Dental Sealants —Tiny Shields for Big Smiles
The medical industry is constantly evolving in terms of technology. Fortunately, technology has provided a low-cost and safe answer for helping individuals maintain proper dental hygiene. Dental sealants are one of the solutions. While it is mostly recommended for kids, people of all ages may benefit.
You should be aware of the numerous benefits of dental sealants, as well as the application technique and care instructions. A general dentistry dentist can tell you all about this, so schedule a consultation today.
Understanding dental sealants – what are they?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied on the chewing surface of teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant adheres directly to the grooves and depressions of the teeth, acting as a protective layer over the enamel of each tooth.
Brushing and flossing may readily remove food particles and plaque from flat surfaces of teeth, but food debris lodged in small recesses and nooks at the rear teeth cannot be reached by either floss or toothbrush. Sealant is used to seal the grooves and depressions.
How kids can benefit from dental sealants.
In the United States, fewer than 25% of kids benefited from sealants to protect their teeth. Many children develop rot in the grooves and depressions of their premolars and molars, making them excellent candidates for sealants. For further protection, adolescents and teens should have sealants placed on their permanent premolars and molars as soon as they emerge during the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
Dental sealants are also effective for infant teeth, which have deep grooves and depressions. The optimal spacing for a baby’s permanent teeth is only achievable if the milk teeth are healthy and do not fall out before the permanent teeth emerge.
Of course, adults may benefit from dental sealants to safeguard their smiles as well.
Dental sealants are effective and painless.
Getting dental sealants is a simple and painless procedure. Your dentist and the staff will clean your child’s teeth, use a special gel, and then paint the sealant. It is a simple process that may offer years of protection.
Once applied, dental sealants can endure for several years, successfully protecting your child’s teeth throughout their most cavity-prone years. Regular checks with your dentist will verify that the sealants are intact and provide ongoing protection.
The application of dental sealants.
The installation of dental sealants is relatively straightforward. First, the dentist cleans the teeth and then puts a gel on the chewing surface for a while. The teeth are then cleaned and dried. Then, the sealant is applied to the tooth. The dentist may additionally lighten the teeth to solidify the sealant, creating a protective shell.
Want to know more about dental sealants and whether they are a good option for you? Speak to your dentist today!
