Enjoy a Healthy, Decay-free Smile with Dental Sealants
Have you been diligently brushing and flossing your teeth yet still grappling with tooth decay? We have yet another preventive measure you can consider in your dental care. Kelli Brady, DDS of New York, NY and Norwood, New Jersey, offers dental sealants to protect decay-prone teeth from cavities. A dental or fissure sealant is a protective coating for teeth applied to the molars and premolars to seal out harmful bacteria, acids, and food debris. Provided you observe good oral hygiene, dental sealants by Dr. Kelli Brady is effective in preventing tooth decay.
What are dental sealants?
A fissure sealant is a thin, plastic coating patched on the chewing surfaces of your vulnerable teeth to prevent decay. It’s mostly applied to the posterior teeth, where it bonds with the pits and grooves to create a protective sheath over the enamel.
Your molars and premolars have tiny grooves and chips that trap food debris and unwanted bacteria. Unfortunately, brushing your back teeth is always tricky because of these hard-to-reach surfaces. Dental sealants cover these fissures, sealing out decay-causing bacteria. Additionally, a dental sealant creates a smooth surface for easier cleaning.
How are dental sealants applied?
Applying fissure sealants is a painless, non-invasive, fast procedure that often takes minutes. The dentist starts with a professional cleaning to create a clean, plaque-free environment. Then, we’ll dry your teeth and apply a conditioning liquid to create a strong bonding surface.
Then, we’ll rinse and dry your teeth again before painting the dental sealant on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Next, we’ll use a curing light to harden the sealant and create a strong bond. That’s it! Applying sealants only takes a few minutes, but the results are long-lasting.
Benefits of dental sealants
While dental sealants are common with children, they can help adults, too. Decay happens at all stages of life. If you are at risk of decay—whether a child or an adult—your dentist will likely suggest teeth sealants to protect your teeth.
The following are the many benefits of fissure sealants.
- Natural-looking results
- Effective in fighting tooth decay
- The treatment is quick and painless
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Sealants are affordable and save you from expensive restorative treatments
- They are easily repairable
While sealants do an excellent job of keeping out decay, they aren’t a substitute for your oral hygiene practices. You are still expected to brush and floss your teeth diligently, eat healthy, and see a dentist every six months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sealants
Who is commonly recommended for sealants?
Sealant recommendations are based largely on cavity risk and tooth anatomy. Children and teens are common candidates because newly erupted molars often have deep grooves that trap plaque. However, adults can be candidates too—especially if they have a history of cavities, deep fissures, or difficulty keeping back teeth clean.
Can adults still receive sealants if they didn’t get them as a child?
Yes, adults may still be eligible if the chewing surfaces are intact and free of decay or restorations in the grooves. Some adults have naturally deep pits that are hard to keep clean even with good brushing. If you’ve had repeated cavities in molars, your dentist may discuss sealants as a preventive option.
How long do sealants usually last before they need to be checked or refreshed?
Sealants can last several years, but they should be evaluated at each routine visit. Chewing forces, grinding, and certain bite patterns can cause gradual wear. Dentists check sealants for chips, thinning, or areas that no longer have full coverage. If a sealant shows wear, it may be repaired or replaced to keep protection consistent.
Do sealants replace brushing, flossing, or regular cleanings?
No. Sealants are not a substitute for daily oral hygiene or professional care. They do not protect between teeth or along the gumline, where many cavities can still begin. Flossing, brushing thoroughly, and routine cleanings remain the foundation of prevention. Sealants are designed to work alongside those habits.
Can sealants wear down or come off over time?
Yes, sealants can wear gradually, and occasionally a sealant may chip or come off depending on the bite and chewing habits. Hard foods, grinding, or clenching can increase wear. This is why periodic evaluation is important. If your dentist notices wear, the sealant can often be repaired or replaced quickly.
Are sealants visible on the tooth surface?
Sealants are generally subtle and typically not noticeable when you smile because they’re placed on back teeth. They are usually clear or tooth-colored and are designed to blend naturally with the chewing surface. Most patients do not feel them after a short adjustment period. If a patient notices a bite feels slightly “high,” a dentist can check and adjust as needed. Overall, sealants are meant to be low-profile—preventive care that doesn’t change how you look or function.
Can sealants be recommended for baby teeth in some cases?
In certain situations, yes. Some children have high cavity risk due to diet, difficulty brushing, enamel concerns, or family history. If baby molars have deep grooves and are expected to remain in place for years, a dentist may recommend sealants for added protection. The decision is based on risk assessment and the condition of the tooth. Preventing cavities in baby teeth can support comfort, nutrition, and healthy development. Your dentist can explain when sealants for primary teeth make sense and when they aren’t necessary.
Do sealants protect against every kind of cavity?
Sealants protect chewing surfaces of back teeth, but they do not prevent cavities between teeth or near the gumline. Those areas depend more on flossing, brushing, diet, and professional cleanings. For patients who get cavities between teeth, a dentist may also discuss fluoride strategies and home hygiene improvements.
Are sealants usually covered by dental insurance?
Coverage varies. Many dental plans cover sealants for children and teens as preventive care, often with minimal out-of-pocket cost. Adult coverage is less consistent and depends on the plan. The best approach is to verify benefits before treatment. Dental offices can often provide a pre-estimate or help explain how your plan codes sealants.
How do I take care of my teeth after sealants are placed?
Sealants don’t require special products or complicated care. The best approach is strong daily hygiene: brush thoroughly, floss regularly, and keep routine checkups so your dentist can monitor sealants over time. Avoid using teeth as tools and limit extremely hard foods if you’re prone to chipping dental work.
Protect your decay-prone teeth today with sealants!
Have you been grappling with tooth decay? It's time to talk to Kelli Brady, DDS, about dental sealants. Call (201) 806-6866 (Norwood) or (646) 692-0227 (New York) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brady and the team.
