Are GIC sealants as effective as composite sealants in caries prevention?

Abstract

Fissure sealants (FS) are micro-invasive procedures that have proved to be effective in caries prevention in caries-free, first permanent molars. Within high-caries risk individuals, fissure sealants arrest the caries process in early caries lesions stages. Composite resin (CR) sealants have been recognized as the gold standard FS material; however, new evidence has emerged in relation to GIC sealants in their applicability and longevity. This review provides evidence-based information supporting the effectiveness of GIC sealants in caries prevention in comparison to CR sealants, by assessing their properties, methodology and utility in healthy and anomaly-affected teeth. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article will inform clinicians about the effectiveness of GIC sealants and CR sealants in caries prevention.