Dental Sealants Affect The Appearance Of Teeth
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a coating of material that is applied to the surfaces of teeth. The sealant protects the teeth and helps prevent decay. Sealants are white, clear, or a tinted color. They usually cannot be seen on the teeth and will not affect the appearance of the teeth.
WHY ARE SEALANTS USED?
By reducing the risk of tooth decay, sealants can help prevent costly visits to the dentist to get cavities filled.
HOW DO DENTAL SEALANTS PROTECT THE TEETH?
Teeth normally contain small pits and grooves that attract food and bacteria. These areas can be difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. Dental sealants add a protective coating to the pits and grooves found on the teeth. This prevents food and bacteria from
building up in these areas and causing decay.
WHO SHOULD GET DENTAL SEALANTS?
Dental sealants are most often given to children and teenagers. Children and teenagers are most at risk for tooth decay. However, adults can also have sealants applied. Sealants are often applied to permanent molars but may be applied to any permanent or baby tooth that has pits or grooves.
HOW LONG WILL THE SEALANT LAST?
Sealants will remain on the teeth for several years. However, brushing and flossing regularly are still very important, even after sealants are applied. At your regular visits, your dentist will make sure the sealants are still intact. The sealant can be reapplied if necessary.
HOW ARE DENTAL SEALANTS APPLIED?
Your dentist will apply the sealant using a simple procedure. Basic steps include the following:
• The tooth will be cleaned and conditioned with a solution to help the sealant bond to the tooth.
• The tooth will then be thoroughly dried.
• A thin coat of sealant will be painted or squirted gently onto the grooves and pits of the tooth. The sealant will bond to the tooth and harden. Sometimes a certain type of light will be shined on the sealant to help it dry and harden.
• Your dentist will ask you to bite down to make sure you cannot feel the sealant.
Several teeth can be done during the same visit. After the sealant is applied, you can resume your normal diet. Be sure to continue brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day.
A dental sealant is a coating of material that is applied to the surfaces of teeth. The sealant protects the teeth and helps prevent decay. Sealants are white, clear, or a tinted color. They usually cannot be seen on the teeth and will not affect the appearance of the teeth.
WHY ARE SEALANTS USED?
By reducing the risk of tooth decay, sealants can help prevent costly visits to the dentist to get cavities filled.
HOW DO DENTAL SEALANTS PROTECT THE TEETH?
Teeth normally contain small pits and grooves that attract food and bacteria. These areas can be difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. Dental sealants add a protective coating to the pits and grooves found on the teeth. This prevents food and bacteria from
building up in these areas and causing decay.
WHO SHOULD GET DENTAL SEALANTS?
Dental sealants are most often given to children and teenagers. Children and teenagers are most at risk for tooth decay. However, adults can also have sealants applied. Sealants are often applied to permanent molars but may be applied to any permanent or baby tooth that has pits or grooves.
HOW LONG WILL THE SEALANT LAST?
Sealants will remain on the teeth for several years. However, brushing and flossing regularly are still very important, even after sealants are applied. At your regular visits, your dentist will make sure the sealants are still intact. The sealant can be reapplied if necessary.
HOW ARE DENTAL SEALANTS APPLIED?
Your dentist will apply the sealant using a simple procedure. Basic steps include the following:
• The tooth will be cleaned and conditioned with a solution to help the sealant bond to the tooth.
• The tooth will then be thoroughly dried.
• A thin coat of sealant will be painted or squirted gently onto the grooves and pits of the tooth. The sealant will bond to the tooth and harden. Sometimes a certain type of light will be shined on the sealant to help it dry and harden.
• Your dentist will ask you to bite down to make sure you cannot feel the sealant.
Several teeth can be done during the same visit. After the sealant is applied, you can resume your normal diet. Be sure to continue brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day.