about dental sealants
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth and keep them healthy, especially for children. Our Miami Beach dentists offer this safe and effective treatment that can help reduce cavities in young patients as well as adults. Learn more about what dental sealants are, how they work, and why you should consider getting them from our top Miami Beach dentists.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic or resin that are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars (back teeth). They act like a barrier between food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The material is usually clear or slightly tinted, so it looks natural when applied to the tooth surface. It also bonds easily with enamel giving it additional protection against bacteria.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
When applied by a qualified cosmetic, a dental sealant acts as an invisible shield over the grooves of your back teeth where plaque tends to accumulate most often due to their uneven surfaces which make brushing difficult in these areas. By filling up these crevices with the special material, bacteria cannot enter into contact with enamel and form cavities thus reducing the risk of developing tooth decay significantly in those areas protected by dental sealant. Dental sealants protect even if one does not brush properly daily.
Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but didn’t become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants (especially on molars) because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth where decay is present, sealants have been shown to fight additional damage.
Application
Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by “etching” the tooth with a chemical substance, which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is applied, a warm light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.
Benefits Of Getting Dental Sealants
The biggest benefit of getting dental sealants from a qualified dentist is increased protection against cavities since they effectively block out harmful bacteria from entering in contact with enamel thus decreasing chances of developing caries. Coupled with regular brushing habits, dental sealants can provide protection against cavities and optimal results. Additionally, they may last up to 10 years if taken care of properly, making them an economical choice compared to other similar treatments such as fluoride applications. Another benefit is that sealants require only one visit every few years rather than several visits per year like other treatments. Finally, because they’re made out non-toxic materials, no allergies will occur when applying them unlike some other options available today.
Who Should Consider Getting Dental Sealants from a Miami Beach Cosmetic Dentist?
Although anyone can get dental seals regardless of age or gender, they’re particularly recommended for children who tend to develop more cavities on average due to their still forming oral hygiene routines along higher susceptibility towards sugary foods. However, adults too may benefit greatly from this treatment, especially those who suffer from dry mouth conditions associated with diabetes mellitus type 1 & 2 among many others.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Getting Dental Sealant Treatment?
No risks have been found related specifically to this procedure, however, general ones such as sensitivity post application might occur depending individual circumstances but will go away shortly after. The key is to follow proper instructions given by your trusted local professional regarding care regimen before leaving office premises.
Dental sealants provide an efficient, cost-effective, way of protecting your teeth against cavities. Best of all they are a long-term solution for both kids adults alike. If you would like to find out more information about dental sealants, please don’t hesitate reach us directly or schedule a consultation appointment to discuss further details!