Retention of three fissure sealant resins. The effects of etching agent and curing method. Results over 3 years.

Results are reported of a 3-year blind study comparing three different fissure sealants, using a system of contralateral control teeth. A total of 744 first permanent molars were sealed for 186 children, aged 6-7 years at the start of the study. Resin was applied by a dental therapist and all recall examinations were carried out by the same dentist. Resin was fully retained on 77% of teeth at the end of 3 years. After the same time an unfilled light-cured resin was significantly better retained than a filled light-cured resin. The two light-cured resins in the study were retained better on the right side of the mouth than on the left, but there was no comparable significant difference for retention of the control chemically-cured material. The use of enchant in gel form was as effective as liquid etching.