Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant - Tried and True Product July 2009
Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant
Amorphous calcium phosphate is a key ingredient of Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant, remineralizing enamel and dentin and keeping patients free of caries on occlusal surfaces.
Pit and fissure sealants have become a standard of care for caries prevention and a basic tool in most general dentistry practices. Etched-enamel bonded-resin sealants remain the most effective strategy for prevention of pit and fissure caries.1 Many practitioners use sealants on all their young patients, and they are increasingly placing them on patients of all ages who are at high risk for developing caries. Research shows that sealants protect against future decay and can reduce the risk of decay by 55% over 7 years.2
Since its introduction in May 2004, the Bosworth Company’s Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant has been a product that stands out among its competitors. This light-cured pit and fissure sealant releases “the smart material,” amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), a noncrystalline form of calcium phosphate that stimulates remineralization of the tooth structure by mimicking its natural repair mechanism. ACP is the first nonfluoride therapy to remineralize enamel and dentin.3,4
How ACP Works
Under normal conditions, teeth dissolve and rebuild themselves. But when the surrounding pH drops to the point where teeth are dissolving faster than they can be rebuilt, tooth decay begins. ACP tips the balance back toward reconstruction.5 ACP mainly works by enhancing the natural healing process of saliva.
ACP is an important precursor in the biological formation of hydroxyapatite. Because it is one of the most soluble forms of calcium phosphate, ACP is able to rapidly convert to crystalline hydroxyapatite. Aegis Pit & Fissure’s specially formulated ACP resin exhibits an extended time-release nature, acting as a source for calcium and phosphate. When low-pH conditions develop because of bacterial attack, other biological organisms releasing acid, food decomposition, or acidic beverages, ACP rapidly releases calcium and phosphate ions that precipitate to remineralize the tooth structure.
Once the calcium phosphate is released, ACP will act to neutralize the acid and buffer the pH. ACP acts as a reinforcement to the tooth’s natural defense system only when it’s needed.
ACP is featured in the other products in Bosworth Company’s Aegis line of products: Aegis Orthodontic Adhesive and Aegis Crown and Bridge Cement. In May 2005, Bosworth’s Aegis line of products received the “Excellence in Technology Transfer” award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium.
Strength, Long Life, Better Seal
ACP’s resilience and flexibility makes Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant a stronger and longer-lasting sealant. According to the ADA Professional Product Review, Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant has among the lowest shrinkage stress and slowest rate of stress development during curing, which may contribute to a better marginal seal.1
Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant works with any light-curing device. The product is applied with the usual technique of etching, rinsing, and light-curing for 20 seconds. It cures to a slightly opaque tooth color for increased visibility on enamel.
Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant is dispensed via syringe, making it very convenient to use. Its controlled flowability allows for better handling, keeping the sealant on the tooth while completely filling the pits and fissures. Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant also can be used on cracked, deciduous teeth and as a class V resin liner.
Effectiveness without Patient Compliance
When properly placed and maintained, Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant creates a chemical and thermal barrier that can help keep children free from carious lesions on the occlusal surfaces. And unlike a prophy paste or rinse that contains ACP, Aegis Pit & Fissure Sealant is long-lasting and doesn’t wash out, giving it the added bonus of remaining effective without depending on patient compliance. —Jackie Syrop
References
1. The bottom line. ADA Professional Product Review. Winter 2008, p. 1.
2. Summitt JB, William Robbins J, Schwartz RS. Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry: A Contemporary Approach, 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: Quintessence Publishing, 2001, p. 274.
3. Garvin J. ACP: the next big thing. ADA News. August 20, 2007. Available at http://www. ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanews article.asp?articleid=2632. Accessed February 17, 2009.
4. Lowe RA. Tooth remineralization and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). Dental Products Report. May 2004.
5. Marsa L. Teeth smart enough to repair themselves. A new technology is being touted as the next step beyond fluoride in preventing cavities. LA Times. 2003;July 7: F3.
