• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.196-203
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• 2003

The application of sealants is a highly technique-sensitive procedure, requiring an extremely dry field prior to placement. Moisture contamination of the etched enamel surface before sealant placement is cited as the main reason for sealant failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different methods of sealant application on the shear bond strength of sealants to enamel. In groups 1, 2, 3, 4 Teethmate(unfilled sealant) was used, while Ultraseal XTplus(filled sealant) was used in groups 5, 6, 7, 8. Groups 1 and 5(control) were acid etched for 15 seconds using 35% phosphoric acid, washed and then dried. In groups 2, 6 drying agents were applied, and in groups 3, 7 bonding agents were applied and light cured. In groups 4 and 8 both drying agent and bonding agent were applied. Then sealant was cured to the specimen using molds 3mm in diameter and 2mm in height. Thermocycling was performed and shear bond strength was finally measured. The following results were obtained : 1. Groups using filled sealant(groups 5, 6, 7, 8) showed higher shear bond strengths compared to groups using unfilled sealant(groups 1, 2, 3, 4). 2. Among groups using unfilled sealant(groups 1, 2, 3, 4), groups 2, 3, 4 showed significantly higher shear bond strength compared to group 1(p<0.05). There were no significant differences among groups 2, 3 and 4. 3. There were no significant differences(p>0.05) among groups using filled sealant(groups 5, 6, 7, 8). 4. When modes of fracture were examined, cohesive failure was observed in groups 2, 3 and 4.