All About Dental Sealants: Basic Types and Incredible Benefits

A dental sealant is a thin coating applied to your teeth’s chewing surfaces. It is typically layered on your molars and not on your canines and incisors. Dental sealants act as a protection against germs, bacteria, and ultimately, cavity-causing decay. They also protect teeth from incurring stains.

2 Basic Types of Sealants

1. Composite Resin

Composite resin sealants are preferred because their appearance closely resembles that of natural teeth. They are known for their high retention and durability. Studies show that they can last for 6 to 10 years with proper dental care and by avoiding constantly chewing on hard food items.

Although composite resin does not have bonding properties that are acid-based (acid-based properties can protect against cavities to a certain degree), its strength allows it to endure biting and chewing pressure. In other words, it does not easily crack or break.

2. Glass Ionomer

A feature that glass ionomer has that composite resin does not is that it goes through an acid-base process. Besides adding to its resilience to wear and tear, this acid-base process helps glass ionomer sealants shield against dental infection and tooth cavity more effectively than composite resin sealants.

Another element that glass ionomer carries is fluoride. This natural substance remineralizes teeth that have been weakened by plaque and tooth decay. It is naturally able to safeguard teeth from tooth-damaging acids found in what you eat and drink.

The fluoride in glass ionomer will eventually run out. In addition, glass ionomer sealants require careful and meticulous maintenance. However, it is reliable as a preventive agent against decay and for tooth-strengthening.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

1. Easy Application 

Many patients fear visiting their dentist, especially when they need to get a cavity treated. Although getting dental fillings is much more comfortable now due to dental advancements, patients may have to spend up to an hour in the dentist’s chair.

Our dentist in Westwood, MA, can assure you that this is not the case with dental sealants. Dental sealant procedures generally take a short amount of time. This is because sealant materials have quick-drying abilities. They will already be dry a few minutes after application.

2. Teeth Groove Protection 

The enamel of your teeth has anatomical grooves and or fissures that trap food particles and germs. If left unchecked, these pieces of debris can accumulate and form a biofilm composed of bacteria.

A bacterial biofilm increases the risk of incurring carious lesions, also known as dental caries or cavities. The only means of stopping the spreading of caries is by sealing the tooth. Dental sealants in Westwood are a great option to repair and secure teeth fissures and keep them from being tarnished and thinned by bacteria.

3. Proactive Measure Against Cavities 

Even in the dental field, prevention is a much better and more practical option than a cure. Dental sealants are a preventive measure that will make it easier for you to ward off cavities from your teeth.

Instead of waiting until tooth decay bores holes in your pearly whites, our dentist near you can layer your teeth with a sealant as the first line of defense against tooth deterioration. It’s important to be proactive about maintaining your dental health.

4. Sealants Are Replaceable 

After having sealants applied to your teeth, you will be required to visit a dentist regularly. These coatings are to be consistently inspected every now and then so that any parts that are getting worn out can be quickly spotted and replaced.

5. Matches Natural Teeth 

Whether glass ionomer or composite resin, these sealant materials have hues that allow them to match real teeth. Even better, they can be created so that their mold is indistinguishable from that of the surrounding natural teeth. Because sealants are thinly applied, they do not affect your bite.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to get dental sealants for you or your child, contact Westwood Dental Group, formerly the Office of Donald J. McLellan, DDS.