Quick answer: Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth to keep out food and bacteria. According to the CDC, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where 9 in 10 cavities occur. Application is quick and painless, and both children and adults can benefit. Seaport Family Dentistry in Liberty, MO places sealants for patients of all ages.
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings and exams are the best ways to prevent cavities. But the deep grooves in molars are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Sealants are a simple way to close that gap.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a thin protective coating, usually a white or clear resin, that bonds to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. These teeth have deep pits and grooves where food and plaque get trapped. A sealant fills in those grooves and creates a smooth surface that is easier to clean and harder for bacteria to stick to.
What are the benefits of dental sealants for children?
Sealants give children’s new permanent molars strong protection during the years they are most prone to cavities. The CDC reports that:
- Sealants protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
- School-age children (ages 6 to 11) without sealants have almost 3 times more first-molar cavities than children with sealants.
- Sealants work best when placed soon after permanent molars come in, around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars.
Kids are still learning to brush well, and back teeth are the hardest to reach. Sealants add a layer of defense while those habits develop, helping set up a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Can adults get dental sealants?
Yes. Adults with healthy, cavity-free molars that have deep grooves can benefit from sealants too. They can be a good option if you are prone to cavities, have trouble cleaning your back teeth, or want to avoid future fillings or crowns.
For adults, sealants offer:
- Cavity prevention on teeth that are still healthy, before decay starts.
- Lower long-term costs, since preventing a cavity usually costs less than treating one.
- A natural look, because white or clear sealants are nearly invisible when you smile, talk, or eat.
How are dental sealants applied?
Applying sealants is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or numbing. The process takes just a few minutes per tooth:
- Clean: The tooth is cleaned and dried.
- Prepare: A special gel is applied to roughen the chewing surface slightly so the sealant bonds well, then rinsed off.
- Seal: The liquid sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth.
- Cure: A curing light hardens the sealant in seconds.
Because it is so gentle, sealant placement is a great option for children and for adults who feel nervous about dental treatment.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can last for several years with proper care, and CDC research has found they can keep preventing cavities for up to nine years. Your dentist will check your sealants at each routine visit and can repair or reapply them if they wear down.
To help your sealants last:
- Keep brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Sealants protect chewing surfaces, not the spaces between teeth.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other very hard objects.
- Keep up with checkups every six months so worn sealants can be caught early.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should kids get dental sealants?
The best time is soon after permanent molars come in: around age 6 for first molars and around age 12 for second molars.
Do dental sealants hurt?
No. Placing sealants is painless and requires no shots or drilling.
How effective are dental sealants?
According to the CDC, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Can sealants be placed over a cavity?
Sealants are meant for healthy teeth. If a tooth already has decay, your dentist will usually treat it with a filling first.
Are dental sealants noticeable?
No. Sealants are white or clear, so they are nearly invisible when you smile, talk, or eat.
Do I still need to brush and floss with sealants?
Yes. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces, but brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are still needed to protect the rest of your teeth and gums.
Dental sealants in Liberty, MO
Seaport Family Dentistry provides dental sealants for children, teens, and adults in Liberty, Missouri. Our team will assess your family’s oral health and recommend a sealant plan that fits each person’s needs. Whether your child’s first molars are coming in or you want extra protection for your own teeth, we’re here to help. Schedule a visit today to protect your family’s smiles.