Comparison of Retention Rate for Fissure Sealing Between Glass Ionomer and Resin Composite

Abstract

Background: Children with psychological and/or physical disabilities face elevated caries risk and practical barriers to moisture control, making fissure sealant selection critical for preventive dentistry in special-needs settings (1,3). Objective: To compare short-term retention of a resin-based fissure sealant versus a resin-modified glass ionomer sealant on permanent first molars in children with disabilities. Methods: A split-mouth clinical comparative study was conducted at Bolan Medical College/Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan (6 October 2019–7 April 2020). Thirty-two eligible children with disability diagnoses received both materials across permanent first molars (Clinpro resin sealant; Vitremer resin-modified glass ionomer). Retention was assessed at 3 and 6 months using a three-level scale (completely present/partially present/lost) and a binary outcome (success = completely present). Results: At 3 months, complete retention was 65.63% for Clinpro and 70.31% for Vitremer, with no significant difference in the 3-category distribution (p=0.285) and a non-significant success difference (RD +4.69%). At 6 months, complete retention was identical (53.12% each), with no significant difference in retention distribution (p=0.240) or binary success (RR 1.00). No cavitated caries was detected on clinical examination during follow-up. Conclusion: In special-needs children, resin-based and resin-modified glass ionomer sealants achieved comparable complete retention at six months, supporting flexible material choice based on clinical feasibility and preventive strategy.