Welcome to our blog post about dental sealants! If you’re not familiar with this treatment, then you might be surprised to learn that it’s been around for over 50 years. Despite its longevity, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding dental sealants that keep people from seeking the benefits they offer. In this article, we’ll be debunking five of the most common myths about dental sealants so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not they’re right for you. So let’s get started!
Sealants Are A New Treatment
It’s a common misconception that dental sealants are a new treatment. However, the truth is that they’ve been around since the 1960s! In fact, dental sealants have been used as an effective way to prevent cavities in children and adults for over half a century.
Dental sealants work by sealing off the grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth, which helps to prevent bacteria from getting trapped in these areas and causing decay. They’re typically made from clear or tooth-colored materials that blend in with your natural teeth, so they’re virtually invisible once applied.
One reason why people might think that dental sealants are a new treatment is that they’ve become more popular in recent years due to advancements in technology and increased awareness about their benefits. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re untested or experimental – quite the opposite!
In fact, numerous studies have shown that dental sealants are highly effective at preventing cavities when properly applied and maintained. So if you’re looking for a proven way to protect your teeth from decay without invasive procedures or high costs, then dental sealants may be just what you need!
Sealants are just for children
One common myth about dental sealants is that they are only for children. While it’s true that most sealant applications occur during childhood, adults can also benefit from this treatment.
Dental sealants act as a barrier against bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay by forming a protective coating over the tooth enamel. This protection benefits everyone regardless of age.
In fact, adults with a high risk of developing cavities or those who have deep grooves on their teeth would greatly benefit from getting dental sealants done. It’s never too late to protect your teeth!
Additionally, some adults may not have received dental sealants as children so getting them done later in life could help prevent future cavities.
It’s important to remember that while preventive care starts at a young age, it doesn’t end there. Dental health is important throughout one’s lifetime and dental sealants provide long-lasting protection for all ages.
Dental sealants hurt
One of the biggest myths surrounding dental sealants is that getting them applied hurts. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The process is quick and painless.
Dental sealants are simply a protective coating that gets painted onto teeth to prevent decay. Before applying the sealant, your dentist will clean and dry your teeth thoroughly. Then they will apply an acidic gel to roughen up the surface of your tooth so that the sealant can adhere better.
The gel only needs to stay on for a few seconds before being rinsed off with water. Next, it’s time for the sealant to be applied! It’s just like painting your nails – except instead of nail polish it’s a thin layer of plastic-like material.
Once it has been applied, a special light is used to cure or harden it in place. And voila! That’s all there is to it- no drilling or pain involved!
If you’re still nervous about getting dental sealants because you’re afraid they’ll hurt – don’t worry! Talk to your dentist and let them explain how simple and easy this procedure really is.
Dental sealants are expensive.
A common misconception about dental sealants is that they are expensive. However, this is not necessarily the case! In fact, compared to other dental procedures, sealants are quite affordable.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that dental sealants can prevent more costly treatments down the line. By protecting teeth from decay and future cavities with a simple application of sealant material, you could be avoiding costly fillings or even root canals.
Secondly, many insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants for children and teenagers as part of their preventative care coverage. This means that there may be little to no out-of-pocket expenses for parents seeking this treatment for their children.
Furthermore, some dentists offer discounts or payment plans for those who want to get dental sealants but may not have insurance coverage. It’s always worth asking your dentist if they have any options available!
While there may be some upfront costs associated with getting dental sealants applied, it ultimately pays off in terms of preventing more serious (and expensive) complications later on down the road.
Sealants make the mouth look funny.
One common myth that surrounds dental sealants is that they make the mouth look funny. This couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, dental sealants are designed to blend in with your natural teeth and are virtually invisible once applied.
Sealants come in a clear or tooth-colored coating, which is placed onto the surface of the molars and premolars. The material used for this type of treatment is made from a composite resin, which mimics tooth enamel perfectly. As a result, it’s challenging to tell whether someone has had sealant treatment at all.
Furthermore, having dental sealants can even enhance your smile by preventing decay and keeping your teeth looking healthy. By covering up deep grooves on biting surfaces where food particles often get trapped, you’ll have less staining on those areas over time – meaning whiter-looking teeth overall!
If you’re worried about how dental sealants will affect your appearance or self-confidence don’t fret – they won’t alter your looks negatively but instead provide long-lasting protection for years to come!
As we have seen, there are many myths surrounding dental sealants. However, it is important to remember that these misconceptions can prevent people from receiving a potentially life-changing treatment.
Dental sealants are not a new invention, and they have been around for decades. They are also not just for children – adults can benefit from them as well. Additionally, the application of dental sealants is generally painless and affordable.
It’s understandable that some people may feel self-conscious about having something on their teeth. However, modern-day dental sealants are designed to blend in with natural tooth color so that they do not stand out.
We hope that this article has helped debunk some of the common myths surrounding dental sealants. Remember to always consult with your dentist if you have any concerns about your oral health and potential treatments like dental sealants!
