Retention evaluation of two glass ionomer cement sealants: six-month clinical follow-up

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention of glass ionomer sealant, Vitro Molar(r) (DFL) and Ketac Molar Easy Mix(r) (3 m ESPE) as pit and fissure sealants on first permanent molars, fully or partially erupted. Methods: The study sample consisted of 412 molars, among 110 children. The sealant retention was evaluated after 6 months of the application. Results: The results were collected through digital photographs and the retention results were assessed by the following System: score 0 - total retention; score 1 - sealant present in more than 50% of the pit and fissure system; score 2 - sealant present in less than 50% of the pit and fissure system; score 3 - missing sealant. Regarding the presence of the sealants in less than 50% of the occlusal surface, lower percentages were found for the two materials used as follows: score score 2 - Vitro Molar(r) (9,52% examiner 1 and 11.9% examiner 2) and score 2 - Ketac Molar Easy Mix(r)(9.52% examiner 1 and 10.71% examiner 2). Approximately 90% of the teeth sealed with Ketac Molar Easy Mix(r)or Vitro Molar(r) presented total loss (score 3). Thus, there was no statistical difference between the materials and between the examiners (p>0.05). Conclusion: Therefore it was concluded that the sealant retention in the studied population was not satisfactory for any of the materials used.