Which type of sealant is polymerized by chemical reaction?

Self-cured sealants are polymerized through a chemical reaction that occurs when two components are mixed together. This process is often initiated by a chemical activator that triggers the polymerization reaction, allowing the sealant material to harden and bond to the tooth surface without the need for an external light source.

Understanding self-cured materials is important in dental assisting, as they are often used in situations where light-curing may not be practical or possible. The chemical reaction involved provides a time-efficient and reliable means of achieving solid sealing of pits and fissures to prevent decay.

In contrast, light-cured sealants rely on exposure to a curing light to activate the polymerization process. Dual-cured sealants can be polymerized by both light activation and a chemical reaction, which provides flexibility in their use. Thermoplastic materials are not typically used in dental sealant applications because they don't undergo polymerization through the same chemical processes as self-cured or light-cured materials.