Bond strength to unground enamel and sealing ability in pits and fissures of a new self-adhering flowable resin composite

Objective: To evaluate the applicability as a sealant of a new self-adhering flowable resin composite (Vertise Flow, Kerr, VF) by assessing shear bond strength (SBS) to unground enamel and microleakage (mu LKG) in sealed pits and fissures. Study Design: Marketed sealants to be used in combination with phosphoric acid (Guardian Seal, Kerr, GS) or with a self-etch adhesive (Adper Prompt-L-Pop/Clinpro Sealant, 3M ESPE, CS) were compared to VF. For SBS testing on unground enamel 10 molars per group were used. For mu LKG assessment, pits and fissures sealing was performed in 12 molars per group. The sealed teeth were immersed in a 50% weight silver nitrate solution for 24 hours and the extent of interfacial leakage was measured Between-group differences in SBS were assessed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). mu LKG data were analyzed with Kruskall-Wallis ANOVA (p>0.05). Results: SBS of VF was statistically similar to that measured by CS and higher than that of GS. Interfacial leakage was similar in the three groups. Conclusions: The finding of satisfactory bond strength and sealing ability of VF when compared to the marketed sealants encourages the use of VF in pit and fissure sealing.