If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities. Dental sealants are a flowable resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth, and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay. Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth after the permanent teeth have erupted as a way to prevent tooth decay.

However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and we recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis. Sealants last from three to five years, although it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact so if your sealants come off, let us know, and schedule an appointment for your teeth to be re-sealed.