What Are Different Types of Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants have for a long time been an instrumental part of modern dentistry, even though few people know about their use. Over the years, children have been the most beneficiaries of dental sealants, among few adults. Perhaps by understanding what they do and how they work, you can better rely on a dentist near you for dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

They are types of direct dental fillings that create barriers on the surfaces of teeth. The barriers prevent food particles from getting lodged into the cusps and fissures of teeth. Dental sealants in Chicago, IL, are primarily for the back teeth, featuring molars and premolars. The reason is that the sealant material needs to fill the deep fissures and pits of teeth to work well.

Such preventive dental care is commonly administered in pediatric dentistry. It can prevent premature baby tooth loss and preserve adult teeth during cavity-prone ages. However, at Dental Impressions, we offer dental sealants to adults too.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

When you get dental sealants in a dentist’s office in Chicago, IL, they will be a form of preventive care to fight against bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. Dental sealants work by creating a tamper-proof layer over the chewing surfaces of teeth.

The procedure for getting tooth sealants near you is simple. It does not require any preparation of your teeth. The dentist will paint a thin layer of the sealant material over your teeth to protect them from direct contact with bacteria that can cause dental decay.

When Do Dentists Recommend Dental Sealants?

Knowing that dental sealants are primarily for preventive dental care, you can understand why dentists recommend them when your teeth are perfectly healthy. For children, dental sealants are more effective during their cavity-prone ages, usually between 6 and 14 years. Aside from that, a dentist would recommend dental sealants for the following situations:

1. When a child’s first molars erupt
2. When you have sensitive teeth
3. When you notice early signs of dental cavities

Do Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth Forever?

Incredible as they are, tooth sealants are not permanent. They can only protect your teeth for a couple of years, usually between 5 and 10 years. The longevity of a dental sealant depends on its material and how well you care for your teeth after getting them.

Types of Dental Sealants in Dentistry

The types of sealants for teeth in dentistry differ based on material. They are two main kinds of sealant material:

1. Glass Ionomer – features a clear acrylic material that is common for use in pediatric dentistry. This type of dental sealant stands out from the rest as it is packed with fluoride. Over the period you have the dental sealant, it releases small amounts of fluoride mineral on your teeth. In this way, glass ionomers have double protection on your teeth against bacteria that cause dental cavities. Fluoride is also crucial for strengthening teeth enamel.
2. Composite resin – is a common type of dental filling in dentistry. It features tooth-colored resin material that can be color-matched to your natural teeth. While it is useable for repairing teeth with small cavities, composite resin material creates strong dental sealants for preventive dental care. Even though composite resin fillings do not release fluoride on teeth for extra dental benefits, they typically last longer than glass ionomer sealants.

Which Dental Sealants Are Better?

Any dentist will tell you that either glass ionomer or composite resin fillings are incredible at getting the job done. The material you choose for your treatment will solely depend on your preferences. Some of the areas you need to be keen on when choosing the most suitable dental sealant for you are:

1. Durability – how long can your dental sealant last? Composite fillings last longer than glass ionomers.
2. Ability to fight dental cavities – glass ionomers have a double-action ability to fight dental cavities due to fluoride minerals.
3. Aesthetic advantage – can the dental sealant be seen when I laugh?
4. Cost – how much will it cost to get either dental sealant? Composite fillings typically cost about $135–$240 per tooth, which is a lot cheaper than the overall cost of glass ionomers.