Marginal Adaptation of Sealer Material Interfaces. A SEM Study

Objectives: This in vitro study evaluated the marginal adaptation (gap formation) in the fissure of different sealer materials (Resin sealant, Glass-ionomer cement, Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, and adhesive system) submitted to physical and chemical stress, using Scanning Electron Microscopy evaluation (SEM), Methods: Eighty impacted human third molars were randomly assigned to the following experimental groups (n=10): FluroShield (F), Helioseal Clear Chroma (H), Vitremer (V), Fuji II-LC (FII), Ketac Molar (KM), Fuji IX (FIX), Single Bond (SB), and Clearfil Protect Bond (CF). All groups were subjected to thermo cycling and 14-days of pH cycling. A blinded and calibrated examiner performed SEM analysis. Gap formation was scored according to: 0 - no sealant marginal gaps; 1 - sealant marginal gaps present or total sealant loss. The score 0 was considered a success, while scores of 1 represented failure. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p<0.05), Results: The success rates of SB (100%) and V (90%) were statistically superior to CF (0%) (p<0.05), but not to the groups FII (70%), KM (60%), F (30%) and H (20%), resin sealants showed intermediate results. Materials such as F, H, FII, KM, and FIX presented no difference among themselves (p>0.05), Conclusions: Single Bond and Vitremer materials provided the highest success rate of marginal adaptation in fissure systems and were able to support the stress conditions offered by this in vitro model.