Daily flossing, twice-daily brushing, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups are all vital aspects of maintaining good oral health. We'd like to tell you about a less known but equally valuable line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria: dental sealants.

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant (also known as a tooth sealant) is a thin plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of your tooth. The material coats the tooth, providing a barrier between your enamel and the bacteria that causes decay. Sealants are most often applied to back teeth (premolars and molars), where they fill in the deep, narrow grooves in the chewing surfaces. We call these grooves "pits and fissures."

Do I need sealants if I brush regularly?

When you brush and floss every day, you remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. On the smooth surfaces of your teeth, this is an effective system. However, it can be difficult for the bristles of your toothbrush to reach all the way into the grooves in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. And because the enamel coating on your teeth is thinnest at the bottom points of those pits and fissures, your teeth are most susceptible there. Sealants fill in the grooves, providing a smooth surface that your toothbrush can tackle successfully.

At what age should sealants be applied?

Sealants are most useful in children whose permanent back teeth have just come in (or "erupted"). First molars generally appear around age six, and second molars around age twelve. We recommend having sealants applied shortly after the molars appear, before these new teeth sustain any exposure to cavity-causing bacteria. Of course, depending on the state of your teeth, sealants can be helpful for patients of any age.

How are sealants applied to teeth?

Application is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes per tooth. First, we thoroughly clean the surface of the tooth to remove any food particles or plaque that may be present. Then we apply a special gel that slightly roughens the enamel, making it easier for the sealant to adhere to the surface. Finally, we paint the sealant (in a liquid form) right onto your tooth. Some kinds of sealants harden (or "cure") automatically, while others require a few seconds under a special light.

Can anyone see that I have sealants?

Sealants may be clear, slightly tinted, or white. Against the natural color of teeth, they are essentially invisible. Also, because they are so thin, sealants cause no discomfort. Your tongue may notice the difference immediately after application, but will quickly get used to the new, smooth feel.

How long do sealants last?

Even with constant chewing, sealants usually last several years. We will check their condition at each appointment, and recommend reapplication when necessary.