Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?

Did you know that dental sealants aren’t just for children? Adults may also get sealants to reduce their risk of developing cavities later in life. Regardless of your age, it’s best to consult with our Holly, MI, family dentist to learn more about your preventive dental care options.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about who benefits most from getting dental sealants. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Dental Sealants Dentist Holly MI

When Applied, Dental Sealants Are Great For:

Children

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting American children, according to the CDC. This means that your child has an increased risk of experiencing cavities in the next few years. For extra cavity prevention, our local family dentist recommends dental sealant treatment.

Dental sealants act like a raincoat, shielding your child’s teeth from bacteria. That being said, it’s of utmost importance that your child continue to practice good oral hygiene at home. Please make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time and flosses once daily. Their teeth and gums will thank you!

Teenagers

Many orthodontic patients undergo treatment during their teenage years. During this time, they may find it difficult to keep brushing and flossing their teeth like they once did. If your teen isn’t wearing SureSmile® aligners, they’ll need to be conscious of their oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. For example, metal or ceramic braces will require that your teen thread the floss underneath the archwire so they can clean between each tooth.

To give your child an extra layer of protection from cavities, consider sealants for teeth. Please note that tooth sealants are not a replacement for practicing good oral hygiene. However, they will help protect your child’s smile from tooth decay and give them an extra advantage.

Adults

Do you have a tight schedule with little time to spare? If so, we have good news for you! The application of dental sealants is quick, simple, and easy. In fact, we can apply your sealants during your next teeth cleaning appointment at Bandy Dental if you wish. That way, you don’t have to take any more time than what’s needed from your busy schedule.

For most adults, the risk of tooth decay doesn’t disappear with childhood. This may especially be the case if you experience dry mouth or have a family history of poor oral health. Likewise, you may have a high risk of cavities if you have deep grooves or divots on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth.

Whatever your circumstances, Dr. Bandy will be able to recommend the right treatment plan for your needs.

How Are Dental Sealants Applied?

The dental sealants procedure is fast and completely noninvasive. No drilling or numbing is needed, and there’s no recovery time afterward so you can return to your regular routine right away. It’s also fine to eat and drink as usual, though you should be mindful of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods over time.

To put on dental sealants, we’ll typically do the following:

  • Clean and dry teeth: The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and debris, then dried. This ensures the sealant can properly bond to the enamel.
  • Prepare tooth enamel: A gentle conditioning solution is applied to the chewing surface of the tooth. This helps the sealant adhere securely without damaging the enamel.
  • Apply the sealant material: The sealant is carefully brushed onto the grooves of the tooth, where cavities are most likely to form. It flows into deep pits and fissures to create a smooth, protective barrier.
  • Harden the sealant: A special curing light may be used to quickly harden the material. Once set, the sealant becomes durable and ready for normal use.

Give Our Office a Call

Dr. David Bandy is proud to serve as your family dentist in Holly, MI. To request an appointment and learn how you could benefit from sealants, please call Bandy Dental at (248) 634-9251. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.

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