Twenty-four month clinical evaluation of fissure sealants on partially erupted permanent first molars: glass ionomer versus resin-based sealant.

Background: Glass ionomer sealants are an alternative to resin-based sealants, especially for use in partially erupted permanent molars. The authors conducted a study to compare the retention, marginal staining and cariostatic properties of a glass ionomer sealant with those of a resin-based sealant during a 24-month period.

Methods: We included in this study 39 patients aged 5 through 9 years who had bilateral partially erupted first permanent molars.