If you or someone you love needs to get dental sealants, you may be wondering how long they last.
What Are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a plastic coating for teeth that protects your molars and bicuspids, or premolars. By applying this material to your chewing surfaces, acids and plaque are blocked from weakening the enamel. It’s important to seal the molars and premolars because there are grooves on the chewing surfaces that can make a great home for food particles. If food particles are left in these grooves, they can be turned into acids that can wear away at your tooth enamel and create cavities.
Who Needs Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are normally used when a patient is particularly susceptible to developing cavities. Often, this means that dental sealants are used for children and teens because they are often not as thorough in their oral health care, particularly young children.
How Are Dental Sealants Placed?
One of the best things about dental sealants is that the process is very easy and causes little to no pain. First, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that there are no food particles stuck in the grooves on your chewing surfaces. Next, the dental sealant, which is a liquid resin, is brushed onto the teeth. It bonds with the enamel and hardens in just a few minutes. The sealant is completely invisible and you won’t be able to see or feel much of a difference.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can last up to ten years if they are cared for properly. Over time, they will wear away, but every time you come in for an appointment your dentist will check to make sure they are still intact. Once they’ve worn down too far, your dentist will easily reapply your sealants if needed.
How Do You Take Care of Dental Sealants?
The most important step to taking care of your dental sealants is by practicing good oral health care every single day. To ensure that your sealants last for ten years, make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and using fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important not to use your teeth for anything other than eating. This means no opening a bottle or ripping packaging with your teeth.
Another vital step to caring for your teeth is coming in for regular checkups and cleanings. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!