Novel Polymer Matrix for Dental Applications

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Dental caries are the most common childhood disease in the United States. Dental sealants are materials that are applied to the pits and fissures of healthy teeth to prevent dental caries or other forms of decay. This method prevents bacteria ingress and acid dissolution and targets the portions of the tooth surface where ~90% of the decay develops. Peer-reviewed research incontrovertibly substantiates that sealants are safe and effective in preventing caries on both primary and permanent teeth (gt 90% reduction in caries on the sealed surface). The application of sealants is minimally invasive, painless and is typically well-accepted by patients, and sealants are a valuable tool to reduce overall dental care costs. Two major classes of materials have been used as sealants: glass ionomers and resins based sealants. Glass ionomers release fluoride that provides some antimicrobial and re-mineralization activity; however they have a higher water uptake, poorer retention and hi