What are sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. By blocking out the bacteria that cause tooth decay, sealants can help to prevent cavities.

What are dental sealants made of?

Dental sealants are “resin” material. They are made of a plastic-like material that is applied to the biting surfaces of your molars.

The plastic-like material is brushed onto the surface of the teeth, where it bonds and hardens. After the material is dry, your tooth is “sealed” against the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay.

How do sealants help protect teeth?

Dental sealants are dental-grade plastic coatings that seal out food, plaque, and bacteria from the biting surfaces of teeth. The sealant is a thin, clear layer that is applied to the surface of the molars.

The sealant is painted onto the tooth, where it bonds directly to the tooth enamel. The sealant creates a barrier between your teeth and cavity-causing bacteria.

Who can get dental sealants?

The teeth most likely to benefit from dental sealants are the surface molars. These are the teeth that bear the brunt of chewing and tend to develop pits and grooves. The pits and grooves in teeth make brushing and flossing more difficult, which leads to higher levels of tooth decay.

Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The procedure is simple and painless and takes just a couple of minutes per tooth. The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then polished. A special gel is then applied to the chewing surfaces to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The gel is then rinsed off and the sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel. The sealant bonds to the tooth and hardens.

Are sealants safe?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are clear or tooth-colored, so they blend in nicely with the rest of your teeth.

Sealants are applied to the teeth as a liquid that will set and bond to the tooth. Sealants are nearly 100% effective in preventing tooth decay and cavities.

How long do dental sealants last?

Dental sealants are very long-lasting. The length of time a sealant remains effective depends on a number of factors, including patient dental hygiene, diet, and other factors. In general, sealants can last 10 years or more.

Dentists recommend dental sealants for patients who are prone to cavities. The dental sealant creates a barrier that protects teeth from bacteria, plaque, and other harmful materials. Sealants can also help prevent damage due to acid erosion.

Are dental sealants covered by insurance?

Dental sealants are not covered by insurance. This coverage is often reserved for children, as children are more susceptible to developing tooth decay. Sealants are a preventative dentistry service.

If you or your child are eligible for sealants, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the sealants be applied as soon as possible after the baby’s first tooth appears.

Sealants typically last between three and ten years.

How often

Dental sealants are most effective when applied soon after a child’s first tooth erupts. However, they can still be applied at any time, so talk to your dentist about your options.