Consultants’ Comments

• “The clarity of the material is ideal.”
• “Cured sealant feels much harder than my usual sealant.”
• “I really love this product. I have always had concern about sealants because you can’t see under them. With this product, my worries are over – and I can still use my caries detector.”
• “Easy to apply and control.”
• “A tint of color would improve visibility during placement.”
• “Hard to detect sealant at recall.”

Description

Control Seal is a highly filled, transparent pit and fissure sealant. It is designed to provide visual access to the underlying tooth structure and allow for monitoring with the use of laser diagnostic tools. Control Seal contains fluoride and has a filler content of 55% (by weight). It is reported to have a high compressive strength, high flexural strength, and a low level of abrasion. Control Seal is highly flowable under pressure and stable when pressure subsides. Control Seal is available in the NDT syringe (Non Dripping Technology) which, combined with a very thin cannula, provides accuracy of placement without dripping. Procedure includes a 30-second etch, rinse, dry, application of Control Seal, and 20-second light cure. Each kit contains three, 2 g syringes of sealant plus etchant. Control Seal was evaluated by 30 consultants in 528 uses. This pit and fissure sealant received an 87% clinical rating.

Product Features

Control Seal has a very low viscosity, permitting deep penetration into occlusal grooves, pits and fissures. The syringe design and narrow tips allow controlled placement without expressing excess sealant or dripping after use. The transparency is very much a matter of personal preference, with consultants nearly equally split on whether they preferred a clear sealant versus one with some color or opacity. Being able to see the underlying tooth and potentially use a laser caries detector through the sealant was reported to be an advantage by some consultants. The lack of color makes it difficult to see the sealant during placement and during occlusal adjustment. Ease of occlusal adjustment is only limited by the ability to see it on the tooth surface. Control Seal sets hard with good retention.

Clinical Tips

• Use light pressure on syringe – it is difficult to see where the sealant is on the tooth.
• Keep the tip imbedded in the material during placement.