Dental sealants are made of a transparent dental resin or a glass ionomer material, which is applied directly to your child’s teeth in a liquid form. Then, it’s hardened using UV light, creating a barrier between your child’s teeth and oral bacteria, acid, and food particles.
This, in turn, helps prevent the formation of cavities. Dental sealants are commonly used in kids dentistry. Along with fluoride treatments, they are a great way to help stop tooth decay in children who are cavity-prone.
First, your child’s teeth will be cleaned by the team at Green Leaf Dental. Next, our team will use cotton to absorb saliva from your child’s mouth to keep their teeth dry as we apply a mild acid solution to the teeth. This acid roughens the teeth slightly, providing a strong hold for the sealant.
Then, the teeth are rinsed and dried once more, and sealant ectly onto your child’s enamel. The sealant will bond to the tooth and harden with the help of a special UV light. This process is repeated for each tooth that requires treatment.
The rear teeth are much more prone to cavities than the front teeth. This is because they have deeper pits and fissures where food debris and bacteria tend to gather. The rear teeth are also more difficult to brush properly, particularly for kids.
This is why sealants are usually only applied to the molars and premolars. While it is possible to apply sealants to the canines and incisors, this is not usually necessary. As long as you practice good oral hygiene habits with your kids, they’re unlikely to develop cavities in their front teeth.
Most dental insurance policies cover dental sealants and fluoride treatments for kids as part of your preventive care benefits. However, this may vary, depending on your insurer. Before your appointment, we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to find out if your child’s dental sealants will be covered.
If your child is cavity-prone and seems to develop cavities despite your best efforts to maintain good oral hygiene habits, dental sealants are definitely a good option. With sealants, you can keep their teeth healthy as they grow, and avoid fillings and the complications associated with tooth decay.
Even if your child does not tend to get cavities, sealants are a good way to safeguard their oral health. Contact our team now to schedule your appointment, and find out if sealants are right for your child.