Maintaining oral health has become a priority for many as the importance of having a healthy mouth continues to grow. And Bright Now! Dental is here to help you with a plethora of services, including dental sealants.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that adhere to the chewing surface of back teeth. Research has shown they reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important for your child’s dental health.
Dental sealants are readily available, and dentists and medical professionals promote them as part of public health initiatives.
Let’s dive deep into the world of dental sealants and find out what they’re all about.
Dental sealants are preventive measures dentists use to protect teeth from decay. They are plastic-derived resins dentists apply to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel. Each tooth is unique and has its own grooves and crevices, and these liquid dental sealants fill these unique spaces to prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped.
Dental sealants are widely available, and any licensed dentist or dental hygienist can apply them.
Applying dental sealants is quick, painless, and straightforward. It requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure, making it a non-invasive and comfortable treatment option.
The entire process, from preparation to completion, takes only a few minutes per tooth, so a dentist or hygienist can complete the process in a single visit to a Bright Now! Dental dental clinic.
Before your dentist applies dental sealants, they or a hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth. This professional dental cleaning removes plaque and food debris from the surface of the teeth.
The dental professional then dries your teeth and applies an acidic solution to help the sealant bond to the tooth surface.
Dental sealant application involves a few simple steps:
The dental professional repeats this process for each tooth that requires a sealant. The result is a smooth, protective barrier that covers the pits and fissures of the tooth surface.
If you have good oral hygiene and don’t use your teeth on non-food or extremely hard materials, such as tearing open packaging or chewing ice, your dental sealants should last a long time. Sealants often last several years before needing to be reapplied — up to 10 years with proper care.
Since dental sealants gradually wear away, your dentist won’t have to remove them for a new application.
If you have dental sealants, your dentist can inspect them at your checkup or oral exam to determine their condition and when you may be due for reapplication. If they notice it’s time for a new application, they can do so after your next teeth cleaning or schedule a separate appointment. This will help ensure your sealants stay intact and protect your teeth from cavities as effectively as possible.
Dental sealants can be helpful for adults or children who have already developed a cavity. Treating a cavity with a filling doesn’t make the tooth cavity-proof. A filling treatment cleans out and fills a decayed area but doesn’t prevent a cavity from happening again.
Using sealants, however, can provide a safeguard against further damage. And because sealants are made of a clear material, your dentist can still detect any future dental issues that arise in that area.
Dental sealants offer numerous benefits, particularly in preventing tooth decay and cavities. They act as a barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids.
Sealants are especially beneficial for the back teeth, which have deep grooves and are harder to clean.
Dental sealants are also cost-effective and can save you money in the long term by preventing the need for expensive dental treatments in the future.
Moreover, dental sealants are safe and do not affect your smile’s appearance.
Dental sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay and cavities. They cover the pits and fissures of the teeth. These are areas where food particles and bacteria often accumulate.
By sealing these areas, dental sealants prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of cavities.
Dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure. Plus, they can last years before needing reapplication.
Because dental sealants can also prevent tooth decay, they can save you from costly treatments, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Dental sealants are safe for children and adults. They are made from medical-grade resin, which is biocompatible and harmless to the body.
Moreover, sealants are clear or tooth-colored, making them virtually invisible when you smile.
Dental sealants are beneficial for children and adults.
For children, they are instrumental in protecting the permanent molars and premolars as they come in. However, adults can benefit from dental sealants if they have deep grooves in their teeth or are prone to cavities.
Dental sealants can be a valuable part of a comprehensive oral health plan regardless of age.
The ideal age for receiving dental sealants is shortly after the permanent molars come in, typically between the ages of 6 and 12.
Sealing these teeth as soon as they come in can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run.
Many clinics offer dental sealants as part of their preventive care services. However, it is important to choose a provider that uses high-quality materials and follows the latest best practices.
Remember, the effectiveness of dental sealants largely depends on the quality of the application, and Bright Now! Dental is as high quality as it gets.
We have the latest dental sealant technology and dental professionals with all the skills and training needed to perform the highest quality dental sealants.
The cost of dental sealants can vary depending on the dental clinic and whether you have insurance coverage. However, considering the long-term benefits, dental sealants are a cost-effective investment in oral health.
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants, especially for children. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand the extent of the coverage.
Fortunately, Bright Now! Dental accepts most major dental insurance, so if your insurance covers it, you’re in good hands here.
If your insurance doesn’t cover it or you lack insurance, Bright Now! Dental is committed to delivering fair and transparent pricing because affordability should never stand between you and healthy teeth.
Without insurance, the cost of dental sealants generally ranges between $30 and $60 per tooth.
While this may seem high, remember that sealants can help prevent the need for more expensive treatments in the future.
Bright Now! Dental also offers a wide range of financing options to help cover the cost if you’re uninsured or your insurance doesn’t cover the full balance.
Once you have dental sealant applied, it’s crucial to maintain it.
Good oral hygiene practices are still necessary, as sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth. You’ll also want regular check-ups to ensure your sealants are still effective and in good condition.
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining dental sealants.
Your dentist can check the condition of the sealants and ensure they are still providing adequate protection.
In addition to checkups, daily brushing and flossing are crucial for overall oral health.
Dental sealants can last up to 10 years with proper care. However, they can sometimes chip or wear away. If this happens, your dentist can easily repair the sealant by adding more to the worn area.
Dental sealants are a small investment in long-term dental health, whether for your child or yourself. If you think you or your child could benefit from dental sealants, make an appointment with Bright Now! Dental today.
Not only can we help you find the right preventative treatment option, but we also provide a wide range of restorative and cosmetic services to help turn the smile you have into the smile you want.
Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
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