How Long Do Sealants Last?

A thin plastic sealant or coating can be applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars to treat deep grooves, pits, and fissures. The purpose of this dental treatment is to seal the teeth from harmful bacteria by applying thin coatings of composite resin.

You must have heard the same if you have ever suffered from chewing or cavity issues. Though sealants are mainly used for children, dentists can also recommend them to adults in special cases. These are very durable dental equipment. 

The upper surface of the teeth is where seventy-five percent of dental decay is found. The teeth become difficult to clean when they have these conditions, and they decay more easily as a result. By using the sealant, the tooth will be protected from decay.

When your dentist recommends dental sealants, it is important to understand how long they will last and how to prolong their life and make the best of them!

What is the purpose of sealants for different individuals?

• Children and teenagers – Ages 6 to 16 when cavities are most likely to occur, particularly when the first permanent teeth appear 
• Adults – Teeth surfaces that don’t have deep depressions or grooves and do not show evidence of decay.
• Baby Teeth – If a child is prone to cavities or if there are deep depressions or grooves in the baby teeth, sealants may be used on them.

For how long do dental sealants last?

The durability depends on the individual and their teeth condition. But with proper precaution, they can last for up to 8-9 years. 

Dental sealant is designed to last, despite their simplicity, which may cause one to doubt their durability. Good material can last 10 years or more as mentioned above. It does not need to be removed like braces or other dental treatments.

As they wear away, they will eventually disappear. It is possible to replace them with new ones if your dentist suggests so. These dental devices are known to last many years if the teeth are not overly stressed. As long as they don’t get damaged too much you don’t have to worry about anything. 

Natural enamel and dental sealants are both subject to wear down when chewing hard foods such as ice and popcorn kernels. So, you must pay attention to this. 

In addition, once your dentist has applied sealants you have to visit the clinic for regular checkups to ensure they are sitting properly in their place. And in case they feel worn out your dentist might also replace them with new ones.

Now that you know the longevity of sealants let’s have an overview of how they are fixed in the teeth!

What is the procedure to fix sealants?

The procedure of applying sealants to a tooth takes just a few minutes. Dental hygienists can perform this task. In order to seal the teeth, cotton is placed around them. Once they are completely cleaned, they stay dry this way.

The enamel will be treated with a special solution to help the sealant bond with the teeth. In the next step, you will be rinsing and drying your teeth. The material is painted onto deep grooves and depressions in the enamel surface.

Two methods are available for hardening these materials, artificial light, and natural means, depending on the type of sealant used. 

Lastly, a good oral hygiene routine, a balanced diet, and regular consultations with your dentist are all key to preserving the effectiveness of your new sealants.