By using sealants and bonding a specialized plastic resin on the tooth surface, a smoother tooth surface is created. This makes it much easier to remove plaque, thereby resulting in cleaner teeth which are less likely to succumb to tooth decay.
Applying sealants is an easy procedure which generally takes only a few minutes to complete. Prior to applying the sealant, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and then roughened with an acid solution which helps the sealant adhere better. Each tooth that is being treated is then
painted with the sealant solution and the solution is allowed to harden.
Sealants make for a very effective barrier against decay, and generally last several years. The sealant holds up well under the normal force of chewing, allowing teeth to remain protected for long periods of time. While especially effective in children who have not yet had a lot of tooth decay, sealants are also recommended for adults as well. Preventing tooth decay is a key to maintaining the health of your teeth throughout your lifetime, and sealants are a very powerful form of tooth protection.