What Are Dental Sealants?
Furrows in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth usually harbor more food particles and buildup and are more vulnerable to having cavities, especially in children who are still learning how to perfect their oral habits. Dental sealants, an important part of preventive dentistry, are applied to safeguard the teeth from damage resulting from decay. These thin, preventive sealants are composed of a clear or tooth-colored substance that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of your child's molar or premolar teeth. When they're set, they work to safeguard these teeth and create a smoother exterior that is easier to keep clean. Dental sealants from Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics not only help protect from cavities, but they may also decrease your child's needs for tooth-colored fillings or other restorative treatments down the road. Speak with our pediatric dentists, Drs. Yvonne and Ajikwaga Felli, at your child's dental visits at our Allen, TX practice to decide if they might benefit from dental sealants.
What are the benefits of dental sealants?
At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we suggest sealants for our Allen, TX patients as an extra preventive layer for your healthy teeth. These sealants offer many benefits for our patients, such as:
- Remarkable percentage of protection from cavities
- Subtle, camouflaged coating
- Protection against plaque and debris accumulation
- Save time and money by maintaining your oral health
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What Is the Sealant Process?
Children 6 – 12 years old are often more susceptible to cavities on the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, making them great candidates for dental sealants. First, our pediatric dentists will evaluate your child's teeth to decide if dental sealants could be the ideal treatment. To get your child's mouth ready for sealants, a member of our staff will polish the enamel to remove any plaque, food debris, and bacteria from the chewing surfaces. The enamel is then dried, and a small sheet of sealant product will be distributed precisely into the rifts with a small brush. An innovative curing light is then positioned on top of the tooth, which will solidify the sealant casting within about 10 – 20 seconds. When every sealant is in place, our professionals will assess your child's jaws for alignment and supply you with instructions on how to effectively care for their sealants.
Dental Sealants FAQ
Are dental sealants visible or noticeable?
Dental sealants are typically tooth-colored or clear, making them virtually invisible when applied to the teeth. They blend in seamlessly with the natural tooth enamel and are not noticeable to others when smiling or talking.
How long do dental sealants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental sealants can last for several years before needing to be replaced. However, they may wear down over time due to normal chewing and biting forces. Our team at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will check the condition of your sealants during regular dental check-ups and recommend replacement as needed.
Do dental sealants require any special care?
Dental sealants do not require any special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. However, it's essential to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could damage the sealants. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene habits will help prolong the lifespan of the sealants and protect against cavities.
Protect Your Child's Teeth From Tooth Decay
Prevent cavities and help your children enjoy glowing, clean smiles for years to come. Dental sealants are a helpful, efficient, straightforward solution at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics that might also reduce the chances for future oral treatments and allow for elevated dental health. Discover if dental sealants are ideal for your child by setting up a visit at our Allen, TX office!