Can You Get Sealants With Braces On? (A Comprehensive Guide)
Dental sealants are intended to provide greater cavity protection. To defend against decay it is painted on the chewing surfaces of molars. Sealants protect the teeth from 80% of cavities for the first two years, and 50% for the next two years after that, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In this post, we’ll answer the question of how do dental sealants work? Let’s get sealing.
TL;DR
- Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
- Sealants are typically made of a plastic resin material that bonds to the tooth surface, filling in the grooves and depressions to create a smooth surface, making it more challenging for bacteria and food particles to accumulate.
- Dental sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as soon as their permanent molars emerge, around the ages of 6 and 12.
- Sealants are a safe and effective preventive measure and can last for several years. However, they may need to be checked during dental visits and reapplied if necessary.
- Sealants can be beneficial for patients with braces, as they help protect the teeth from decay in areas that may be harder to clean due to the braces.
- According to a HealthTap post, it is possible to have braces if you’ve had fissure sealants put on your teeth. The sealants should not interfere with the braces, as they are applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, while braces are bonded to the front surfaces.
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.