Sealants are used to help prevent decay by protecting the deep grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back molars where most toothbrushes cannot reach. We use a flowable resin (filling material) for our sealants rather than “sealant material,” to increase their longevity and durability. We also match the color of your child’s tooth so that the material is hardly noticeable. Research shows that sealants help protect against cavities for many years with the help of good oral hygiene and avoiding biting into hard objects or foods like ice or hard candy that might chip the sealants.
are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the surfaces of teeth to protect the grooves of the teeth from decay and other diseases. Decay often begins in these grooves because they are hard to clean, and susceptible to a buildup of plaque. Sealants create a smooth surface that fills deep grooves and makes teeth easier to clean.
Sealants are applied to children's teeth once the six-year molars surface, or anytime between the ages of 6 and 16. Adults may also benefit from sealants, especially when the surfaces of their teeth have deep grooves or depressions that may be difficult to clean. A sealant is applied by cleaning the selected tooth, and then painting the sealant onto its surface, where it will harden and bond to the tooth, protecting it from decay. This procedure takes just a few minutes and is painless.
There is no single method that will protect teeth from disease and decay. They should be taken care of each and every day, and professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Practicing good dental hygiene is the best way to keep teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
