Microleakage and Retention of Resin-Based and Bioactive Giomer-based Dental Sealants After Thermocycling: An in Vitro Study

Abstract Background:
Dental sealants play a crucial role in preventing dental caries, particularly on occlusal surfaces. However, microleakage at the sealant-enamel interface poses a significant challenge to their long-term effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the microleakage and retention of five commercially available dental sealants, including resin-based and bioactive formulations, after undergoing 10,000 cycles of thermocycling.
Methods:
A total of 45 extracted human premolars were randomly assigned to five groups (n=9), with each group receiving one of the following sealants: Helioseal, Rainbow Flow, BioCoat, BeautiSealant, and Beautifil Kids SA. The sealants were applied according to a standardized protocol and subjected to thermocycling between 5°C and 55°C. Microleakage was assessed using dye penetration, and retention was evaluated through visual inspection. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher’s Exact tests.
Results:
Helioseal, Rainbow Flow, and BioCoat exhibited no microleakage and demonstrated complete retention post-thermocycling. Conversely, Beautifil Kids SA showed the highest level of microleakage, with significant differences noted (p = 0.0013) compared to the aforementioned sealants. Retention rates for Helioseal, Rainbow Flow, and BioCoat were 100%, while BeautiSealant and Beautifil Kids SA exhibited sealant loss in 11.11% of samples, with no statistically significant differences across the groups.
Conclusion:
Helioseal, Rainbow Flow, and BioCoat displayed superior resistance to microleakage and better retention, making them preferable for long-term clinical application. In contrast, while Beautifil Kids SA emphasizes fluoride release, it demonstrates limitations in sealing efficacy under thermal stress. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess in vivo performance over time.