Clinical Evaluation of Two Transparent Fissure Sealants After 12 Months

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the retention and surface characteristics of two pit and fissure sealants on first permanent molars: the new transparent sealant ControlSeal (Voco GmbH) and the established material Helioseal Clear (Ivoclar Vivadent).
Methods: 70 children aged 6-11years participated in this study. A split-mouth design was used in which the two fissure sealants (ControlSeal and Helioseal Clear) were randomly placed in 70 matched pairs of permanent first molar teeth by one calibrated, non-blinded operator. Sealants were rated by a single trained, calibrated and blinded examiner using mouth mirrors and probes at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Retention was classified as either a success (total retention) or a failure (partial retention or not present). Furthermore, marginal discoloration, marginal adaption and surface texture of the pit and fissure sealants were evaluated (modified Ryge criteria).
Results: Of the 70 children provided with sealants at baseline, all returned at 6-month recall appointments and 69 reported at the 12-month recall for blind evaluation. At 6 months, ControlSeal and Helioseal Clear both showed 97.1% total retention. The 12-month results for ControlSeal were 85.5% total retention and 88.4% for Helioseal Clear. This slight difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Marginal discolorations were observed in 10.1% (ControlSeal) and 17.4% (Helioseal Clear) after one year. 79.7% (55 teeth) showed a smooth surface texture in the ControlSeal group compared to 29.4% (20 teeth) in the Helioseal Clear group. None of the teeth showed signs of secondary caries after 12 months.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that the clinical performance of Helioseal Clear and the new transparent fissure sealant ControlSeal is not different according to retention. Both materials performed well for sealing of pits and fissures. Nevertheless, ControlSeal was better with respect to surface texture and marginal discoloration.