dentist noted that Vanish XT varnish “can be used effectively in a variety of clinical situations.”
Overall Satisfaction
Overall satisfaction with Vanish XT varnish was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators, as very good by 4, and as good by 3. Eight evaluators said they would definitely or probably recommend it to their colleagues. One dentist called it “the best product I’ve come across” and another described it as “a valuable addition to my practice.”
Reference
1. Rusin RP, Agee K, Suchko M, et al. Dentin permeability of a new protective coating material (abstract). J Dent Res. 2008;87(Special issue A):1041.
