Dental sealants act as a barrier that provides an extra layer of protection against cavities, ensuring your child's smile stays healthy. They are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth (molars and premolars).
We apply dental sealants to help prevent food and bacteria from collecting into the crevices of children’s teeth, and reduce their risk of cavities.
The application of dental sealants is quick, pain-free,
and typically requires just one appointment with any of our pediatric dentists.
There's no downtime, so your child can return to school right away.
Sealants are most effective when applied to children's permanent molars, ideally soon after they emerge, typically around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars. Adults with deep grooves in their teeth can also benefit from sealant application.
Studies reveal that school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than those who got their teeth “sealed”. Once applied, they protect the back teeth against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Sealants can last between 5 to 10 years. Just like our teeth, they are susceptible to natural wear and tear. Teeth grinding, for example, can accelerate the breakdown of sealants. During your child’s routine six-month check-ups, our pediatric dentist will assess their sealants and recommend reapplications when required.
Sealants cannot effectively do the job if they are cracked or compromised. This damage can trap food and bacteria in tooth grooves, leading to decay.
Not all health insurance is the same. Typically, it includes coverage for routine and preventive dental services, such as regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. If you’re unsure about your insurance policy, please call us at 04 394 7777, and we will to guide you through your specific coverage.