--- title: "Dental Sealants Wildwood, MO | Protect Your Teeth" description: "Prevent cavities with dental sealants in Wildwood, MO. A simple, effective way to protect teeth from decay. Ideal for kids and adults!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-sealants publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![The waiting room at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/waiting-room.D6BDiaK__1qweK5.avif) # Dental Sealants A sealant is a thin protective coating placed on the chewing surface of back teeth. It helps keep food and bacteria out of the deep grooves. The American Dental Association says sealants reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Sealants do not replace brushing and flossing. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Nearly 80% less decay in molars The American Dental Association says sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. ## Sooner is better Children and adults can benefit, but the earlier the better. First molars appear around age 6 and second molars around age 12. ## No substitute for brushing Sealants work alongside brushing, flossing and checkups. ## Checked at visits Your dentist checks the sealant at regular visits and can reapply as needed. Sometimes, the best way to maintain the cosmetics of your smile is to prevent potential problems. At Town Center Dental, we offer dental sealants to protect teeth from decay, which in turn, preserves the aesthetics of your smile. ## What Are Dental Sealants? A dental sealant is a plastic shield that is typically placed on the occlusal (biting) surface of permanent teeth in the posterior region of the mouth. These teeth, the molars, and premolars possess deep grooves and fissures that are difficult to clean. In fact, some of these grooves are so narrow they cannot be penetrated by the bristles of a toothbrush. A dental sealant provides extra protection for these grooves by smoothing out the occlusal surface, making it much easier to clean. It also seals out the harmful bacteria that result in tooth decay. These bacteria are found in plaque, which can build up relatively fast in these deep areas, especially without proper brushing and flossing. Sealants prevent the acids produced by bacteria from attacking the enamel. ## Who Qualifies for Dental Sealants? The molars and premolars are particularly difficult to clean for children and teenagers. Patients in this age range are normally at a greater risk for developing tooth decay. This makes children and teenagers the ideal candidates for dental sealants. We typically recommend sealants as soon as their molars and premolars erupt above the gumline. In this way, dental sealants can safeguard your child’s oral health, and establish a strong foundation that will follow them into adulthood. However, it is important to note that dental sealants are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are the best way to reduce your child’s risk of developing tooth decay. Be sure they are brushing their teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bed. Flossing once a day is also a crucial part of your child’s oral health. While children are the prime candidates for dental sealants, adults can also benefit, especially those at a greater risk for developing tooth decay. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, genetics, diet, and certain medications. As long as you do not have existing decay or restorations, you could qualify for dental sealants. ## The Application of Dental Sealants During the application of dental sealants, we first thoroughly clean and wash the tooth with a special paste and rotating brush. Next, we rinse the tooth with water. Once the tooth is completely dry, we use an acidic solution on the grooved areas to create a rough exterior. A rough surface allows the sealant to better adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then placed over the occlusal surface in liquid form. Next, we use an ultraviolet curing light to harden the material in place. After the sealant is hard, it transforms into a plastic varnish coating that can withstand the pressures of your bite. Once a sealant is in place, it can protect a tooth from decay for upwards of ten years. We may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment so we can monitor the sealant. We may suggest a replacement sealant due to standard wear and tear. ## Schedule an Appointment If you would like to learn more about the dental sealant process, call [636-273-5866](tel:6362735866), and schedule an appointment! Sealant timing by tooth Tooth Usually appears Why it matters First molars Around age 6 Deep grooves trap food Second molars Around age 12 Hard for kids to reach Premolars Ask your dentist Not every tooth needs a sealant Adult molars Already present Adults can benefit too Existing sealants Any age Checked at regular visits ## What do sealants do, and do they replace brushing? No. A [sealant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-sealant) is a thin coating, made from plastic or other dental materials, that sticks to the chewing surface of back teeth. It acts like a raincoat for the grooves. The American Dental Association says sealants are no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full cavity. You still need to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and see your dentist. Sealants add a layer of protection where brushing is hardest. Read more in the [kids' cavities and fluoride guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/kids-cavities-and-fluoride) and on [tooth decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-decay). Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts. ## When should my child get sealants? The earlier the better. The American Dental Association says first molars appear around age 6 and second molars around age 12, and sealing them soon after they come in can keep them cavity-free from the start. Your dentist checks each tooth, since not every tooth needs one. Ask at your child's checkup. The office also offers [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids), including first visits and prevention. If you worry about the material, ask your dentist. The ADA says there are no known side effects from sealants beyond a possible allergy. Plans often differ on sealant coverage, so call your benefits plan or ask the office. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday. ## Are sealants only for children? No. The American Dental Association says children and adults can benefit. Adults with deep grooves or a high chance of decay may be good candidates. Risk can come from diet or certain medicines. Your dentist looks at your back teeth and decides. A sealant can also go over an area of early decay to help protect it. Because some sealants are clear, your dentist can watch the tooth. See the post about [sealants for adults](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/sealants-for-adults-are-they-worth-it), and compare with [dental fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) if a tooth already has decay. Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. ## Questions about dental sealants [Read the guideKids' Cavities, Fluoride and Sealants: How Do I Protect Baby and Adult Teeth?](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/kids-cavities-and-fluoride) ### What is a dental sealant for kids? It is a thin, protective coating that sticks to the chewing surface of back teeth. It helps keep food and bacteria out of the grooves. The American Dental Association says sealants can keep cavities from forming. Your dentist decides which teeth need one. ### How well do sealants work? The American Dental Association says sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. They do not replace brushing and flossing. Your dentist checks them at regular visits. Your dentist can explain more at your visit. ### Do sealants hurt? The process is quick. Your dentist cleans and dries the tooth, applies a gel, rinses, and places the sealant. The American Dental Association says there are no known side effects except a possible allergy. Ask your dentist what to expect. ### How long do sealants last? The American Dental Association says they often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. Your dentist checks them at regular visits and can reapply as needed. Ask your dentist what applies to you. ### Are sealants covered by insurance? Some plans cover them. The American Dental Association suggests calling your dental benefit company. The office can also check your plan and gives you an estimate for your own case. Call (636) 273-5866 with questions. Bring your questions to your next visit. ## Related services - [Dentistry for Kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids) - [Dental Fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) - [Teeth Cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning) - [Dental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam) - [Family Dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/family-dentistry) ## Sources - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Sealants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/sealants) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)