All of the following statements regarding acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) are true except one. Which is the exception?

The correct statement is that acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) has no deleterious effects on porcelain crowns and veneers. This is understood because APF is specifically formulated to facilitate fluoride uptake in the teeth while being safe for use on various dental materials.

APF's formulation includes mild acids that can enhance fluoride diffusion into enamel, making it beneficial for topical applications. Although APF is effective in promoting the transformation of hydroxyapatite into fluoroapatite—thereby increasing the enamel's resistance to decay—it is also known to have the potential to degrade certain materials, such as glass ionomer restorations, when used frequently due to its acidic properties.

However, while it may etch enamel slightly to allow fluoride penetration, it has been established that APF does not adversely affect the integrity of porcelain, which is crucial for the longevity of crowns and veneers. This differentiation is important for practitioners to recognize when considering fluoride treatments in patients with cosmetic dentistry work.