Dental sealants, when placed properly, may prevent kids' teeth from forming 80% of potential cavities for up to two years, and 50% of cavities for up to four years.1 Learn more about dental sealants and how they can be used to protect your child's teeth from the effects of tooth decay.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a non-invasive, painless and inexpensive dental treatment. Made of a thin plastic coating that "seals" back-tooth surfaces, dental sealants have been used for more than 40 years to fortify young people's teeth and minimize risk of decay. Coatings are either clear or tooth-colored, so they don't stand out.
How do dental sealants work?
Dental sealants work by effectively covering the vulnerable areas of teeth that are more likely to be threatened by cavity development. This typically means uneven biting surfaces and tooth grooves that tend to trap food particles.
When is the best time to have dental sealants applied?
Your child may get the most out of dental sealants by having them applied as soon as his or her permanent molars and premolars come in, around ages 6, 12 and 18. Your dentist may recommend dental sealants earlier if your child exhibits increased risk factors for tooth decay.
What can I expect during a dental sealant appointment?
Dental sealants can be placed in one appointment, with no anesthesia needed. Typically, the dental sealant application process involves four main steps:
- The dentist prepares the tooth by cleaning the tooth surface, then rinsing and drying the tooth.
- Next, the dentist applies an acid-based gel solution to the tooth's surface. The gel will ensure the dental sealant forms a tight bond with the enamel.
- The dentist then applies the dental sealant to the tooth in the form of a liquid solution.
- In the final step, the dentist uses a blue curing light to turn the solution into a solid sealant.
Do dental sealants prevent cavities?
Dental sealants are still one of the best defenses we have against decay in young teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "School-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants."1
Remember that the CareCredit credit card can help pay for dental care for your entire family, including dental checkups and treatments such as dental sealants.* You can use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a qualified dentist near you who accepts CareCredit.