Healthy teeth are a hallmark of good oral health. Protecting them is essential and proves to be beneficial down the line, especially for young children. A good diet and proper oral hygiene practices can help achieve a healthy mouth.
However, the orthodontist in Fullerton, CA, and their team of family dentists strive to offer an effective way to prevent oral problems in children through dental sealants. Read this informative blog to explore their benefits to determine if sealants are the right choice for your children.
| Sealants are a transparent, thin varnish applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, specifically the premolars and molars. They come in liquid form and can penetrate the deep pits and grooves of the teeth, forming a complete seal. This seal acts as a protective barrier against plaque and harmful bacteria, preventing them from adhering to the teeth and causing decay. |
Why are dental sealants used?
Dental sealants find application in the following conditions:
- Pits and fissures of deciduous, and permanent teeth in young children
- People with an increased risk of caries
- Pits and fissures of permanent teeth in adolescents and teenagers
- Pits and grooves of permanent teeth in adults
- Incipient caries lesions in children, adolescents, and adults
- Teeth that are not accessible to regular brushing and flossing
How do sealants benefit oral health?
Dental sealants are popular among pediatric patients since they provide the following versatile benefits.
- They are easy to apply
- Sealant application is less time-consuming
- The sealant application does not require any tooth preparation, thus preserving the natural tooth structure
- A dental sealant is an affordable material
- The sealant is easy to maintain
- A sealant significantly reduces deep grooves
- Applying a sealant is a painless, and simple procedure
- Sealants are long-lasting with an excellent success rate
How are dental sealants applied?
The process of applying sealants is easy, quick, and painless. The following steps are involved:
Tooth isolation: This involves moisture control which is a crucial aspect of sealant application. Inadequate isolation leads to compromise in sealant retention. A rubber dam, cotton rolls, suction, and evacuation tips are used.
Acid etching: Here 37% orthophosphoric acid is used in the form of a gel. This is applied and cured with a suitable UV light for 15 for permanent molars, and 15 to 30 seconds for primary/deciduous molars. The tooth surface is then rinsed with water and air-dried to achieve a frosty opaque appearance.
Sealant placement and curing: Sealant is applied using a dispenser and allowed to flow into the pits and fissures.
Final note
Investing in dental sealants is a straightforward and cost-effective preventive measure to safeguard your teeth. While beneficial for individuals of all ages, children, in particular, can gain significant advantages from sealants.
