[Ultrastructure of conditioned enamel surfaces and their adhesive matrices in dental enamel sealing].

The enamel sealant Nuva Seal was tested in model tests on caries-free human molars and premolars. Under the scanning electron microscope the acid-etched enamel areas (natural and ground surfaces) and the corresponding Nuva Seal matrices were studied. In the evaluation, the surface reliefs of the objects were compared. Thus, information on flow capacity, wetting and polymerization behavior of the adhesive was obtained. Evaluation of pairs of stereo pictures of the inverse surface reliefs in the enamel/adhesive contact zone suggests that the sealant has an average measurable depth of penetration of 7 mum. Peg-shaped elevations 10-20 mum in size that can sometimes be observed in the Nuva Seal impressions are interpreted as representing enamel defects.