One method that is often used to help preserve teeth longer is dental sealants. This coating, when placed on teeth, can help them resist bacteria and decay for years. Since it only takes a few minutes, it certainly could be worth your time to help keep your beautiful smile.

What Sealants Are

A dental sealant is a liquid composite that is placed on the teeth by a dentist. It quickly pours into all areas of the tooth. This ensures that the tooth is protected from food and bacteria as long as the sealant remains intact.

Why They Are Beneficial

Brushing teeth, and even flossing, is not likely to remove all bacteria. It can be especially difficult to get all the bacteria, especially behind the molars. A sealant can add further protection to those difficult areas, ensuring that those teeth will last longer.

Ideal Candidates

Children are undoubtedly the best candidates to give this extra layer of protection to. They often miss spots in their brushing, and it can help them avoid and prevent cavities from forming in those hard to reach areas of their teeth.

Children’s molars start coming in around the age of six. The greatest amount of protection for those teeth is for those teeth to be sealed as soon as they come in. They will get a second set of molars when they are about 11 years old.

These sealers can also be applied to an adult’s teeth. There is no age limit. Your teeth may be more prone to cavities, and you may need a little more protection of your teeth than others. It will also help prevent cavities from forming on your teeth as well.

The Benefit Period

While it only takes a few minutes to apply sealant to your molars, it is a benefit that can last for up to 10 years. This provides long term protection and can give you greater confidence that they are protected. The coating is highly durable and will gradually wear away.

The sealant is also clear. This means that a dentist can look at your molars and immediately tell if it is still working or not. If a cavity is present, it has stopped working. Of course, once it is repaired, more sealant can be applied.

Applying the Sealant

When going to the dentist for the application of a sealant, your teeth will first have to be cleaned. Another liquid will be put on the spot where the sealant is going to rough it up a little. This provides better adhering. The teeth are then rinsed, dried, and the sealant is applied. A special light will then be used which will harden it in just a few seconds.

The dentists at Amazing Smile Dental NY in the Forest Hills area of Queens, NY, will be glad to talk to you about dental sealants. We have helped provide additional protection for many of our patients. We offer many dental services for your entire family, now let us help you. We invite you to call us today at (718) 674-6478 to learn more and to make an appointment.