Sealants are substances used to block the passage of fluids through openings in materials, a type of mechanical seal. They are used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace, to close small openings that are difficult to shut with other materials, such as concrete and drywall. Here are some key points about sealants:

• Properties: Sealants convey a number of properties, including sealing top structures to the substrate, providing thermal and acoustical insulation, serving as fire barriers, and having electrical properties.

• Uses: Sealants are used to waterproof components by keeping moisture out or in, and they can also be used for simple smoothing or filling.

• Types: There are different types of sealants, including viscous materials that have little or no flow characteristics and which stay where they are applied, and thin and runny sealants that allow penetration of the substrate by means of capillary action.

In dentistry, sealants are thin, liquid coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) to prevent tooth decay. They are made of different materials, including resins (plant or synthetic) and glass ionomers (glass powder combined with a water-soluble acid) . Sealants are a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent cavities, and they are less expensive and easier to apply than fillings. Sealants are recommended for children aged 6 to 11 who don’t have dental sealants, as they are three times more likely to develop tooth decay. Applying sealant is a simple and painless process that takes only a few minutes for a dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth.