What are Sealants?
A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This plastic resin bonds into the pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces, and acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque, food and acids.
Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth.
- First the teeth are cleaned and an acid solution is used to help the sealant adhere to the tooth.
The sealant is then ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel and a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.
As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.
