Abstract
An area of research in dental materials has focused on the development of cariostatic materials. One specific approach has focused on the incorporation of microcapsules that release calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions. The microcapsules approach provides a slow sustained release of ions which is useful in the remineralization process. In order to use these microcapsules in dental materials, the effect of microcapsule incorporation on viscosity needs to be understood. Therefore, in this study we looked at the effect of microcapsules on the viscosity of pit and fissure sealants. We prepared a series of formulations to determine the effect of microcapsules on the viscosity of the formulations. Control formulations were prepared with only the monomers. This was followed by control formulations with monomers at different glass loadings. Finally, formulations were prepared with monomers at specific glass loadings, with and without microcapsules. The viscosity was measured as a function of shear rate and time to understand the fluid behavior of these systems.