Teeth sealing – when to do it and how long does it last?

What is tooth painting?

Tooth varnishing is a preventive procedure consisting of covering furrows and depressions on the chewing surfaces of teeth (most often molars and premolars) with a special sealing material — varnish. The purpose of this treatment is to protect against caries, since the varnish creates a barrier that prevents food debris from settling and bacteria from developing in hard-to-reach places. The procedure is painless, fast, and most often performed in children after permanent teeth are cut, but it can also be used in adults.

Is it safe to paint your teeth?

Tooth varnishing is a safe and commonly used procedure for caries prevention, especially in children. The materials used for varnishing are certified and intended for use in the oral cavity. The procedure does not violate the structure of the tooth, is completely painless and non-invasive — it consists only of applying a thin layer of varnish to the tooth surface.

When is varnishing done?

We distinguish several situations in which it is recommended to perform tooth varnishing:

1) After cutting out permanent teeth, especially the first and second molars, in children.

2) Milk teeth with deep furrows — in children with a high risk of caries.

3) Teeth hard to reach for cleaning — with deep and narrow furrows.

4) In patients with an increased risk of caries, e.g., with limited oral hygiene or a diet high in sugars.

5) In adults, if they have healthy teeth with anatomically deep cavities.

A prerequisite for carrying out varnishing is healthy teeth without caries.

Lacquer milk teeth — when to do it?

Painting of milk teeth in children is best done after the milk tooth is completely cut, usually around 2-3 years of age (most often affects milk molars).

Permanent tooth varnishing — when to do it?

Lacquering permanent teeth in children is best done as soon as possible after the tooth has been cut, that is, at the moment when the tooth has completely appeared in the oral cavity, but has not yet had time to come into contact with caries. The first permanent molars (“sixes”) usually erupt between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars (“sevens”) erupt around the age of 11-13.

How is the tooth varnishing procedure performed?

The procedure for painting teeth consists of several simple steps:

Step 1. Cleaning the tooth

At first, the dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth from food debris, sediment, and plaque. For this purpose, he uses special brushes, polishing paste, and, possibly, a water-air blower. A clean surface is key, because only then does the varnish adhere well to the enamel and fulfill its protective function.

Step 2. Etching the enamel

After cleaning, an etching gel (most often orthophosphoric acid) is applied to the surface of the tooth grooves, which causes microscopic matting of the enamel. Due to this, the surface becomes rougher, which improves the adhesion of the varnish. The gel stays on the tooth usually for a dozen to tens of seconds.

Step 3. Rinse and dry

After the appropriate time has elapsed, the gel is thoroughly rinsed with water and the tooth is dried — usually with a jet of air. At this stage, it is very important that the tooth remains dry and is not accidentally wetted with saliva, as moisture can disrupt the durability of the paintwork.

Step 4. Apply the varnish

When the tooth surface is properly prepared and dry, the dentist applies a sealing varnish — a liquid material that thoroughly fills cavities in the enamel (furrows and pits). The varnish can be white, transparent, or slightly iridescent, which facilitates its control during subsequent visits.

Step 5. Curing the varnish

After applying the varnish, the dentist hardens it with a polymerization lamp (emitting blue light). This process takes a few to a dozen seconds and makes the material harden and permanently bond with the enamel. Thanks to this, it creates a protective barrier against bacteria and food debris.

Step 6. Check for tightness and fit

Finally, the dentist checks whether the varnish adheres well to the tooth and whether it does not hinder the bite. If necessary, it can gently smooth the surface or adjust it with rotary tools. If everything is in order, the procedure is completed.

Is tooth varnishing painful?

Tooth varnishing is a completely non-invasive and painless preventive procedure that does not require boring or anesthesia. The dentist works exclusively on the surface of the tooth - it does not affect the enamel or the pulp of the tooth, so the patient does not feel any pain. Children may possibly feel a slight blowing of air when drying a tooth or a slight tingling at the time of exposure to a lacquer curing lamp, but these are not painful sensations. It is the painlessness that makes varnishing gladly performed on children and taken as the first positive contact with the dentist.

How long does tooth enamel last?

Tooth varnishing can last from 1 to even several years, depending on several factors:

1) The quality of the treatment performed — the accuracy of the application and good drying of the tooth affect the durability of the varnish.

2) The type of material used — some varnishes are more durable than others.

3) Places of varnishing - the varnishes on the molars, which are involved in chewing, can wear off faster.

4) Food and hygiene habits - frequent consumption of hard foods and improper oral hygiene can shorten the shelf life of the varnish.

5) Regular dental check-ups — during visits, the dentist can check the condition of the varnish and refill it if it starts to rub or peel off.

It is usually recommended to check the condition of the varnishes every 6 to 12 months. Even if the varnish is partially wiped off, it can be easily and quickly replenished.

Tooth varnishing — contraindications

Tooth varnishing is a safe procedure, but there are some contraindications that may prevent it from being performed. Here are the most important of them:

1) The presence of caries — varnishing is not performed on teeth with visible caries, even in the early stages. She needs to be cured first.

2) Lack of oral hygiene - if the patient does not take care of his teeth, varnishing may not have an effect, and caries may develop under the layer of varnish.

3) Low level of patient cooperation — e.g., in very young children or people with disabilities who are unable to sit still during the procedure.

4) Incorrect tooth structure - too shallow or unusual grooves can prevent the correct adhesion of the varnish.

5) The tooth is not completely cut out - varnishing is done only after the tooth has completely ejected, otherwise the varnish can quickly peel off.

6) Allergy to varnish components — very rare, but if there is an allergy to any component of the preparation, the procedure is contraindicated.

Before the procedure, the dentist always assesses the condition of the teeth and the general conditions in the mouth to ensure that the varnishing will be safe and effective.

Does tooth painting have to be repeated?

Tooth varnishing sometimes needs to be repeated, as the varnish can wear off, peel off, or be damaged over time as a result of chewing, brushing, or eating hard foods. Therefore, regular dental check-ups are very important - usually every 6 to 12 months - during which the dentist checks the condition of the varnish. If he notices that the varnish has worn or peeled off, he can complete it or reapply it without having to interfere with the structure of the tooth. Repeated varnishing does not mean that something has gone wrong - it is a natural part of prevention. Thanks to the replenishment of the varnish, the tooth remains protected from caries all the time.