Retention and caries prevention of Vitremer and Ketac-bond used as occlusal sealants.

PURPOSE

To assess the retention and caries incidence of Vitremer (resin-modified glass ionomer) and Ketac-bond (conventional glass ionomer cement), used as occlusal sealants, after 6 and 12 months placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 200 school children, 6-8 years old with sound and unsealed permanent first molars. They were divided into three groups: (a) control group (n = 432 teeth); (b) Vitremer experimental group (n = 200 teeth), and (c) Ketac-Bond experimental group (n = 200 teeth). In the experimental groups, Vitremer was applied on teeth 16 and 46 whereas Ketac-Bond was applied on 26 and 36.

RESULTS

The total retention rates for Vitremer after 6 and 12 months were 59% and 36%, respectively. For Ketac-Bond, the total retention rates were 24% and 15%, respectively. No dental caries was recorded during the 12 months for both experimental groups. When effectiveness was measured by sealant retention, there was a significant difference between Vitremer and Ketac-Bond after 6 (P < 0.01) and 12 months (P < 0.05). When effectiveness was measured by caries prevention, no significant difference was found between experimental groups, even when the sealants were partially or totally lost. There was no development of carious lesions after 1-year placement of sealants, but there was a significant difference between experimental and control groups (P < 0.01).