Physico-chemical properties and composition govern adhesion of resin-based dental fissure sealants: A preliminary in vitro study.

Abstract

Background: Dental sealants are used to caulk fissures and pits in order to prevent caries development both in deciduous and permanent dentition. Loss of sealant integrity leads to the formation of marginal gaps, consequently increasing the risk of caries.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the physicochemical and clinically relevant properties of 3 commercially available resin-based pit and fissure sealants: Arkona Fissure Sealant (AFS; Arkona, Nasutów, Poland), Flow-Color (FC; Arkona, Nasutów, Poland) and Flow-It ALC (FIA; Pentron, Orange, USA).

Material and methods: After polymerization in dedicated molds, the materials were characterized using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), surface free energy (SFE) measurements and micromechanical testing to evaluate structural and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to visualize sample morphology and determine elemental composition. An in vitro fluoride release study was conducted in artificial saliva at varying pH values (4.5, 5.5, 7.0, 7.5), with deionized water as a reference. Measurements were recorded at 1, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and then weekly for up to 7 weeks.

Results: AFS exhibited the highest values of SFE (38.4 mJ/m2), Vickers hardness (51.93 HV) and indentation modulus (11.93 kN/mm2). All sealants demonstrated cumulative fluoride release over the incubation period, with the highest release observed for AFS in artificial saliva at pH = 7.5 (0.772 ppm). FTIR spectra of all materials confirmed the presence of polymer backbones as declared by the manufacturers.

Conclusions: Presented findings provide insight into material-dependent properties influencing adhesion, mechanical performance and ion release of resin-based dental sealants. Among the tested materials, AFS exhibited the most favorable overall profile, combining high filler content, optimized particle architecture, superior mechanical strength, elevated surface energy, and sustained fluoride release, which together support robust adhesion, resistance to occlusal forces and effective caries prevention.