Sealants are appropriate for patients of all ages. Children and teens, in particular, can benefit greatly from sealants. Younger patients are often still developing correct brushing and flossing habits, and they might not always reach the proper areas of their mouth. Sealants can provide a good solution for helping to keep their teeth healthy while they continue to grow and develop. Additionally, baby teeth tend to feature noticeably deep grooves and fissures. This makes them candidates for dental sealants as well. Many older teens and adults also receive sealants because of their benefits.

When applying sealants, we start by cleaning any tooth that is designated for treatment. Once the teeth are cleaned, they are then dried, and an acidic solution will be used to roughen their outer surfaces. This will allow the sealant coating to bond with the teeth more easily. The sealants will then be applied over the teeth. The coating will then be allowed to dry, and we will perform a final check of the teeth and the patient’s overall bite.

Teeth that have been treated with sealants can be cared for in mostly the same manner as before. The biggest difference is that the patient should avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpastes. These materials can scrape away at the sealants and cause them not to last as long. Even after sealants have been applied, the patient must make sure to continue to maintain proper care of their teeth. This includes brushing twice per day, flossing once per day and receiving dental checkups twice per year.