Should Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are not a replacement for practicing good oral hygiene. But they can seal deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This seals out plaque and food particles, lowering your risk of cavities.
Here’s what else you should know about getting dental sealants as an adult.
Candidates for Dental Sealants
You can get dental sealants at any age. But the earlier you get dental sealants, the better. That’s why our dentists may recommend sealing a child’s molars as soon as they erupt. The first molars will erupt around age 6 and the permanent molars will erupt around age 12.
Bacteria love to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. As such, our dentists may recommend that you get sealants if you have deep pits or fissures in your back teeth. You may also be a candidate for dental sealants if you’re prone to getting cavities.
Check Your Dental Insurance Policy
In general, most dental insurance policies only cover sealants up to age 18. That’s why we recommend checking your coverage before asking for sealants at your next appointment. Otherwise, you may be surprised by out-of-pocket expenses.
If your insurance doesn’t cover dental sealants for adults, you may have to pay for the procedure yourself. But it’s worth noting that preventing cavities is always less expensive than removing decay and restoring the teeth. For example, dental sealants are much less expensive than getting a root canal and a dental crown.
What to Expect
The is fast, easy, and painless. As such, you’ll only need to schedule one visit to our office.
During your appointment, one of our dentists will clean and dry the teeth that will receive the sealants. Next, they’ll apply an acidic gel to roughen the teeth. This helps the sealant stick better to the enamel.
Once your dentist rinses away the gel, they’ll dry the receiving teeth. Then, they’ll paint the clear, plastic coating onto the chewing surfaces of your molars and use a blue light to harden it in place.
Dental Sealant Lifespan
Dental sealants can last up to 9 years, according to the . But it’s important that you practice good oral hygiene at home. The healthier your mouth, the more likely your sealants will last for years to come.
We recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. Also, floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles that could be hiding between teeth.
During your appointment, one of our dentists will examine the condition of your sealants and touch them up or replace them as needed. That way, you’re not without protection from cavities.
Request an Appointment With Us
Our family dentists in Grand Rapids, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our practice. To schedule an appointment, please call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
