Comparative Study of Flexural Strength of Photocomposite Dental Enamel Sealants

Abstract

Background. Dental caries is a widespread worldwide disease of multifactorial genesis. The leading mechanism of its development is a long-term imbalance of the physiological balance between the inorganic component of the teeth hard tissues and the liquid biofilm formed on their surface, the predominance of the demineralization processes in hard tissues over the processes of remineralization. The use of dental enamel sealants has proven to be effective in preventing and reducing the intensity of dental caries. Modern bioactive polymer sealants for enamel contain such remineralizing agents as sodium fluoride, nanoamorphous calcium phosphate, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and particles of bioactive glass. For all dental composite filling materials, mechanical stability is one of the prerequisites for the long-term clinical success of restorations and fillings, and accordingly, temporary protective structures made of sealants.
 Aim: to compare the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of three modern photocomposite enamel sealants.
 Materials and methods. In laboratory conditions for three modern photocomposite dental materials for sealing fissures and pits of enamel "Fissurit FX" (VOCO), "Clinpro™ Sealant" (3M™ ESPE™) and "Jen-Fissufil" (Jendental-Ukraine LLC) a flexural strength (three-point test) and elastic modulus were determined in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 4049:2019. 6 samples of each material, polymerized and kept for a day in humid conditions, were examined.
 Results. The highest elastic modulus and flexural strength were in "Fissurit FX" – 5.17±0.80 GPa (M=5.00 GPa) and 130.07±7.75 MPa (M=127.81 MPa), respectively. In "Clinpro™ Sealant" the elastic modulus was 2.97±0.12 GPa (М=3.00 GPa), the flexural strength was 100.01±14.33 (М=96.73) MPa. In "Jen-Fissufil" the elastic modulus was 3.47±0.52 GPa (M=3.17 GPa), the flexural strength was 90.91±6.66 MPa (M=93.02 MPa). The studied indicators of all three materials exceeded the requirements of the international standard ISO 4049:2019.
 Conclusion. The performed studies showed high mechanical properties of all three dental sealants for enamel and that they have the potential to withstand long-term periodic masticatory load when functioning on the surface of teeth.