Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that is added to the back teeth. It fills in the fissures in the molars. Why would you want this protective coating added to your teeth? This coating will help protect your teeth from getting cavities. Bacteria can hide in the groves of your molar teeth, which eat away at your protective coating. Therefore, this can end up causing you to get more cavities. Having dental sealants applied just gives a little extra backup protection from that happening.
Who Should Get Sealants?
Dental sealants are best applied to your children’s teeth between the ages of 6-14 years old. As you know, your kids may not be the best at getting their teeth clean when brushing. Maybe your kids haven’t developed the best oral routines yet. Or maybe they inherited teeth that are prone to getting more cavities. Despite your best efforts to make sure they brush and floss their teeth on a daily basis, they can still get cavities. Sealants are one more protective option for them. It is best to apply these to permanent adult teeth but if your child is prone to decay, then they can also be applied to baby teeth.
What If I Want Dental Sealants for My Teeth as an Adult?
They can be applied to your adult teeth. However, most dental insurance companies do not cover sealants for adults. Therefore, it will be an out-of-pocket expense for you.
Teeth Sensitive to Cold?
If you suffer from super sensitive teeth to cold, sealants may be another option to alleviate that problem for you.
How Are They Applied
- Teeth are cleaned by your dentist or hygienist
- Your teeth are dried and absorbent material is placed around them to keep them dry
- A mild solution to “etch” the teeth is applied (to rough up the surface)
- This solution is washed off after a few seconds
- The teeth are dried again
- Sealant is painted on the surface of the molars
- The sealant is “light cured” which helps it harden faster
- There are different types of sealant material, so some may require a bit of grinding after to make sure you have a good bite still
How Long Will They Last?
Dental sealants should protect your molars for many years. But sometimes, due to wear and tear, they can get damaged. As always, it is best to have regular yearly checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist will make sure the sealants are doing the job they are supposed to.
Having Sealants is Not an Excuse for Not Taking Care of Your Teeth
This option will protect cavities from forming about 80% of the time in the first 2 years they are applied (according to the CDC). Nevertheless, you and your child must still have good brushing and flossing habits. This does not replace fluoride toothpaste either. You will still need to visit your dentist’s office at least once a year as well. In conclusion, think of dental sealants as an extra insurance policy to keep some of your cavities away.
If you want to learn more about the sealant options, please give our office a call. We can set up a free consultation to discuss your options.
