In-Vitro Investigation of the Effect of Tooth Brushing on Materials Used as Fissure Sealants

Background The abrasive action of toothbrushing can alter the surface properties of dental restorative materials, potentially compromising their longevity and clinical success. This study investigated the in vitro effect of simulated toothbrushing on the surface roughness and microhardness of various fissure sealant materials. Methods Five distinct fissure sealant materials were evaluated: Clinpro Sealant (resin-based), Vertise Flow (self-adhesive composite), Beautisealant (giomer), Fuji Triage (glass ionomer), and GCP Glass Carbomer (glass carbomer). Twenty-four samples were prepared for each material and divided into two groups (n = 12 per group). Samples underwent simulated toothbrushing for either 5,000 cycles (equivalent to 6 months) or 10,000 cycles (equivalent to 12 months). Following brushing, changes in microhardness and surface roughness were measured, and surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 23 (p < 0.05). Results Compared to initial measurements, statistically significant decreases in microhardness were observed in Vertise Flow and Glass Carbomer after brushing. Glass Carbomer exhibited the most substantial microhardness reduction, with a 32.969% decrease from initial to 12-month brushing. Clinpro Sealant showed the most significant increase in surface roughness (128.088% from initial to 12-month brushing), with this increase being statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions Simulated toothbrushing negatively impacted the surface properties of all tested fissure sealants. Self-adhesive flowable composites generally demonstrated superior performance in terms of surface roughness compared to glass ionomer-based materials throughout the study.