What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are painted on the surface of teeth. The chewing surface of your teeth is the main attachment point of these coatings. The coating material may be of different types depending on your teeth’ condition and your choice.

Tooth sealants are widely used in dentistry to prevent your teeth from several disorders. Teeth coating protects the chewing surface of your teeth. It doesn’t allow bacteria and other germs to invade your teeth and cause problems.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are included in the top listed preventive dentistry techniques. Following are the key benefits of dental sealants.

Suitable for All Ages

Dental sealants are suitable for all ages. Everyone who has teeth can opt for this treatment at any stage of life. Even children and teens can opt for these protective coatings and sealants. However, you must not get them for your children aged less than 6 as their permanent teeth have yet to come.

Protection Against Cavities

Cavities are very normal for those who don’t pay special heed to dental cleaning and eat sticky foods. Most of the cavities start from the chewing surface of your molars and premolars. However, when they get covered by sealants, the chances of cavities are reduced. Sealing teeth to prevent cavities is the most effective way and it can reduce 90% of cavities.

No Deep Grooves

Molars and premolars don’t have flat chewing surfaces. They have deep grooves and food particles can stick in these grooves. Using a toothpick to remove them damages the enamel layer on your teeth. However, you can say goodbye to these deep grooves by opting for sealants. They fill these grooves and make the surface less sticky. Chances of food entrapping there are also reduced.

Quick and Painless Process

The process of getting sealants is really quick. It can be completed in a single appointment. Only the sealant material is required to be attached to the surfaces of teeth. No pain is involved in the process and it can be completed without any anesthesia application.

Improved Dental Health

When you get sealants, overall dental health is improved. No food particles remain attached to the grooves after getting these protective coverings. Similarly, the chances of cavities are also reduced by a huge margin. All these things are good for teeth and lead to an improvement in your overall dental health.

Types of Dental Sealants

Depending upon the material used for coating, there are numerous types of dental sealants. However, glass ionomers and composite resin sealants are the most popular ones. Let’s find out more about these two types.

Glass Ionomers Sealants

Glass ionomers are based on acid-base reactions. They are transparent sealants that fill the grooves on your inner teeth. The best thing about these sealants is that they release fluoride on the teeth surface. And you all know how good fluoride is for the enamel layer of your teeth. However, you need to pay special attention to their maintenance.

Composite Resins Sealants

These sealants are made by mixing composite material with resins. These usually blend with tooth color and protect your teeth from cavities. This material fills teeth pits and fissures and doesn’t let bacteria inhibit in these narrow places. This type requires less maintenance as well. However, they are not as effective as glass ionomers sealants.

The Procedure

Dental sealants are pretty quick and the coating is done in a single appointment. Following are the key steps involved in the procedure of fixing dental sealants.

• First of all, you need to hire dental services from a well-reputed practice to get sealants. Dentists will first examine your teeth.
• After that, your teeth are cleaned by using a paste and an electric brush. It is followed by washing with water and then drying.
• Now an acidic solution is applied to the chewing surface of your teeth. The purpose of doing so is to make the surface slightly rough and induce microscopic pore formation. This rough surface and microscopic pores allow the attachment of material.
• Sealant material is applied to your teeth and then it is adjusted manually. The material is in a semi-solid state. It is hardened by using UV light. It activates the mate al and hardens it.
• Before discharging the sealants are checked and aftercare tips are given by the dentists.

Get Dental Sealants at Smile Lab Dallas

Sealants are required to prevent your teeth from cavities that can lead to tooth decay. If you are looking to get sealants in Dallas, you must first consult with a dentist in Dallas TX. Smile Lab Dallas is the best place for that purpose. We have experienced dental hygienists to guide you about different types of sealants and adjust the suitable type in your teeth perfectly.