What Are Dental Sealants?

The back molars are the hardest teeth to clean well — their deep pits and grooves trap food and bacteria that a toothbrush can’t always reach. Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored resin coatings that are painted directly onto those chewing surfaces and hardened in place. Once set, they act as a physical barrier between enamel and everything that causes decay.

The application takes just a few minutes per tooth, requires no drilling or numbing, and can last up to 10 years with proper care. Think of sealants as a raincoat for your back teeth — keeping out the harmful stuff before it has a chance to cause damage.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Prevents Up to 80% of Cavities

The CDC reports that sealants prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth — the teeth most likely to develop decay in children and teens.

Quick and Completely Painless

No drilling, no numbing, no discomfort. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and can be done at the same visit as a cleaning.

Lasts Up to 10 Years

With proper care and regular checkups, sealants can last up to a decade. We check them at every cleaning visit and reapply if needed.

Far Cheaper Than a Filling

Sealants typically cost $30 to $60 per tooth. A filling costs $150 to $300 or more. Preventing a cavity is almost always less expensive than treating one.

Safe and BPA-Free

The ADA and CDC both endorse sealants as safe and effective. We use BPA-free, biocompatible materials — so you can feel confident about what goes in your child’s mouth.

Good for Adults Too

Sealants aren’t just for kids. Adults with deep molar grooves or a history of cavities can benefit just as much from the added protection sealants provide.

Children

Kids Ages 6 and Up

We recommend sealants as soon as the first permanent molars erupt, typically around age 6, and again when the second molars come in around age 12. Most PPO insurance plans cover sealants for children under 14.

Teens

Teens in Orthodontic Treatment

Braces and aligners make it harder to keep molars clean. Sealants provide an extra layer of protection during orthodontic treatment when decay risk is elevated.

Adults

Cavity-Prone Adults

Adults with deep molar grooves, a history of frequent cavities, or no existing fillings on certain teeth are excellent candidates. Ask us at your next cleaning if sealants make sense for you.

Dental Sealants

• Preventive — applied before decay starts
• No drilling, no numbing required
• Applied to healthy teeth only
• $30 to $60 per tooth
• Covered for kids under most PPO plans
• Can last up to 10 years

Dental Fillings

• Restorative — used after a cavity has formed
• Requires removal of decayed tooth structure
• Local anesthetic typically needed
• $150 to $300+ per tooth
• More complex procedure
• May need replacement over time

Are sealants worth it for kids?

Absolutely. The CDC reports sealants prevent up to 80% of cavities in back teeth. For children, this can mean fewer fillings, less dental anxiety, and significant cost savings over time. Most PPO plans cover them for children under 14.

Can cavities form under sealants?

Only if the sealant was applied over existing decay or has worn away over time. That’s why we check sealant integrity at every cleaning visit and reapply if needed. Properly placed sealants on healthy teeth are very effective.

Are sealants safe? What about BPA?

Yes — the ADA and CDC both endorse sealants as safe. We use BPA-free materials, so there’s nothing to worry about. Any trace BPA exposure from sealants is far lower than what you’d encounter from routine food or packaging.

Does insurance cover sealants for adults?

Most PPO plans cover sealants for children under 14. Adult coverage varies by plan. We verify your benefits before every visit and can apply them toward our in-house Smile Savings Plan if insurance doesn’t cover them.

How long do sealants last?

With proper care, sealants can last up to 10 years. We monitor them at every routine visit and touch them up or replace them as needed. Regular dental cleanings are important for keeping sealants intact.

Can sealants be applied at the same visit as a cleaning?

Yes — in most cases we can apply sealants right after your child’s routine cleaning. No need for a separate appointment. We’ll let you know at the exam if any additional prep is needed first.

“They recommended sealants for my 7-year-old at her first visit here. Two years later she has not had a single cavity. Worth every penny and so easy — she didn’t even flinch.”

— Frisco Parent, The Tribute

“I had no idea adults could get sealants. My hygienist noticed I had deep grooves on a couple of molars and suggested them. Fast, painless, and my insurance covered part of it.”

— Patient, Phillips Creek Ranch

“The team does sealants right after the cleaning in the same appointment. My kids were in and out with zero complaints. So glad we found this practice.”

— Frisco Parent, Lone Star Ranch