Are sealants visible?
Yes. Sealants can be clear, white or slightly tinted. Remember, sealants are used only on the back teeth and cannot be seen when a child talks or smiles. Parents can check children’s teeth periodically to see if the sealants are still in place. Have Sealants Been Thoroughly Tested? Yes, thousands of children across the United States and in other countries have had their teeth sealed in controlled clinical studies. These studies have shown sealants to be effective, easy to apply, inexpensive and nontoxic. They have been used routinely in private practice since the mid-1970’s. Sealants are approved and have been recommended by the American Dental Association, the National Institute of Dental Research and the American Public Health Association. A sealant application can last for many years. Sealants should be checked regularly. Because teeth are most susceptible to decay when they are young, preventing decay during the first five to fifteen years after a tooth erupts is critical. Will Sea
Yes, sealants can be seen upon close examination of the back teeth. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted. Remember, sealants are used only on the back teeth and cannot be seen when a child talks or smiles. Parents can check children’s teeth periodically to see if the sealants are still in place.
Upon close examination sealants may be visible, but because they are used only on the back teeth, sealants cannot be seen when a child talks or smiles. How long will sealants last? One sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked regularly, and reapplied if they are no longer in place. Sealants, in addition to fluoride, plaque removal, careful food choices and regular dental care are the most effective option for protecting teeth from decay. Why is sealing a tooth better than waiting for decay to set-in and then filling the cavity? When it comes to your health, prevention is always better than treatment. Sealants help maintain sound, intact teeth. Decay destroys the structure of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, additional tooth structure is lost. In addition, sealing a tooth costs less than filling one. Appropriate use of sealants can save time, money and the discomfort associated with dental procedures. Ask your
