Dental Sealants are an adhesive protective coating that can help protect teeth from decay. There are several types of dental sealants, and learning about the available varieties can benefit both you and your dentist if you decide it is the appropriate treatment option. If you are due for a dental checkup or already have plans to receive sealants, look at this guide, which describes the different types of dental sealants.
What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are a type of adhesive that is applied to the teeth in order to provide a protective seal against the types of materials that may cause tooth decay and other issues in the mouth. They are especially beneficial for teeth in the back of the mouth, which are often neglected because they are out of sight. There are several different types of sealants that can be employed to achieve these goals.
Types of Dental Sealants
There are four general categories of dental sealants. The primary types of dental sealants are as follows:
Resin-Based Sealants
Resin-based sealants are generally harder and extremely resistant to wear and tear. They can last up to ten years and more effectively prevent dental decay than other sealant materials.
Glass Ionomer Sealants
Glass ionomer sealants are also known as polymerization sealants. They are often thought of as a holdover for patients who might need to wait to have a more serious sealant applied to their teeth.
Polyacid-Modified Resin Sealants
Polyacide-modified resin sealants, sometimes called compomers, are essentially a mixture of resin sealant material and glass ionomer sealant material. This mixture combines the traditional benefits of resin dental seals with the fluoride-release and adhesive properties of glass ionomer sealants.
Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Sealant
Resin-modified glass ionomer sealants are primarily made of glass ionomer materials with a small addition of resin. The added strength of the resin makes the sealant generally more advantageous than standard glass ionomer dental sealants.
Of these types, sealants can also be filled or unfilled and clear or tinted. Filled sealants are typically thicker and more resistant to wear, whereas unfilled sealants are thinner and can more easily enter smaller grooves within the teeth. Clear and tinted sealants are functionally the same and only provide aesthetic differences. Clear sealants are less visible in the mouth and will blend more naturally to your teeth. Tinted sealants will be obvious in the mouth but they come with the advantage that dentists will be able to more easily see if the seal is damaged during follow-up appointments.
Your dentist will be able to determine exactly what type of sealant would benefit you the most during your visit. You may receive multiple sessions of sealant application depending on your dental situation.
Who Is Likely to Receive Dental Sealants?
Children and teenagers are the most likely candidates to receive dental sealants because preemptive sealant application is used to help prevent cavities from forming in the mouth before they appear. Such measures are advantageous in one’s younger years, and it is common to apply dental sealants to a teenager’s first molars when they appear in the mouth.
That said, anyone who is facing tooth decay can benefit from receiving dental sealant treatment. This universality has made dental sealants one of the most commonly employed preventive dental treatments.
What Occurs During a Sealant Treatment?
Dental sealant treatment is a simple and painless procedure. In fact, the entire procedure typically only takes a few minutes to complete. The steps typically occur as follows:
- The teeth are thoroughly cleaned using professional equipment.
- The teeth are dried and gauze is placed in the target area to maintain dryness.
- A small amount of acid etching is placed on the surface of the teeth. This acid slightly roughens the surface of the teeth to help the dental sealants bond properly.
- The teeth are rinsed and dried.
- The sealant material is painted onto the enamel so it can bond directly to the surface of the teeth.
- A curing light is run over the areas of application to harden the sealant material on the teeth.
Risks of Dental Sealants
Even those with impressive dental care routines cannot eliminate all of the plaque and debris that begins to live in the mouth over time. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection that can help prevent more expensive problems from developing over time. However, there are some things to be aware of about sealants, including:
- Sealants tend only to last for about five years, meaning that they will eventually have to be replaced.
- You cannot have dental sealants placed on teeth that are already suffering from tooth decay.
- Improperly applied sealants can lead to a variety of issues, such as accidentally sealing in bacteria that cause cavities to appear.
Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not dental sealants are the right path forward for your dental health.
Your Resource for Excellent Dentistry
Dentistry Riverside is one of the best restorative dental offices in Riverside. If you think it is time for a dental cleaning or more involved dental work, contact our office today to set up an appointment and start looking your best.