Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

Why does unfilled resin material not require occlusal adjustment?

1. It is self-polishing

2. It is softer than tooth structure

3. It is self-adjusting

4. It bonds better to enamel

The correct answer is: It is self-adjusting

Unfilled resin material does not require occlusal adjustment primarily because it is self-adjusting. When placed in the pits and fissures of teeth, unfilled resin can flow and adapt to the occlusal contours of the tooth. This inherent property allows the material to adjust itself to the bite forces and the natural occlusion of the teeth without the need for additional modifications or adjustments after application. This characteristic serves to maintain the natural occlusal relationship and ensure that the sealant does not interfere with the patient's bite. By being self-adjusting, the resin can minimize the risk of creating premature contacts or discomfort that could arise if adjustment were necessary. While factors such as being self-polishing, being softer than tooth structure, or having superior bonding to enamel might influence other aspects of the sealant's performance, they do not directly relate to the reason why occlusal adjustment is not required. The self-adjusting nature of unfilled resin is critical to its performance and helps facilitate a smoother adjustment to the existing tooth structure.