How Long Do Sealants Last?
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If you want your child to conquer the upcoming life peaks with a healthy, Hollywood smile, you should act in advance. High-quality tooth sealants can protect their teeth from cavities and help your kid avoid all the “pleasures” of expensive treatment of neglected teeth. Adults can also largely benefit from getting tooth sealants. Find out “how long do dental sealants last?” and whether the game is worth the candle. In this post, we’ll address your major concerns regarding the effectiveness of dental sealants.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are ultra-thin gel coatings applied onto the surface of the rear teeth. They create an efficient protective barrier between the chewing surface and outside hazardous factors causing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease, such as plaque and bacteria. The insulating material prevents these outer elements from affecting the natural tooth surface.
This non-invasive dental treatment sounds effective enough to save your child a substantial amount of money and pain in the future. But how long does sealant last on teeth? Maybe, thorough dental hygiene will cope as well? Let’s find the answers!
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Googling “How long do sealants last on teeth?” might be confusing. Different numbers will pop up, from two to ten years. Does it mean some sealants are poor quality, and others are everlasting workhorses?
There are two main types of dental sealant materials:
- Glass Ionomer: undergo an acid-base reaction as they set.
- Composite Resin: set via a polymerization reaction.
Their main difference lies in the type of reaction that occurs when the system is applied to the tooth surface. You shouldn’t worry about their effectiveness or how long does tooth sealant last: a qualified dentist will take care of these technical issues at a dental appointment.
The general agreed-upon lifespan of sealants is up to ten years. However, dental specialists recommend reapplying them every two to four years, and this is not a mere whim. Dental sealants can securely remain on the teeth for up to a decade, but their efficiency diminishes to the end of their lifespan. Like all material objects, sealants wear down over time, and their longevity is largely affected by the excessive chewing forces rear teeth experience daily.
5 Factors That Affect the Longevity of Sealants
Modern dental sealants are designed to last, and you can affect their longevity with proper care and a conscious attitude to your dental habits and routine.
1. Oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene is vital for tooth health. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
2. Hard foods. Dental sealants wear down much faster and can get damaged if a kid chews on hard candies or ice.
3. Sugary drinks. Drinking too much soda or fruit juice can lead to cavities as these beverages contain sugar.
4. Rare dental checkups. Do not wait until your dentist has to restore the damaged tooth with tooth fillings. Preventive measures such as visiting a dental office at least once every 6 months are better for your health, wallet, and peace of mind. This enables the doctor to check on the condition of dental sealants to ensure they are still intact.
5. Teeth grinding. Bruxism puts a lot of pressure on dental sealants, causing their damage. The dentist might give you a mouthguard for the night if you inform them about your grinding habits beforehand.
3 Signs That Sealants Need Replacement
Though sealants are remarkably durable, some signs might indicate that you need a sealant replacement:
- Darkening around a sealant. Dental sealants are typically white or tooth-colored, so discoloration is a good reason for your dentist to check it out.
- Tooth sensitivity. If you feel pain or discomfort when consuming cold, hot, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, your sealant might need a replacement.
- Feeling sharp edges. When you bite down and feel your tooth has turned into a tiny Mount Everest, your sealant might be chipped. Food can get lodged underneath, leading to dental cavities and even tooth extraction! Don’t postpone a dental visit to get your sealant replaced.
Can Sealants Be Reapplied?
The sealant material can be reapplied as needed—your dentist will notice it at a regular check-up. Don’t worry, the procedure is not painful:
1. The doctor prepares the tooth for the application of a solution that makes microscopic pores on the tooth’s surface, helping the sealant to adhere to it.
2. The dentist paints a gel on the tooth and cures it with special light or air.
Sealant reapplication doesn’t require any drilling or cutting, so it isn’t stressful either.
How to Prolong the Life of Sealants
Now that you know “how long does teeth sealant last,” it’s time to understand how to take care of this long-term investment. Follow these simple rules:
- Avoid harmful habits. Chewing on ice and hard candies, biting nails, or using teeth as tools might entirely ruin the dentist’s work.
- Maintain sufficient oral hygiene. Encourage your child to floss daily and brush their teeth twice a day. Your own example is the best motivation for your kid.
- Visit a dentist regularly. The doctor should thoroughly examine the sealants to ensure there is no risk of tooth decay.
5 Benefits of Sealants Despite Their Limited Lifespan
If you expected another answer to “How long do teeth sealants last?” don’t be frustrated so far. Though sealants don’t last for the entire life, they offer numerous benefits:
- Prevent teeth from decay. Dental sealants fill tooth grooves and crevices to prevent plaque from accumulating and causing tooth decay.
- Pain-free. Unlike tooth fillings, sealants don’t require any anesthesia.
- Cost-saving. Sealants can prevent cavities and save you money for restorative procedures.
- Save permanent teeth. Dental sealants efficiently protect permanent teeth from early childhood, keeping teeth in place for the entire life.
- Perfect for kids. You can’t stand over your child with a toothbrush and floss every minute of the day. Dental sealants effectively safeguard your kid’s teeth when they munch or sip something yummy on the go.
How Long Do Tooth Sealants Last? Secrets Revealed!
Dental sealants effectively reduce the risk of cavities formation, gum disease, and tooth decay. This investment is totally worth it: sufficiently protected, cavity-free teeth are much stronger than those with cavities or fillings. Sealants can endure up to 10 years with appropriate care and regular dental check-ups and prolong tooth health for years. Now you know “how long does dental sealant last” and various ways to maximize its effectiveness.
Sealants Lifespan: Most Common Questions
Are dental sealants safe?
According to recent studies, dental sealants have been safe and effective for over 40 years. However, you should warn your dentist if you have an allergy to prevent potential side effects from sealants.
Do adults need sealants?
Since cavities can form during adulthood, adults can also get dental sealants. Age doesn’t impact their effectiveness.
What happens if a sealant comes off?
The tooth instantly becomes susceptible to decay. You will need to make an appointment with your dentist so that the doctor can replace the sealant.
How often should sealants be replaced?
With proper care, a healthy diet, and daily brushing, tooth sealants can last up to ten years. Seeing a dentist every 6 months for a thorough oral cavity check-up will help you identify whether a sealant needs to be replaced. Eating hard foods, drinking sugary beverages, and bruxism can shorten the sealant lifespan.
Additional Resources
To learn more about different types of dental sealants and how long do sealants on teeth last, read this helpful article by the American Dental Association.
