Technological advancements continue to take place in the medical industry. Fortunately, through technology, there’s a cost-effective and safe solution to help people maintain good oral hygiene. Dental sealants are one of these solutions. While it’s prominently preferred for children, people of all ages could benefit. There are many benefits of dental sealants, their application process, and tips to take care of that you should know about.
In this blog, we’ll review everything you should know about dental sealants.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin layers of coating to prevent cavities for many years. They are painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and protect the surfaces from cavities by a protective shield, blocking out germs and other food particles.
How are Sealants Applied?
The application of dental sealants is quite simple. First, the dentist cleans the tooth and places a gel on the chewing surface for some time. The tooth is then rinsed and dried. Then the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist may also lighten the tooth to harden the sealant to form a protective shield.
To Put the Process in a Stepwise Manner:
- The dentist begins the treatment by cleaning and drying the tooth.
- They will then apply an acidic solution to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to make the bonding with the teeth effortlessly.
- The dentist then washes off the acidic solution, rinses it and dries off the teeth.
- The dentist then applies the sealant material onto the tooth enamel, which can be done using a special curing light or chemically.
After these four steps, the sealant material hardens and builds a protective layer on the chewing surface.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your smile. They add a preventive layer between the surfaces of your teeth and harmful decay-causing bacteria. The surface of the teeth, where the biting happens, often has many grooves where bacteria can quickly accumulate, leading to destruction and decay. Here’s when dental sealants come into the picture. Let’s look at sealants benefits and how your teeth can benefit from them.
Suitable For All Ages
There’s a belief, or rather a myth, that dental sealants are only suitable for children. While this type of treatment may be more prominent among children, anyone and everyone can share the benefits of the treatment. Permanent teeth of older patients are riddled with small grooves that require to be covered to protect the tooth from bacteria.
Protect Against Cavities
The primary role to apply dental sealants is to protect your teeth against germs and disease-causing plaque. By covering your teeth, you automatically prevent cavities from happening since the germs won’t get a chance to build up in the first place.
They Reduce Deep Grooves
No matter how regularly and carefully you brush your teeth, you won’t be able to clean deeper grooves and depressions. Here’s when dental sealants come to the rescue.
Process is Quick and Painless
Since dental sealants are super easy to apply, it’s perfect for people looking for pain-free treatment. It’s quick, safe and affordable!
Long-Lasting
You won’t regret your decision to get sealants as they can be removed when required. If not, they can protect your teeth against decay for about 5-10 years.
Sealants Can Save You Money
As compared to other dental treatments, applying dental sealants is relatively simpler and less expensive. So it’s not only a safe way to maintain your dental health but also saves you money.
How to care for Your Dental Sealants
After you apply dental sealants, they’re super easy to care for and maintain. Even practicing good oral hygiene will take you far. Taking care of your teeth includes the following practices:
- Brush your teeth and floss them at least twice a day.
- Schedule regular dentist visits to undergo check-ups and professional cleaning.
- Brush or floss your teeth after you consume any sugar or acidic foods and drinks.
- Restrict the amount of sweet, sugary, and acidic foods and drinks.
- Stay hydrated
- Eat healthy.
- Seek immediate dental care in case of any dental problem.
- Consult your dentist if the sealant gets cracked or becomes damaged.
Following these care tips ensures the effectiveness of the sealants. If you find any abnormality in your dental health, though, it’s always advisable to seek your dentist. You may not have issues pertaining to cavities; however, there could be another problem that may need to be addressed. In such cases, visit any doctor at Gardner Smiles, and they’ll be ready to help.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit Today
If you’ve been wondering where you can get professional dental sealants, look no further. Contact Gardner Smiles today to schedule your appointment. Our team of dentists is always there to guide you through the process of finding the right dental treatment as per your case. Even if you simply need tips or advice on a particular treatment option, they’ll guide you in finding the right treatment option.
