The state-of-the-art of ART sealants.
Sealing caries-prone pits and fissure systems is an effective caries-preventive measure. There are basically two types of sealant materials: glass-ionomer and resin-based materials. Low- and medium-viscosity glass-ionomers were initially used and showed a low level of retention. With the advent of the ART approach in the mid-nineties, high-viscosity glass-ionomers were introduced as sealant material and the retention rate of ART sealants increased substantially. As the effectiveness of a sealant is measured by its capacity to prevent (dentine) carious lesion development, sealant retention is considered a surrogate endpoint. The ART sealant protocol is described. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis covering low- medium- and high-viscosity glass-ionomer (ART) sealants have concluded that there is no evidence that either glass-ionomer or resin-based sealants prevent dentine carious lesions better. The annual dentine carious lesion development in teeth with high-viscosity glass-ionomer ART sealants over the first three years is 1%. These ART sealants have a high capacity of preventing carious lesion development. Because no electricity and running water is required, ART sealants can be placed both inside and outside the dental surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
High-viscosity glass-ionomer ART sealants can be used alongside resin-based sealants.41:119-124
Jo E
JE
Frencken
D057087:Dental Atraumatic Restorative Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D019279:Resin Cements