3M ESPE has updated the Clinpro Sealant instructions to include using Adper Prompt Self-Etch Adhesive as an alternative to the traditional phosphoric acid-etch step. Several advantages of this technique include:
* Time savings
* Simplified procedure
* Easier patient management (excellent for pediatric patients!)
* Excellent bond to uncut enamel
An excellent bond to uncut enamel is essential for retention of a sealant. When considering using a self-etch adhesive, instead of the traditional phosphoric acid treatment, it is important to know the effectiveness of the adhesive when bonding to uncut enamel surfaces. Most of the self-etch adhesives on the market are not indicated for uncut enamel surfaces unless the surface is first treated with phosphoric acid, followed by placement of the adhesive. This would not allow for a simplified placement process for sealants.
Adper Prompt Self-Etch Adhesive is unique in that it provides a high bond to uncut enamel surfaces without having to first etch the enamel. Adper Prompt adhesive provides for a lower pH and higher acidity to more effectively etch the uncut enamel surfaces compared to most self-etch adhesives on the market.
To test the hypothesis that Adper Prompt Adhesive would be a simple and effective solution for bonding light-cure sealants, independent investigations into both adhesive and microleakage were conducted. Test results (available upon request), indicated bond strength equal to that of phosphoric acid treated enamel, while microleakage results indicated even lower microleakage than with the conventional acid treatment.
As concluded in an article published in the American Journal of Dentistry, the use of Adper Prompt Self-Etch Adhesive has several advantages over the traditional sealant technique, including time savings, lowered complexity of treatment, and decreased challenge of patient management.
Following is the recommended procedure for using the Adper Prompt Self-etch adhesive for the placement of resin-based sealants:
1. Thoroughly clean teeth to remove plaque and debris from enamel surfaces and fissures; do not use a cleaning medium that contains oils or fluoride.
2. Rinse with water and dry.
3. Prepare adhesive according to dispensing instructions. A lightly yellow-tinted applicator tip indicates proper activation.
4. Brush the Adper Prompt adhesive onto the surface to be sealed; scrub for a complete 15 seconds. Do not shorten this time, as proper bonding will not occur if the solution is simply applied and dispersed.
5. Use a gentle stream of air to thoroughly dry the adhesive to a thin film. The surface will appear glossy, but not moist.
6. Apply a light-cured sealant, such as Clinpro sealant from 3M ESPE.
7. Light-cure the sealant and adhesive together with a halogen, LED, or plasma light for the amount of time specified to cure the sealant.
In summary, using Adper Prompt Self-Etch Adhesive with a resin-based sealant, such as Clinpro Sealant, is an outstanding way to simplify the traditional sealant technique.
For more information on this technique, visit the 3M ESPE Web site at www.3MESPE.com. Or call Customer Care at (800) 634-2249. For a free sample that includes Adper Prompt Self-Etch Adhesive and Clinpro Sealant, call (888) 640-7121, ext. 3, or visit the 3M ESPE Web site.
