What Are Dental Sealants? 7 Important Facts to Know

What are dental sealants? Why would you want to get them? Learn seven important facts to know in our comprehensive guide today.

Approximately 26% of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have untreated decay on their teeth. There are plenty of kids who also have untreated cavities.

Untreated decay spreads and leads to major tooth problems, which is why you should go to the dentist for exams and cleanings.

Did you know, though, that you can prevent most cavities by getting dental sealants? 



You might be wondering, "what are dental sealants?" If you're wondering about this, keep reading to learn seven important facts about them.

1. Dental Sealants Cover Teeth

Dentists offer dental sealants as a form of preventative maintenance. The sealants protect teeth by providing a covering over them. 

Are you wondering, "what are dental sealants made of?" Many people mistake them for being the same things like crowns and veneers, but this isn't the case. Sealants are plastic coatings that protect the teeth.

A dentist places the sealants on teeth by painting them on. The sealant material comes in liquid form, but it hardens after application. It's easy to apply to teeth, and it dries quickly. 

After painting the sealants on the teeth, the dentist dries them with a special light, which hardens them. 



Once they harden, you will not notice them or feel them. They don't stand out or cause your teeth to work differently. In other words, you won't know they're there. 

How SureSmile Aligners Can Change Your Life

For a person with a crooked smile who anticipated wearing metal braces for a couple of years, SureSmile aligners truly do change their lives! Patients love that the aligners are crystal-clear. This allows them to smile and laugh and not feel like they have to show off the dreaded “metal-mouth” that used to be the curse of so many teens and young adults.

Patients will also avoid the irritation that occurs when metal brackets and wires poke the insides of their cheeks. And braces with wires so frequently need adjusting or even repair when they break. With clear acrylic aligners, there is more comfort, a more discreet appearance and fewer visits to the dentist.

2. They Prevent Cavities

So, what are dental sealants used for, you might wonder? The purpose of dental sealants is to prevent cavities. 

Sealants prevent cavities in one main way. To understand how this works, you'll need to learn how decay forms on teeth. 

Decay forms on teeth from plaque and bacteria you have on your teeth. When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove these things. If you miss some of the plaque, the plaque will feed on sugars in your mouth.

As this occurs, acid forms and eats away at tooth structure. The result is decay. 

If plaque can't access your teeth, it can't create acid, which means that it won't cause decay on your teeth. Sealants help stop the plaque from doing this by offering a protective layer between your teeth and the foods you eat.



With sealants, your teeth will have the protection they need, and you will have a greater chance of avoiding cavities. 

3. Both Kids and Adults Can Get Them

The next fact to know is that both kids and adults can get dental sealants. While sealants are more common with kids, there are also times when adults can benefit from them. 

The best time to get them is right after the molar teeth erupt in your mouth. Kids generally get their permanent molar teeth when they're eight to twelve years old.

A dentist can keep an eye on a child's teeth to determine the right timing of the sealants. If you get them right away, they will begin protecting the teeth right after they erupt.

Therefore, if you have children, you should consider getting sealants when your dentist recommends them. 



If you're an adult, you can ask your dentist if you should get them. Some adults can benefit from them, but they aren't necessary or right for everyone. 

4. Sealants Last Up to Ten Years

Next, you might wonder how long they last. You might also want to know about the cost of dental sealants. 

Dental sealants generally last at least five years, but they can last up to ten years in many cases. They tend to last longer when a person cares for them properly. 

To properly care for sealants, you'll need to brush your teeth twice a day and attend regular dental visits. You might also want to avoid eating a lot of hard, sticky foods and candies. 



Dental sealants are not expensive. In some cases, you can get them for as little as $35 to $60 per tooth. There are times they might cost a little more than this, though. You can ask your dentist for a quote if you're interested.

5. You Can Replace Them

Another fact about sealants is that you can replace them. If you have sealants, your dentist will check them each time you come for your routine examinations. 

If your dentist spots problems with any of your sealants, they can remove them and replace them. This process is not difficult, but it will involve an extra step - removing the existing sealants. 



It's also important to know that you don't have to replace them when they wear out. If you'd rather take the risk and not have them, you can simply let them wear off your teeth over time. 

6. They Don't Stick Well to Fillings

One vital thing you should realize is that dental sealants don't work well for all teeth. If you have a filling on a tooth, the dentist might not be able to apply a sealant to that tooth. 



The material used for sealants sticks well to teeth, but it doesn't always adhere well to filling materials. 

7. The Process Is Pain-Free 

The last thing to know is that the dental sealant process is completely pain-free. You won't have to receive any anesthesia or numbing medication to have this completed. You also won't leave the office with a numb mouth. 



The process doesn't hurt and isn't invasive at all. In fact, it's probably one of the easiest dental procedures to go through. If you have questions about sealants, you can talk to a dentist. 

What Are Dental Sealants? Learn More by Visiting a Dentist

If you would like to learn more about these, you can visit a dentist and ask, "what are dental sealants?" A dentist will gladly explain more to you about them and can apply them to your teeth if they're right for you.



Are you ready to learn more? If so, contact us at Simply Smiles. You can call or fill out this form to request an appointment.