Comprehensive Guide to Dental Sealants: Benefits, Application, and Cost

Cavity prevention at all ages is key to supporting overall health. Dental sealants are one of the most common and effective methods of preventing dental cavities. A dental sealant is designed to create a smooth protective barrier over the pits and grooves of teeth to prevent food particles and bacteria from becoming trapped where they can cause damage over time. Dental sealants can help reduce the need for more invasive and costly treatment, including cavity fillings.

What Are Dental Sealants?

What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin coverings of resin or glass ionomer material that are commonly placed on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars and premolars). Their purpose is to protect teeth from decay by preventing food particles and decay-causing bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves and pits of teeth. The smooth surfaces created by dental sealants make teeth easier to clean and less prone to dental decay. 

Composition of Dental Sealants

What are dental sealants made of? A dental sealant is typically made from either resin-based materials or glass ionomers. Resin-based sealants are known for their durability, often lasting on average up to 10 years with proper care. To apply a resin-based sealant, the tooth must be air-dried and cured with light to harden. In comparison to resin-based sealants, glass ionomer sealants are less durable and may have a shorter lifespan. Glass ionomer sealants form a chemical bond to the tooth structure and can withstand moisture when being placed. This type of dental sealant does not require light-curing and can release fluoride for additional cavity-protection. Both resin-based and glass ionomer sealants are tooth-colored in appearance and blend well with natural teeth. 

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

Sealant’s dental mechanism involves forming a barrier to seal off food and bacteria from harming teeth. For resin-based sealants, the teeth are first acid-etched to create a porous surface on the tooth. The resin then penetrates the small pores and once light-cured is mechanically bonded to the tooth. Glass ionomer sealants bond chemically to calcium and phosphate ions in the tooth. Glass ionomer sealants also release fluoride slowly over time to help strengthen tooth enamel and fight off harmful bacteria.

Effectiveness of Dental Sealants

Longevity of Protection

Wondering how long do dental sealants last? Dental sealants last on average between 5 to 10 years with proper management. Resin-based sealants tend to have a longer lifespan than glass ionomer sealants due to their increased durability and mechanical bond strength. Research reports that 80% of cavities in the back teeth are prevented by dental sealants over 2 years after application, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some studies have also found sealants to be beneficial in stopping early signs of tooth decay. Regular dental checkups are necessary to monitor their health and ensure their effectiveness.

Sealants vs. Other Preventive Measures

Sealants dental is one of the many preventative dentistry treatments available. Other examples include fluoride varnish, routine dental exams and X-rays, and professional cleanings. Fluoride varnish helps prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and can also reverse early stages of tooth decay. In contrast to dental sealants, fluoride varnish is typically reapplied every 6 months to 1 year, and is placed on all tooth surfaces rather than chewing surfaces, and the pits and grooves of teeth. Dental sealants are designed to provide longer lasting protection against tooth decay in targeted areas that are more prone to cavities.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Ideal Candidates for Sealants

There is no specific sealant dental age range, as sealants can be used in infants, children, teenagers, and adults. Sealants may be recommended for use on baby teeth in children who are high-risk for dental cavities. In general, most sealants are applied to the permanent molars in children around ages 6 and 12 years old. Adults with teeth containing deep grooves and pits are also great candidates for sealants. Teeth receiving sealants must not have any existing decay or restorations.

Community Programs for Sealants

There are many community sealant dental programs that partner with schools to provide affordable and accessible preventative dental care, particularly for underserved communities. These programs have had a significant positive impact on reducing cavities and improving overall oral health for children across the United States. A licensed dental professional will examine children at school and those with parental permission can have sealants applied typically at no cost.

The Application Process for Dental Sealants

Preparation of the Tooth

The first step to sealant application involves removing stains, dental plaque, and debris from the tooth. A special toothpaste is often used to clean the tooth and then rinsed off. The tooth is then isolated and dried. Next, a liquid etchant is applied to the tooth surface for 15-30 seconds to allow for proper bonding of the sealant. The etchant is rinsed with water, and the tooth is air dried and prepared for the sealant.

Application and Curing

While ensuring the tooth remains dry, your dental professional will gently brush the sealant onto the chewing surfaces of the applicable tooth. Once the sealant is in place, a special light is used for about 20-30 seconds to harden the sealant. Some types of sealant materials do not require light curing to harden. Finally, your dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments.

Safety and Misconceptions About Dental Sealants

Safety of Materials Used

Dental sealants are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and effective cavity prevention treatment. Although most sealants today are made without bisphenol A (BPA), some types of sealants may contain minimal amounts. The amount released is also temporary, only lasting a few hours after sealant application. The ADA reports that there is no evidence of adverse health effects related to the minimal level of BPA, and that exposure to BPA in foods, beverages, receipts, dust, cosmetics, and even air release greater levels of the chemical. In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to dental sealant material.

Myths vs. Facts

There are several common myths about dental sealants, including that they are painful, short-lasting, expensive, and only designed for children. The truth is, sealants can be applied quickly and often without any discomfort at all. Sealants do not require the use of numbing agents or a dental drill. Sealants also have the benefit of lasting for many years, sometimes up to 10 if taken care of properly. Compared to more invasive dental treatments, sealants are relatively affordable and may even be covered by dental insurance. Although sealants are commonly used in children, people of all ages can benefit from sealants. Adults with high cavity risk or deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of their teeth are great candidates for dental sealants.

Sealants are a non-invasive preventative treatment option that helps protect teeth from decay. Sealants have been found to be most effective when placed on the chewing surfaces on the back teeth, where tooth decay frequently occurs. Restorative treatments like dental fillings and crowns are effective in treating tooth decay that has already developed. These treatments are more invasive as they require removal of tooth structure.

Cost of Dental Sealants

Average Cost Per Tooth

The average cost for dental sealants ranges between $30–$60 per tooth without dental insurance. The cost can vary widely depending on factors such as your dentist’s expertise and geographic location, type of sealant material, insurance coverage, the number of teeth treated, and complexity of the procedure. It is important to discuss pricing of dental sealants before treatment to understand your total expected out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance

Several dental plans offer coverage for dental sealants, like many preventative dental services. However, insurance plans may have specific age limit restrictions and may only cover sealants for children under the age of 18 years. Other possible limitations may vary based on tooth type and the condition of the tooth. Speak with your insurance provider and dental professional to determine your plan’s specific coverage regarding dental sealants. Your dentist may also offer additional payment option recommendations, including community and school programs, payment plans, and third-party financing options.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Long-Term Oral Health

Sealants help improve overall dental health by adding a protective barrier to teeth to block out food debris and bacteria. As a result, sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for more invasive and costly dental procedures like cavity fillings, crowns, or root canals. Dental sealants provide long-lasting protection against decay and promote improved hygiene.

Cost-Effectiveness

There is a significant financial benefit to opting for dental sealants to prevent decay. Oral issues like tooth decay require more invasive dental procedures that are associated with higher costs, including dental fillings, crowns, or root canals. Dental sealants can also easily be repaired at an affordable cost if worn down or dislodged.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are a revolutionary advancement in preventive dentistry, as they safely and effectively reduce the risk of dental cavities in both children and adults. By forming a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of teeth using a thin resin or glass-ionomer coating, harmful bacteria and food particles are blocked from causing damage. The procedure for dental sealants is quick, non-invasive, and cost-effective. With proper care, dental sealants can last several years. Speak with your dentist to see if sealants are the right option for you and your family to improve dental health and overall well-being.