Prevention of occlusal caries using Vanish^TM XT: an 18-month follow-up randomized clinical trial

To evaluate the effectiveness of a light curable resin-modified glass ionomer varnish (Vanish^TM XT) in the prevention of occlusal caries compared to topical fluoride varnish in newly erupted first permanent molars over 18 months.

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted using a split-mouth design. A total of 53 participants aged 6–9 years with 97 pairs of caries-free newly erupted first permanent molars were enrolled in the study. Each molar in the pair was randomly assigned either to the experimental group, which received the Vanish^TM XT Extended Contact Varnish, or to the control group, which received topical fluoride varnish (Vanish^TM 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish). Follow-ups were performed at 6, 12, and 18 months to evaluate dental caries development.

At the 6-month follow-up, caries development was significantly higher in the control group (7.8%) than that in the experimental group (0%) (P = 0.031). At the 12-month follow-up, significantly (P = 0.012) more occlusal caries developed in the control group (12.2%) compared to the experimental group (1.2%). At the 18-month follow-up, significantly (P = 0.002) more occlusal caries developed in the control group (14.3%) compared to the experimental group (1.1%).

Compared to fluoride varnish, Vanish^TM XT was significantly more effective in preventing caries on the occlusal surfaces of newly erupted first permanent molars at 6, 12, and 18 months.

Registration number at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04579536 on 08/10/ 2020, retrospectively registered.