Protecting Your Teeth: 5 Facts About Dental Sealants

Preventive care is the best way to maintain your oral health. It keeps your teeth and gums healthy and eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming restorative treatments. If you or your loved ones are at risk of tooth decay, consider dental sealants in Chicago, Illinois. Expertly placed at A Brush Above Family Dentistry, dental sealants create a protective barrier on your teeth against decay-causing bacteria and corrosive acids. 

What you should know about dental sealants

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues. While decay is preventable with flossing and brushing, sometimes you need a little more help. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied on decay-prone teeth to smooth out their chewing surfaces, making them easier to clean. 

Dental sealants are effective against tooth decay, and this is what you need to know about them.

1. They are commonly applied to molars. 

Your posterior or back teeth are particularly prone to decay because of their unique anatomy. These teeth have deep pits on and biting surfaces, designed to break down food efficiently. However, these same features can act as traps for food debris and harmful bacteria.

Even with regular brushing, cleaning these intricate surfaces cannot be easy. Inadequate cleaning leaves behind debris that promotes plaque buildup and tooth decay. That’s why you need dental sealants. They seal off those grooves to keep food and bacteria from accumulating, reducing the risk of decay.

2. Application is simple

The dental sealant procedure is quick and simple. First, your dentist will professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque or tartar. Once your teeth are clean and dry, a gentle acidic gel is applied to the chewing surfaces to create a strong bonding surface. After drying your teeth again, we apply the liquid sealant on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Finally, the sealant is hardened using a special LED light. Sealant application only takes a few minutes and involves no enamel alteration.

3. Blend in with your teeth.

Sealants are made from clear, white, or tooth-colored materials that adhere to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Dental sealants blend seamlessly with your teeth. This allows them to protect your teeth without being easily noticeable when you smile or talk. While sealants’ primary role is decay prevention, they do so without sacrificing your natural aesthetics. 

4. Sealants work for patients of all ages.

Dental sealants are often recommended for children because they are prone to tooth decay. Factors such as inadequate oral hygiene and a preference for sugary snacks contribute to their increased risk of cavities. While sealants are common with children, they are equally beneficial for anyone at risk of tooth decay, including adults. 

5. Dental sealants are safe.

Safety is a common concern when it comes to dental sealants. Rest assured, they are completely safe. Although there were past concerns about BPA’s presence in teeth sealants, the American Dental Association has thoroughly reviewed the evidence and confirmed their safety. To put this in perspective, breathing air exposes people to BPA 100 times more than dental sealants in the mouth! However, BPA-free sealants are available if you need additional peace of mind.

Dental sealants near me

Prevent cavities before they start! Dental sealants provide a strong, invisible shield to protect teeth from decay. Call A Brush Above Family Dentistry at (773) 840-0378 today to safeguard your smile with dental sealants. 

Dr. Marcella Guzman

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.   

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