A healthy smile is a valuable asset. Brushing, flossing, and dental checkups go a long way towards preserving your oral health. Dental sealants offer another level of protection. Most of the time, dentists recommend dental sealants for children and teens. In some cases, adults with a high risk for decay on back teeth and molars may need sealants.

What are dental sealants?
Made from clear plastic, dental sealants are applied to the pits and grooves of molars and premolars. The sealants form a barrier to food particles and enamel-eroding acids.

Why don’t dentists apply sealants to all teeth?
With good brushing and flossing habits, you can remove plaque and debris from the smooth surfaces of your teeth. The fissures and pits on back teeth are difficult to completely reach. Saliva, which helps naturally rinse away bacteria, isn’t very effective on these areas either, which makes the back teeth more prone to decay.

What’s the process for applying sealants?
It generally takes just a few minutes for each tooth. First, the dental team will clean and dry each tooth. Then, the dentist will paint the sealant material onto the chewing surfaces. Often, a curing light is used to harden the sealants.

How long do sealants last?
Usually, dental sealants hold up well under normal chewing and will last several years before you need any kind of reapplication. Make sure to brush and floss teeth daily to promote good oral health. During your exams, the dentist will check the sealants to verify that they don’t need replacement.