This review article summarises information about materials used as dental sealants. In the first part of this article the evolution of these materials is provided and the characteristics of contemporary sealant materials are compared. The currently used sealants are divided into several groups of indication, based on the patient’s individual situation and on the properties of each material. The indication groups are formed on the basis of the patient’s dental care level, the morphology of the tooth and its surfaces, the risk of caries and the patient’s general health state. The arguments for and against the dental pits and fissures sealing are evaluated in the following discussion. The last part of this review indicates the most repeated causes of sealant failure and its consequences. At the end, the potential side effects of sealing materials are mentioned and further exploration is suggested.

        Key words: pit and fissure sealants – dental materials – indication