Will sealants make teeth feel different?
Sealants will not result in any change in bite because they are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves. At first they may feel bulkier, but a few days of normal chewing will wear the sealants into place. How Long Will Dental Sealants Last? A sealant application can last as long as 5 years and often longer. Sealants should be checked regularly and reapplied if they wear off. Because teeth are more likely to decay when they first appear in the mouth, dental sealants are recommended for children and teenagers. Why Is Sealing A Tooth Better Than Waiting For Decay and Filling A Cavity? Sealants help to keep teeth healthy by protecting them from decay. Decay destroys parts of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, more tooth is lost. Silver filling last above 6 – 8 years before they need to be replaced. Using sealants saves time and money and helps to keep teeth healthy. This document was reprinted with permission from the Arizona Office of Oral Health, Depart
Like anything new that is placed in the mouth, a child may feel the sealant with the tongue. Sealants, however, are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves on molar teeth. • How long will sealants last? One sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material. • Will sealants replace fluoride? No … fluorides, such as those used in community water, toothpaste, and mouthrinse also help to prevent decay. Fluoride works best on the smooth surfaces of teeth. The chewing surfaces on the back teeth, however, have tiny grooves where decay often begins. Sealants keep germs out of the grooves by covering them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together to prevent tooth decay. [More information on flouride.] • How do sealants fit into a preventive dentistry program? Sealants should be used as part
