Sealants Sealants

What are sealants?

A sealant is a thin plastic coating that fills the grooves of molars and premolars. These grooves collect plaque, a film of food and bacteria. Toothbrush bristles usually can't reach the plaque that accumulates within the grooves, and this can cause decay.

When should your child get sealants?

We recommend applying sealants to teeth as soon as the permanent molars come in, usually between the ages of 5-7 for the first molars and between the ages of 11-14 for the second set of molars and the premolars. As they wear out, they should be replaced.

How are sealants applied?

After we clean and dry the teeth, we apply a special solution that slightly roughens their surface. This increases the bond's strength. We paint the sealant on, then harden it with a harmless, high-intensity light, forming a protective shield against decay.

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