How do unfilled sealants behave over time?

Unfilled sealants are designed to provide a protective barrier on the surfaces of teeth, particularly in grooves and pits where cavities are most likely to form. Over time, unfilled sealants can adapt to the occlusion and wear patterns of the patient. As a result, they gradually wear down and conform to the shape of the teeth, ensuring a better fit and optimal protection.

This behavior is crucial because it allows the sealant to maintain its sealing properties against bacterial infiltration while also accommodating the changes that occur during chewing and other dental activities. The adaptability of unfilled sealants, as they wear into place, supports their function in preventing caries and preserving the integrity of the tooth structure.

In contrast, other options refer to behaviors that do not typically occur with unfilled sealants. They don't simply remain unchanged or become brittle; rather, their performance is actively influenced by the mechanical forces they encounter in the oral environment. Additionally, while sealants can lose effectiveness over time due to wear, this is not the main characteristic of unfilled sealants; instead, they tend to hold efficacy longer as they adjust to the tooth's surface.