Sealing proximal surfaces with polyurethane tape: three-year evaluation.

The purpose of this investigation was to test the safety and clinical effect of a new material for the treatment of proximal caries. In 50 patients with two proximal initial lesions, one of the lesions was randomly chosen and sealed with a thin polyurethane-dimethacrylate foil using bonding. The other lesion received oral home care and was left as the control. In clinical follow-ups after 6 and 12 months and X-ray evaluation after 2 and 3 years, the sealants showed good retention, marginal adaptation, and color. No relevant significant differences in plaque accumulation or gingival status were found between sealed and control teeth. On the radiographs, almost all sealed and control lesions appeared stable, indicating an arrest of the lesion. In conclusion, sealing initial proximal lesions showed no clinical problems and mostly arrest of caries on bitewing radiographs.