Protecting your teeth from cavities starts with smart preventive care. Dental sealants are a quick, non-invasive treatment that creates a protective barrier over the deep grooves of your back teeth, where plaque and food particles tend to collect. By sealing these vulnerable areas, dental sealants help prevent decay and support long-term oral health.
Summary: Dental sealants are a quick, painless way to protect back teeth from cavities. They are ideal for children, teens, and adults with deep grooves that are hard to clean. Applied during a regular dental visit, sealants create a barrier that helps prevent decay and reduce the need for future dental work.
We provide dental sealants for children, teens, and adults at our dental office in Boulder, CO.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of permanent molars and premolars. These protective coatings bond to the enamel, filling in deep grooves and creating a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean.
Sealants act as a protective barrier, helping to block out food particles and bacteria that can lead to dental decay. Even with proper care, some areas of the mouth are difficult to reach, which makes sealants a smart choice for anyone at increased risk for cavities.
Why Are Sealants Recommended?
Although brushing and flossing are important for maintaining oral hygiene, they cannot always reach into the pits and fissures of back teeth. These areas are especially vulnerable to decay, particularly in children and teens.
Dental sealants are often recommended because they:
- Help prevent teeth from decay in hard-to-reach areas
- Provide long-lasting protection with just a few minutes per tooth
- Offer protection against tooth decay without removing any natural tooth structure
- Can be applied during a routine dental exam or cleaning visit
- Reduce the need for future dental treatments like fillings or crowns
- No shots or drilling required
- Great for kids with questionable brushing habits
Sealants are designed to last for years, offering continued protection as part of a healthy dental routine.
The Sealant Application Process
Applying dental sealants is quick and easy. It usually takes only a few minutes per tooth and involves no drilling or removal of tooth structure.
Here is what to expect:
- Cleaning the tooth: The chewing surface is cleaned to remove any debris or plaque.
- Preparing the enamel: A gentle etching solution is applied to help the sealant bond properly.
- Applying the sealant: The coating is painted onto the tooth and then hardened with a special curing light.
- Final check: We ensure the surface is smooth and that the sealant fits comfortably with your bite.
Once complete, you will have an added layer of defense on your chewing surfaces, helping to reduce the risk of cavities in vulnerable areas.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sealants?
While sealants are most commonly applied to children’s permanent molars as soon as they erupt, they are also beneficial for:
- Teens with a history of dental decay
- Adults with deep grooves in their teeth
- Patients with chronic conditions that increase the risk of decay or chronic diseases
- Anyone looking for extra protection against tooth decay as part of a preventive dental care routine
- Patients with dry mouth
We assess your individual risk and recommend sealants as needed to help support a healthy smile and maintain long-term oral health.
Protect Your Smile with Preventive Care
Dental sealants are just one part of a comprehensive approach to preventive care. When combined with regular brushing, flossing and routine cleanings and professional check-ups, sealants can significantly reduce your risk for cavities and support strong, healthy teeth for years to come.
Key Takeaway: Sealants are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your back teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Insurance and Membership Options
We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna DPPO Plus, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We also accept patients with out-of-network benefits and offer a membership plan for individuals without dental insurance.
We proudly serve the Boulder community as well as neighboring areas including Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont and Erie.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300 Boulder, CO 80303.
FAQs
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants are durable and can last many years. During your regular checkups, we will monitor them and recommend reapplication if needed.
Are sealants only for kids?
While sealants are commonly used in children, adults with deep grooves or at higher risk for cavities can benefit from them as well.
Do dental sealants replace fluoride treatments?
Dental sealants are not a replacement for fluoride treatment. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, while sealants create a protective barrier. They work together for optimal oral health.
Can I get sealants if I already have a cavity?
Sealants are only placed on teeth without decay. If a cavity is present, it will need to be treated with a filling or other restoration first.
Is the application process painful?
Not at all! The application process is quick, completely painless, and requires no numbing or drilling.
