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Spanish (Spain) Our teeth are quite the hardworking bunch. Every day, they help us chew tough foods, flash brilliant smiles, and even shape our speech. Just like any other part of our body, they sometimes need a little outside assistance to stay in perfect condition. This is where preventative treatments like dental sealants come in. Along with daily brushing and flossing habits, they can help prevent cavities and allow your teeth to do their job—and they look great doing it.
Dental Sealants Explained
Dental sealants are a proactive treatment meant to stop problems before they start. Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are the molars and premolars. Think of them as a shield, preventing food particles and bacteria from settling into the grooves and crevices of our hard-to-reach teeth. These sealants act as a preventative measure—particularly for kids, but effective for adults—to avoid potential cavities.
Why Choose Dental Sealants?
Think of how many snacks, meals, and drinks our teeth process throughout the day. With all their grooves, the back teeth are especially vulnerable to food particles getting stuck, leading to potential decay. Dental sealants offer an added layer of protection for all ages, especially for kids and teenagers who thrive on sugar and may not have the most consistent brushing habits.
Sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and 50% for up to four years. Applying sealants is like putting a protective case around your phone, offering a first line of defense against potential harm.
What Happens If I Develop a Cavity?
If decay or damage breaches past the tooth’s enamel, leading to a cavity, a dental filling becomes necessary. Unlike proactive sealants, fillings are reactive treatments. After the decay is removed, the filling material restores the tooth’s structure, ensuring it looks and feels natural. It also helps protect against further infection or decay.
Dental fillings can be made of different materials, including gold, silver, and porcelain, each with a different lifespan and price point. At Brockley Dental Center, we primarily use white composite fillings that blend in with the tooth, avoiding the obvious metallic glare of older amalgam versions.
Key Differences Between Dental Sealants and Fillings
- Purpose: Dental sealants are preventive, whereas dental fillings are corrective. Sealants help protect teeth from cavities, while fillings restore teeth after decay has occurred.
- Application area: Sealants are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars since they’re the hardest to clean properly. Fillings, however, can be placed anywhere a cavity forms.
- Material: While dental sealants and white composite fillings can be made of similar materials, the former is more of a protective coating, while the latter is designed to mimic the tooth’s natural look and structure.
Let’s Talk Prices
Dental sealants are a great example of the phrase, “Prevention is often cheaper than the cure.” Dental sealants are preventive, so they can help you avoid the larger costs associated with fillings, root canals, or even tooth extractions later on.
Are you worried about navigating the often-confusing world of dental insurance and financing? At Brockley Dental Center, we’ll help you understand your insurance plan so you know exactly what’s covered. We also collaborate with CareCredit, which offers multiple financing plans to ensure that treatments are affordable, no matter your budget.
Ask About Dental Sealants Today
Are you still deciding whether dental sealants are right for you or your child? Maybe you suspect a cavity and are considering a filling. Whatever your dental needs, Brockley Dental Center is here to help. With our wealth of experience, state-of-the-art facility, and personalized approach, we aim to give you the best dental experience in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
So whether it’s dental sealants, fillings, or just a simple checkup, schedule your consultation with us today and embark on a journey towards a healthier, brighter smile. Remember, in the journey of dental health, it’s always better to be one step ahead. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
