Even with the best oral hygiene habits, the inevitable wear and tear on teeth can produce painful and unsightly cavities. Dental sealant is a plastic material usually applied to the back teeth to prevent pits and cavities from forming in the many nooks and crannies of the molars. This strong resin material is resistant to acids and bacteria and acts as a barrier against tiny yet destructive food particles. In a sense, food and plaques are “sealed out” from the depressions and grooves of the back teeth.

Sealants are easy to apply and simple to care for. Before application, each tooth is cleaned and dried, and a small amount of acid is placed on the surface of the tooth to “roughen it up.” This is done to give the plastic more places to grip during application. The liquid plastic is painted on to the tooth where it bonds and hardens, and special kinds of light sometimes accelerate the bonding process. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, but this simple process prevents years of damaging wear and tear.

People of every age can benefit from the protective shields of plastic sealants, and they are more advantageous and cost-effective alternatives for preventative measures when compared to the price of fillings and root canals. These simple procedures can spare you hundreds of dollars while protecting your smile for years to come. Contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today to see if dental sealants are right for you.