PREVENTIVE CARE
Dental Sealants
A Simple, Protective Barrier Against Cavities
Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, some areas of the mouth remain vulnerable to cavities — especially the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars. At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Ivan Chan offers dental sealants as a safe, effective way to shield these teeth from decay. Sealants are a trusted preventive solution for children, teens, and adults who want extra protection against cavities.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings made from tooth-colored resin. They are carefully applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, where toothbrush bristles often can't reach. By creating a smooth, protective barrier, sealants block out food particles and bacteria that can lead to decay.
Although often associated with children's dentistry, sealants are beneficial for patients of all ages. At Glendale Dental Wellness, we use high-quality, BPA-free resin to ensure your sealants are both safe and durable. Whether you're looking to protect your child's primary teeth or strengthen your own adult molars, our team is here to help.
The Sealant Application Process
The process is simple and typically completed in a single visit:
- Cleaning — We thoroughly clean and dry the tooth surface to prepare it for the sealant.
- Conditioning — A mild acidic solution is gently applied to create a better bond between the tooth and sealant.
- Application — The resin-based sealant is carefully painted onto the grooves and pits of the tooth.
- Hardening — We use a special curing light to harden and set the sealant in place.
The entire process is painless, requires no drilling or anesthesia, and takes only a few minutes per tooth. Your child can eat and drink normally right after the appointment.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Sealants are one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent cavities, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth:
Cavity Protection
Sealants create a physical shield that blocks food particles and bacteria from settling into the deep grooves and pits of your molars, significantly reducing your risk of cavities.
Painless Application
No drilling, no anesthesia, no discomfort. The sealant is simply painted on and hardened with a curing light — making it an ideal treatment for children and anxious patients alike.
Quick Procedure
Each tooth takes only a few minutes to seal. Multiple teeth can be treated in a single visit, fitting easily into a routine checkup appointment.
Cost-Effective Prevention
Sealants cost a fraction of what fillings, crowns, or other restorative treatments cost. Investing in prevention now saves money and discomfort later.
Long-Lasting Results
With proper care and regular dental visits, sealants can protect your teeth for up to 10 years. Dr. Chan monitors their condition at every checkup and reapplies them if needed.
Ideal for Kids and Teens
Children ages 6-12 benefit the most, as sealants protect newly erupted permanent molars during the years when cavity risk is highest. Adults with deep grooves also benefit.
Caring for Your Dental Sealants
Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Sealants are designed to withstand regular brushing.
Hard candy, ice, and sticky snacks can chip or dislodge sealants over time. Choose softer alternatives to protect the coating.
Visit Dr. Chan every six months so we can check the condition of your sealants and reapply them if wear is detected.
The best time is when permanent molars first erupt, around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars. Adults with cavity-prone teeth can benefit too.
Sealants and fluoride treatments work together for maximum protection — sealants shield the chewing surfaces while fluoride strengthens all tooth surfaces.
If you notice roughness or sensitivity on sealed teeth, schedule a visit. Dr. Chan can quickly touch up worn sealants to maintain full preventive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes, dental sealants are very safe. They are made from tooth-colored resin that has been thoroughly tested and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). At Glendale Dental Wellness, we use only high-quality, BPA-free materials to ensure the safety of our patients. The application process is non-invasive and painless, and sealants have been used successfully in dentistry for decades.
How long do dental sealants last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, sealants can last up to 10 years. However, they can sometimes wear away over time, especially on teeth used frequently for chewing. Dr. Chan will monitor the condition of your sealants during your regular checkups and can reapply them if necessary to maintain their protective benefits.
Will I feel the sealant on my tooth?
Most patients don't notice the sealant once it's applied. Since sealants are thin and are applied only to the chewing surfaces, they typically feel smooth and natural. If you do feel any rough spots or sensitivity, let Dr. Chan know, and he can make adjustments during your next visit.
Can sealants be applied to cavitated teeth?
Sealants are applied to healthy teeth as a preventive measure. If a tooth already has a cavity, it will need to be treated with a filling before a sealant can be applied. Dr. Chan will assess your teeth during your consultation and recommend the best course of action.
At what age should my child get sealants?
The ideal time to apply sealants is when the permanent molars first erupt, typically around age 6. Sealants can be applied to primary (baby) molars as well, though they're most commonly used on permanent teeth. Dr. Chan can evaluate your child's teeth and recommend the best timing based on their individual needs.
Does insurance cover dental sealants?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of sealants, especially for children. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Our team at Glendale Dental Wellness can also help you navigate insurance questions and discuss payment options.
