Dental sealants are a simple, effective way to protect your teeth from cavities. At Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS, Dr. Howell and our team apply thin, protective coatings to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, sealing out food particles and bacteria that cause decay.
Sealants are especially beneficial for children and teens, but adults can benefit too. The application process is quick, painless, and provides years of protection.
How Sealants Prevent Cavities
The chewing surfaces of your molars aren’t smooth. They’re covered with deep grooves and pits that trap food and bacteria. Even with careful brushing, it’s difficult to clean these tiny crevices completely.
Sealants fill in these grooves, creating a smooth, protective barrier that keeps decay-causing bacteria out. By sealing the vulnerable areas before cavities form, we prevent problems rather than treat them later.
Early Protection For Growing Smiles
Children and teens benefit most from sealants because their newly erupted permanent molars are especially prone to cavities. The first permanent molars come in around age six, and the second set arrives around age twelve.
Applying sealants shortly after these teeth erupt gives them the best protection during the cavity-prone years. Studies show that sealants reduce cavities in molars by nearly 80% in the first two years after application.
Sealants are far less expensive than fillings and help establish a foundation of healthy teeth that can last a lifetime.
Guarding Hard-To-Reach Grooves
Back molars have deep grooves that make them difficult to clean thoroughly. These grooves trap food particles and bacteria, creating the perfect environment for decay to develop.
Sealants smooth out these grooves, making it easier to keep your teeth clean with regular brushing. Adults with deep grooves and a history of cavities can also benefit from sealants on teeth that haven’t yet developed decay.
Quick, Painless Application
Applying sealants is one of the easiest dental procedures you’ll experience. There’s no drilling, no numbing, and no discomfort. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Here’s how it works:
- We clean and dry the tooth surface
- A special gel is applied to help the sealant bond
- The tooth is rinsed and dried again
- The sealant material is painted onto the grooves
- A curing light hardens the sealant in seconds
You can eat and drink normally as soon as you leave the office.
Built To Last
Sealants are made from a safe, durable resin material that bonds to the tooth surface. Once applied, sealants can last for several years with proper care, often five to ten years or more.
During your routine checkups, we’ll examine your sealants to make sure they’re still intact and providing full protection. If a sealant chips or wears down, we can easily reapply it to restore coverage.
Combining Sealants With Fluoride
For maximum cavity protection, sealants work best when combined with fluoride treatments. Fluoride strengthens enamel from the inside, while sealants protect the chewing surfaces from the outside.
Together, these preventive treatments provide comprehensive protection against decay.
Prevention That Pays Off
Sealants are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments available:
- Quick to apply with no anesthesia needed
- Less time in the dental chair
- Lower dental costs over time
- Healthier teeth that last longer
Sealants are covered by most dental insurance plans for children, and many plans offer partial coverage for adults as well.
Stop Cavities Before They Start With Sealants
At Andover Family Dentistry, we make it easy to protect your smile with dental sealants that are quick, comfortable, and effective. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your child’s new molars or add extra protection for your own teeth, sealants are a smart choice.
Call our Andover, KS office or book online to schedule your appointment. Dr. Howell and our team are here to provide the preventive care you need.