Dental Sealants vs Fluoride Treatments: What’s the Difference?

When you see your dentist near you, they may discuss two methods of cavity protection for your teeth. These are referred to as fluoride treatments and dental sealants near you. They both aid in healthy teeth, but they function in distinct ways. Let’s learn about each one so you can understand what your dentist is doing to help your smile stay bright.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin layers of plastic that your dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Your back teeth, or your molars and premolars, contain deep grooves and pits where the bacteria can live and lead to tooth decay.

Your dentist applies these sealants by

1. Cleaning your teeth first
2. Completely drying the tooth surface
3. Applying a special gel to the tooth for a few seconds
4. Rinse and dry the tooth once more
5. Painting the sealant material onto the tooth
6. Hardening the sealant with a special light

This takes only a short while and hurts not at all. Most patients compare it to having their teeth painted.

What Are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that aids in making your tooth enamel more resistant. Tooth enamel is the hard outer covering of your teeth. When you get a fluoride treatment at the dental clinic, your dentist near you applies concentrated fluoride directly to your teeth.

Fluoride treatments exist in several forms:

1. Foam is put in special trays
2. Gel is painted on using a brush
3. Varnish brushed 

Following treatment, you typically need to wait 30 minutes before consuming anything to eat or drink. This allows the fluoride to soak into the teeth and strengthen them against cavities.

Dental Sealants vs Fluoride: What’s the Difference?

Knowing how these treatments work makes it easier for you to understand why dentists use both of them:

So, are fluoride or sealants better? That’s a wonderful question, and the answer is that they both work together! 

Here’s a simple way to think about it

Which Is Better, Fluoride or Sealants?

This is a question patients often have. The reality is, both procedures are essential for varying reasons. A dentist may prescribe both because they safeguard your teeth differently.

Dental sealants are ideal for

1. Kids and teens with new permanent teeth.
2. Grownups with deep grooves in their back teeth.
3. Individuals who get frequent cavities in their molars.
4. Patients who have difficulty cleaning their back teeth thoroughly.

Fluoride treatments are ideal for

1. Individuals with fragile tooth enamel
2. Patients who develop cavities often
3. Children who have developing teeth
4. Adults with gum recession and root exposure
5. Anyone who is not receiving sufficient fluoride from other sources

This is a common question patients ask. The truth is, both treatments are important for different reasons. Your dentist might recommend both because they protect your teeth in different ways.

Finding Dental Sealants Near You

When you are searching for dental sealants near you, ensure that you select a dental practice with experience in the procedure. The majority of pediatric dentists and family dentists provide fluoride as well as sealants.

Your dentist will:

1. Evaluate your teeth for any issues
2. Clean your teeth
3. Prescribe the procedure that  is most suitable for you
4. Address your questions
5. Book follow-up appointments when necessary

Call EverSmile Dental Today to Receive Quality Dental Care!

If you are looking for complete dental care, EverSmile Dental is here for you. We provide dental checkups, professional teeth cleaning, dental sealants, fluoride treatments and more to help you and your family keep healthy smiles. Our friendly team focuses on prevention and long-term oral health for patients of all ages.

Call EverSmile Dental today to receive quality dental care! Schedule your visit now!