A randomised clinical trial on the use of intermediate bonding on the retention of fissure sealants in children

ObjectiveTo assess whether an adhesive bonding agent increases the retention of resin fissure sealants on first permanent molars (FPMs) and to determine any difference in sealant retention on occlusal, buccal, or palatal surfaces. The effect of the child's behaviour on the retention of the sealants was also assessed. MethodsOne hundred and twelve children were recruited (age range 5-15years). One operator placed sealants (Helioseal, Ivoclar Vivadent) on 390 FPMs using a split-mouth design. The study group, (n=195), had an ethanol-based adhesive bond (ExciTEF, Ivoclar Vivadent) placed prior to sealant application, and no bond was used in the control group (n=195). The sealants were reviewed after 12months and analysed using Fisher's exact test. ResultsThe addition of a bonding agent significantly increased sealant retention (P=0.0005). Retention of bonded sealants on occlusal surfaces was higher (98%) than non-bonded sealants (93%) (P=0.08). Bonded sealants placed on buccal/palatal surfaces were retained (92%) more successfully than non-bonded sealants (82%) (P=0.0005). The behaviour of the patient significantly affected the retention of fissure sealants (P=0.0001). ConclusionsThe addition of an ethanol-based bonding agent significantly increased the retention of sealants at 12months particularly on palatal fissures of maxillary first permanent molar teeth.