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4.1 Sealant Material Selection
Resin-Based vs. Glass Ionomer Materials
- The effectiveness of resin-based sealants has been demonstrated repeatedly and depends upon sealant retention. Glass ionomer sealant materials’ retention rates are inadequate.
- According to the American Dental Association, resin-based sealant materials are superior to glass ionomer materials.
- ODH-funded programs are required to use resin-based materials rather than glass ionomer materials.
Filled vs. Unfilled Materials
- When more filler than necessary to adjust viscosity is added to dental sealant materials, hardness increases, and ability to self-adjust decreases. Also, the penetrativity of the sealant decreases with increased filler amount.
- ODH-funded programs must use dental sealant materials that are either unfilled or have less than 10 percent filler by weight. This allows for sealant materials to quickly self-adjust through normal occlusion. Materials with high filler levels (i.e., 30 to 60 percent by weight) require the use of a bur to adjust occlusion, which adds a step to the sealant-application process. In addition, dental hygienists and dental auxiliaries in Ohio are not allowed to use burs to perform this step. Finally, high filler levels have not been shown to increase sealant longevity.
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