Brushing and flossing are the best ways to protect your teeth. But there may be times when you need to undergo further treatments, such as getting dental sealants to ensure your teeth last for a long time.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that adhere to the chewing surface of your back teeth. While they’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, they can keep cavities from forming and could even stop early stages of tooth decay. They’re just one preventative dental treatment we provide at Dental Image Therapy Centres to our patients to make sure you have a healthy, confident smile.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Generally, we recommend children to get dental sealants. This is for a few reasons:

• Dental hygiene habits may not be the greatest yet (get tips on how to improve your children’s dental habits here
• Children with a history of decay benefit from the added protection of sealants
• It gives you peace of mind, knowing that your kids’ teeth are more protected

In 2016, the Centre for Disease Control released a report stating that children ages six to eleven without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than those who have sealants. The report shows proof that dental sealants can protect against 80 per cent of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50 per cent of cavities for up to four years. 

This means dental sealants can reduce the need for expensive and invasive treatments like dental fillings or crowns.

Dental Sealants FAQ

How are dental sealants applied?

• Your dentist or hygienist will clean the surface of your tooth, then paint a gel on the biting surface of your tooth to achieve a strong bond with the sealant. After rinsing and drying your tooth, your dentist will apply the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. Then they will use a special blue light to harden the sealant. 

How long do dental sealants last?

• Dental sealants can last many years. However, sometimes they do fall off. If you visit your dentist every six months, your dentist will be able to determine whether a new dental sealant should be placed on the tooth.

When should the teeth be sealed?

• The American Dental Association recommends the molars that appear around age six to twelve should be sealed to prevent tooth decay.

Can adults get dental sealants?

• While less common, dental sealants are sometimes placed in adults at risk for cavities on deep grooves that do not already have fillings.

Are Dental Sealants Right For You Or Your Child?

Our dentists at Dental Image Therapy Centres will check for the risk of cavities and determine whether you or your child needs a sealant to protect your teeth. After discussing the treatment options, one of our dental professionals will put the sealant on your tooth during a subsequent visit. The entire procedure is quick and painless. If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. We would be happy to help!

Book an appointment at one of our Dental Image Therapy Centres clinics to keep up with your oral hygiene and learn more about proper dental care. We are conveniently located in Garden City Shopping Centre and St. Vital Centre.