Keeping the teeth, gums and general oral health of your children in top condition is a priority for any good parent, and modern paediatric and family dentistry, at places likes Thomas Aulsebrook & Associates, affords a range of ways you can help keep your child's teeth strong and free from decay. One procedure that has become more popular in recent years is the application of dental fissure sealants to a child's teeth, to protect them from dental caries and damage.
What are fissure sealants?
Put simply, fissure sealants are semi-permanent coatings that are applied to the molars and pre-molars; the coating provides a durable barrier between bacterial biofilm and the enamel of the coated teeth, and prevents the development of tooth decay and cavities for as long as the coating remains fully intact. The coating is invisible and non-toxic, and is generally made from one of three materials:
The longevity of a fissure sealant treatment depends upon the material used, and how much punishment the coated teeth take. A well-applied treatment, combined with good dental hygiene practices, can last five years or more, but eventually the sealant will wear down and become compromised. Fissure sealants are not applied to the front teeth, as they do not possess the pits and recesses that characterise molars and leave them more vulnerable to hidden tooth decay.
Are fissure sealants suitable for my child?
Fissure sealant applications are an elective procedure, and are by no means mandatory for preventing tooth decay in children. They also do not mean that your child can safely neglect good dental hygiene practises, and provide no protection for gum tissue or the front teeth. However, if you can afford the expense of treatment, most children will benefit from fissure sealants. This is especially true for children who have a higher risk of developing tooth decay, such as:
There are more than two ways to straighten a smile, and in this blog, I plan to discuss them all. I plan to look at the differences between braces and retainers and explain why sometimes you may need them both. I look at the differences in cost, time commitment and efficacy. Personally, I have had a bit of experience with this subject – I had braces as a young teen, and I had a permanent retainer. In this blog, I discuss what I have learned, and I present all kinds of new information on the topic. Whether you are trying to make decisions for yourself or your child. I hope you find this information useful.