Dental sealants provide an easy, affordable cavity prevention solution. Kids Tooth Team applies these protective coatings to help safeguard children's smiles at our South Austin pediatric dental office. Here's what families should know about sealants!
Dental sealants are made of clear, plastic resin that bonds with tooth enamel. This coverage protects teeth by blocking out acids and plaque that cause decay. The material matches your child's natural tooth color, so they aren’t noticeable once applied.
Sealants get placed on back molars, which face higher cavity risk due to difficult access for brushing and deep natural grooves that allow debris to accumulate. The resin flows into these crevices so food and bacteria cannot stick, which leads to decay. Both primary and permanent teeth benefit from sealants since all are susceptible to decay. The coatings shield the most vulnerable parts of the tooth so your child's smile can be protected for years to come.
Applying sealants involves a quick, painless process. The tooth first gets cleaned before etching gel slightly roughens the enamel to help with bonding. After washing and drying, the resin material brushes on before being cured with a special dental light. The procedure takes just minutes per tooth, and young patients can get back to their normal activities right after. No downtime!
Properly applied sealants remain intact for up to 10 years despite the strong forces of biting and chewing. Dentists inspect them at routine visits, replacing any deteriorated sections as needed. Reapplication ensures extended protection against decay.