What Are Sealants?
Sealants are thin, clear protective coverings that can be applied to the back teeth. They are meant to prevent cavities and deep staining that would otherwise occur if they weren't in place. The beauty about sealants is that they're ideal both for pediatric patients as well as adult patients alike. Most sealants have the ability to last for up to three years before they'll naturally wear away.
Why Might You Benefit From Sealants?
The reason you might benefit from sealants is because your back teeth have grooves, deep fissures and pitting. This can sometimes make it difficult to keep the teeth clean. Likewise, these areas can become deeply stained over time and be more susceptible to tooth decay. Both children and adults can benefit from having sealants placed.
What Makes a Person a Candidate for Sealants?
With the help of a thorough examination, we will be able to determine if sealants are right for you. Sealants are great for patients of all ages, though we often recommend them to our pediatric patients who may not be able to brush and floss properly just yet. If you have older sealants, we can replace them easily in our office at your own convenience. Sealants wear away naturally in roughly one to three years after initial application.
What Happens During the Sealant Procedure?
The sealant procedure is quick, simple and done within minutes in our office. We first clean and then dry the back teeth. A clear liquid varnish is then brushed over the teeth, only on the back chewing surfaces. These sealants are then dried and cured with a bright light. The process is then repeated for any other teeth that need this type of protection. It is important that you still brush and floss your teeth normally, since sealants do not protect the front teeth or between the back teeth.