One of the easiest and more beneficial ways to protect yourself from tooth decay is to get dental sealants. During this procedure, a thin coating gets painted over your teeth’s chewing surfaces to form a strong, protective layer over the enamel. Children and teenagers are the leading candidates for dental sealants in Monsey, New York.

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD GET SEALANTS?

Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are the most prone to getting cavities. That age range is the ideal time for you to take your child to get dental sealants. Once they start developing the grooves on their permanent teeth, you’ll want to begin setting up an appointment for them to get sealants.

Since this procedure prevents issues of tooth decay, the sooner your child gets the sealants, the better. Adults without any fillings or tooth decay in their molars could also get sealants for extra protection if they wish.

Children can also get dental sealants as babies once their teeth come in and develop grooves. It’s essential to keep baby teeth healthy since they have a vital role in holding the correct amount of spacing for their permanent teeth. Of course, it would be more difficult to keep a baby still long enough to put the sealants in.

SEALANTS VS. FILLINGS

Dental sealants and fillings are both used to coat and shield the teeth. These procedures take roughly about the same amount of time. Despite their similarities, sealants and fillings are very different.

Preventive Procedure

The main difference between sealants and fillings is that one is a restorative procedure, and the other is a preventive one. Dentists use fillings to repair the damage already been done to the tooth. They become necessary after a person develops a cavity.

Sealants, on the other hand, prevent damage from occurring. Children and individuals who haven’t already developed tooth decay should consider this procedure.

Different Materials

Sealants are made with clear, putty-like plastic material. They go on the teeth as a liquid and quickly harden once exposed to UV light. Fillings are made with a variety of different materials. There are fillings made of silver amalgam, porcelain, and even gold! Each material determines how long the filling will last.

Mainly Used in Pediatric Dentistry

Since dental sealants prevent decay from happening, this procedure is mainly used in pediatric dentistry. Children are more prone to cavities, and dentists use sealants to protect their teeth once they start forming grooves. Adults can still get dental sealants if they need them; however, most adults visit the dentist to fix, rather than to prevent them.

Only used for Molars

Tooth decay can quickly form in the molars because of the pits that bacteria and food can get trapped in. As a result, dental sealants are only applied to the back teeth. Decay that has already formed on a tooth usually causes a hole that needs to be restored. Those can happen on any tooth in the mouth; therefore, fillings can be applied to any tooth.

Longevity

Dental sealants typically last about five years before needing to be replaced, deeming them temporary applications. Dental fillings are meant to last about 10 to 15 years, depending on the material used for the filling. However, they rarely need to be replaced.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL SEALANTS

This quick and painless procedure will provide many benefits for your teeth and overall oral health! Although sealants can improve oral health, it’s shouldn’t replace continuing to practice healthy oral hygiene.

Here’s what you can expect once you get dental sealants:

No Cavities and Decay

Cavities and tooth decay can’t form in the pits of your teeth after getting a dental sealant treatment, leaving them fully protected from harmful dental diseases.

Cleaner Teeth

Sealants prevent food particles from entering and getting stuck in the grooves of your teeth. They’re great for keeping your mouth and teeth clean and free of bacteria!

Saved Money

Getting dental sealants are much cheaper than getting fillings. You’ll save a lot of money getting this procedure since it’s the most optimal way to help prevent cavities.

They’re safe to use

Even though dental sealants are made out of plastic, they’re still safe to use. The American Dental Association states that there is a minimal amount of BPA found in dental sealants. They also say you can get more exposure to BPA simply by touching a receipt, using cosmetics, or coming in contact with dust. So, protect your teeth and talk to us about dental sealants!

CAN I GET DENTAL SEALANTS IN MONSEY, NEW YORK?

If you want to ensure your child has a healthy smile for a long time, bring them to SmileBuilders for a dental sealant appointment. Give us a call today for more information!