The materials used in the composition of sealants differ between products. In addition to polymerization methods, they can be either filled or unfilled, colored or clear, or resin-based. Composite dental resins have been used as popular materials for tooth restoration since their introduction about 50 years ago.3
There has been some concern about the components of biphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BISGMA) and the estrogenic response in humans. Because of the small dose and route of administration, there was negligible evidence of adverse reactions.4 Resin-based sealants are harder and therefore more resistant to chewing wear, making them ideal for bruxers.
Recommended sealant products and techniques
The success of sealants is technique sensitive. Most products require maintaining a dry field, which can be difficult for cramped children. Embrace by Pulpdent has demonstrated reliability over time after wet bonding.5 In a study published in International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistrythe general consensus comparing several glass ionomer products with resin-based sealants showed little to no statistical difference in retention at three months, while at six, nine, and 12 months resin-based materials were significantly better.6 Occlusive forces over time will wear down on the sealant, showing that harder resin-based materials last longer and are more resistant to daily chewing and grooming habits.
VOCO’s Grandio Seal is a high content nanohybrid material. Using the latest resin technology to increase sealant hardness, Grandio Seal resists the wear and tear of chewing forces to increase retention. A comparison of VOCO’s product with other popular sealants shows that the 70% fillers used in Grandio Seal make it harder and more wear resistant. Three of the products used in this study—Helioseal, Embrace, and Clinpro—were more easily rubbed off.7
Typically, acid etching precedes sealant placement. Adhesion to enamel is not determined by the properties of a bonding agent, but by the properties of the fissure sealant. The better the sealant flows, the less likely it is to bubble and air bubbles adversely affect the integrity of the sealant, leading to lack of retention and sealant failure. The better the material can penetrate the small indentations in the enamel produced by etching, the greater the microretention and increased adhesion to the enamel. For example, Grandio Seal has very good flow behavior, so it flows into the smallest enamel recesses and results in high enamel adhesion.
Application is another aspect to consider when comparing sealants. Advances such as the ultra-fine intraoral tip of Grandio Seal’s patented no-drip technology allow operators to have complete control when dispensing into pits and crevices without the use of a brush to agitate the material. The material’s unique thixotropic properties reduce viscosity, encouraging full penetration into the base of the slot. Grandio Seal provides better material penetration into deep cracks without introducing bubbles. Thanks to these properties, Grandio Seal is highly effective for long-term and marginally tight gap sealing.8
bibliographical references
- Perno Goldie M.. Dental Hygiene: Applications in Kinesiology Practice. 2016. FA Davis. p. 366
- Dental sealant. Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_sealant. Accessed October 2020.
- Chen K, Qingsong Y, Wang Y, Li H. BISGMA/TEGDMA dental composite containing high aspect ratio hydroxyapatite nanofibers. Dent Mater. 2011? 27(11):1187-1195
- Soderholm KJ, Mariotti A. BISGMA-based resins in dentistry: are they safe? J Am Dent Assoc. Accessed November 2020. 1999; 130(2):201-209.
- Embrace WetBond pit & fissure sealant. Tarry. Accessed November 2020. https://www.pulpdent.com/embrace-wetbond-pit-fissure-sealant
- Hassan AM, Mohammed SG. Effectiveness of seven types of sealants: retention after one year. Accessed November 2020. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019? 12 (2): 96-100. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1600
- Mürnseer M, Rosentritt M, Behr G. Handel G. Wear of three-body fissure sealants. Summary Files. March 22, 2000. Accessed November 2020. https://iadr.abstractarchives.com/abstract/2007Orleans-88913/three-body-wear-of-fissure-sealants
- High fill nano-hybrid pit and crevice sealant. VOCO. Accessed November 2020. https://www.voco.dental/us/products/preventive-care/fissure-sealing/grandio-seal.aspx
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the March 2022 print edition RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a free print subscription. Register here.
