title: An in-vitro evaluation of mechanical and esthetic properties of orthodontic sealants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate mechanical and esthetic Properties of two commercially available orthodontic sealants: Opal(®)Seal (OS) and L.E.D. Pro Seal (PS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Discs of each sealant were prepared to test the following properties: Micro hardness, wear resistance and color stability. Samples were randomly selected after the wear test for SEM imaging to analyze surface morphology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OS was significantly harder than PS (P < 0.001). PS was significantly more wear resistant than OS (P < 0.05). PS showed a greater ∆E*ab (increased staining) when placed in wine or coffee showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). SEM showed particle size, shape and distribution were different for PS and OS reflecting the pattern seen on wear surfaces.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both orthodontic sealants are beneficial for protecting enamel. However with better wear properties PS was superior in resisting mechanical stresses. OS was more color stable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Growth and Development, Orthodontic Section, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Thyagaseely Sheela
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Premaraj
authors.affiliation: Department of Growth and Development, Orthodontic Section, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Nima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rohani
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry, UNMC College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Covey
authors.affiliation: Department of Growth and Development, Orthodontic Section, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Sundaralingam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Premaraj
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hua
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry, UNMC College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Hidehiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Watanabe
keywords: Esthetics; micro hardness; orthodontic sealants; wear properties; white spot lesions