Sealants Can Give Your Teeth an Extra Layer of Protection

What are the benefits of getting sealants for your teeth?

Your mouth is exposed to an array of bacteria and acids daily. You don’t want to stop eating your favourite food and drink so you should consider protecting your teeth with the application of dental sealants. Your teeth have cracks and crevices in them where little bits of last night’s dinner or that late-night cocktail can leave some unwanted residue. Sealants are a thin material applied to the pits and grooves of your molars. With the application of a sealant, your teeth can have an extra layer of protection from the day to day exposure of cavity-causing elements. Yes, you still need to maintain a daily routine of brushing and flossing but why wouldn’t you help prevent decay by applying a sealant to your teeth?

Protecting your teeth is easy if you don’t have any fillings or decay already present. A simple visit to your dentist to have a sealant applied to the exterior of your molars can do wonders in preventing cavities. Sealants are inexpensive and recommended for children once they reach the age of about 6 years old. The whole process is quick and easy, usually taking less than one hour to complete on the back molars. Depending on how long a small child can sit still in the dentist’s chair, you may have to book sealant treatments in a couple of appointments. The optimum time to have sealants applied is anywhere from age 6 to 14 or 15 years old when the molars have emerged through the gums. There are two types of sealants, glass ionomer and composite resin. Both sealants work well to help you avoid excess decay.

More information about sealants

More Information About Sealants

Glass Ionomer Sealant Properties

  • Comparative to Resin but with less shrinking
  • Higher Fluoride release
  • Reacts due to an acid-base
  • Stiffer than resin

Composite Resin Type

  • more susceptible to shrinkage
  • resin dentin bonding – no acid
  • Fluoride release is lower than glass ionomer
  • little expansion after water emission

Sealants take very little time to apply. Once the treatment is complete, you can continue with your day with no restrictions on diet.

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