A comparative in vitro study of visible light-cured sealants

The introduction of visible light polymerization in dentistry led to the development of a new generation of pit and fissure sealants. The purpose of this study was an overall evaluation of some in vitro characteristics of four new sealants (Delton LC, Helioseal, Pentra-Seal and Visioseal) in comparison with a chemically cured control (Delton). The results indicate that the monomer systems utilized in the new materials have already been used in dental polymer technology. The relatively new monomers TCDDMA/TCDMA were identified in one product. Camphoroquinone is used as a photoinitiator in all the light-cured systems which, after 40 s exposure, present better conversion than the control. The extent of oxygen inhibition was considerably reduced in the new sealants and the surface hardness was enhanced. Great differences were obtained in the penetration coefficient values; these, however, did not affect the enamel retention capacity of the materials tested. Consequently, light-cured sealants should be considered to be strongly compatible with the conventional chemically cured sealants from a laboratory aspect until more clinical evidence is available for their effectiveness in the prevention of pit and fissure decay.