Dental Sealants
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth. Sealants require a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This works to “seal” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
- Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
- Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth.
- Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
- Sealants are more affordable and less invasive to prevent cavities than it is to treat irreversible dental decay.
- Sealants are white or clear in color, making them virtually invisible when talking, smiling or eating.
- Children and adults can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.
Am I a candidate for dental sealants?
Children and teens are common candidates for dental sealants because of the possibility of developing decay in the grooves and depressions of back of the teeth, specifically the molars and pre-molars. But, adults who do not have fillings or decay in the back of the teeth may also find sealants advantageous.
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. If needed, we can replace dental sealants.
