Sealants Protect Smile

The presence of sealants in your mouth is a clear sign that you care about your oral health and want to keep it healthy. Sealants fill in the gaps between teeth and protect them from decay because they form a protective barrier against bacteria. They also help prevent tooth-to-tooth contact, which can cause damage or create an opening for bacteria to enter into the tooth's surface. This is particularly true for children and teens, who are at a higher risk of cavities than adults.

This blog post will discuss why dental sealants are important, how they work, who should get them done, what types of materials are used to make them, and more!

What are Sealants?

Dental sealants can be applied by your Lewiston Clarkston dentist and are a thin plastic material that is placed over the top of a tooth to protect it against decay. They can be effective for up to ten years, depending on your oral hygiene and how well you take care of them. They're usually clear and either shaped like a half-moon or in the form of small, thin strips. Because they're made of plastic, sealants also prevent tooth-to-tooth contact which can be damaging to your smile over time. Tooth enamel naturally wears away with everyday life, but it is often sped up when there is constant friction occurring across our teeth such as from eating foods that have rough textures (like chips) or chewing gum for long periods without brushing afterward.

How Sealants Work

Sealants work by being applied directly to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are usually placed on all molars and premolars, but if your dentist finds any other areas that need sealants they will also be done. This process is quick and easy so there's no reason not to get them for yourself or your children. They are made of plastic which means once they're in place they can't break down over time, unlike enamel.

Instead, it takes years before sealants wear away enough for cavities between our teeth to form - giving you a lot more time than just brushing alone would provide by itself! At the very least though it should still be possible to keep tooth decay at bay with good oral health practices like avoiding sugary snacks throughout the day.

Types of Sealants:

There are two types of dental sealant materials used when treating patients in most dentist offices.

Liquid Resins

This type of resin is brushed onto the teeth before they harden under ultraviolet light. It's typically recommended for children or people with deep grooves between their teeth because this type cannot bond to smooth surfaces like enamel. The liquid also makes this kind easy to remove, if necessary, by an experienced dentist who knows what he/she is doing with proper removal techniques.

Fissure Sealants

Fissure Sealants are a great way to protect and strengthen teeth in addition they can help prevent cavities. They're traditionally made of a material called glass ionomer cement (GIC). They're great for children because they're made from tooth-colored resin. They can also safely protect teeth with large fillings, crowns, veneers, and other dental work.

Where are Sealants Most Commonly Placed?

Sealants are usually placed in the grooves of your back molars where it's harder to clean food particles out using regular brushing techniques. This is why children tend to get cavities here more often than not which is what makes these sealants so great for protecting their smiles. Sealants may be brushed along the crevices of all teeth or just certain types depending on how extensive the treatment needs to be.

How Do I Know if Sealants are for Me?

If you don't like the idea of getting fillings done, then sealants are for you! Fillings can only offer short-term protection whereas sealants last for years. With extended exposure to sugary drinks and acidic foods, your teeth must stay protected now more than ever before. Sealants help prevent cavities by keeping food particles out so they cannot cause decay or damage to the enamel. Moreover, they are great for people who are very active, play lots of sports, or are generally hard on their teeth.

How Long Will Sealants Last?

Usually, the dentist applies sealants for about one hour and then they become effective immediately. They can be done in a single visit to your local dentist’s office. But remember that these do not need any special care after being applied so you can go back to your usual lifestyle right away! Sealant covers usually stay intact for two years but even if it is damaged or falls off, just come into our practice before another cavity forms, have us reapply them.

Possible Side Effects?

No worries here either as there are none! Some people may feel slight sensitivity when applying them but after they are on, everything is normal. We use special sealants to protect your teeth against cavities and they will not just help prevent them but also heal the ones already present. Sealant covers usually stay intact for two years but even if it is damaged or falls off, just come into our practice before another cavity forms, have us reapply them at no additional cost.

What Should I Expect?

There is no need to have any pain during this treatment thanks to our advanced technology. It takes only 30 minutes per tooth with an amazing convenience factor because there is no drilling required which means less discomfort afterward! No matter what age range, everyone deserves a healthy mouth which is why these treatments are ideal for people who desire a whiter smile or even for children who are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay. Another thing to mention is that this is a very affordable treatment that can protect all of your teeth for years.

What are Some Benefits?

The benefits of having your teeth sealed with dental sealant include protection against tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, painful sensitivity from hot or cold foods/beverages for people who grind their teeth, and even it can help prevent chipped or broken teeth. Sealants are a great way to protect your smile against harmful bacteria that could lead to serious oral health problems down the road!

Conclusion

Sealants are a clear sign that you want to protect your oral health and prevent tooth decay from occurring. They can be made from different materials, but the most common is a composite resin that bonds to the enamel of teeth for powerful protection against bacteria-related cavities.

If you're interested in receiving dental sealant treatment at Canyon Dental, please contact us today so we can schedule an appointment for you or your child with Dr. Joe Schmidt.