When it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities, dental sealants offer one of the most effective preventive solutions available. These thin, protective coatings shield the chewing surfaces of your back teeth from harmful bacteria and food particles that can lead to decay.
Understanding what dental sealants are made of can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. If you’re considering this preventive treatment for yourself or your family, visit Truly Yours Family Dental to learn how sealants can protect your smile for years to come.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic-like coatings that dentists apply to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, particularly your permanent molars and premolars. These protective barriers act like a shield, covering the deep grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria often get trapped. Once applied and hardened, sealants create a smooth surface that’s much easier to clean with regular brushing, significantly reducing your risk of developing cavities in these vulnerable areas.
Why Sealants Are Applied to Permanent Molars
- Deep grooves and fissures: Your permanent molars have natural pits and grooves that are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. These areas trap food particles and bacteria, creating perfect conditions for cavity formation.
- High cavity risk areas: Studies show that 90% of cavities in permanent teeth occur on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants provide crucial protection during the cavity-prone years after these teeth first emerge.
- Early protection matters: Applying sealants soon after permanent molars erupt (around ages 6 and 12) offers the best protection. This prevents decay from starting in the first place, rather than treating cavities after they form.
- Hard-to-reach surfaces: Even with excellent brushing habits, the bristles of your toothbrush can’t always reach into the deepest grooves of your molars. Sealants fill these spaces, eliminating hiding spots for cavity-causing bacteria.
3 Primary Materials Used in Dental Sealants
Resin-Based Sealant Materials
Resin-based sealants are the most commonly used type in modern dentistry, made from a special medical-grade plastic material called composite resin. This material bonds strongly to your tooth enamel and can be either clear or slightly tinted to match your natural tooth color. They harden quickly under a special curing light, creating a durable protective layer that can last for many years with proper care.
Glass Ionomer Sealants
Glass ionomer sealants contain a unique blend of acrylic acids and fine glass powders that chemically bond to your tooth structure. Unlike resin-based options, this type continuously releases small amounts of fluoride, providing extra cavity protection over time. They’re particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty maintaining optimal oral hygiene or those at higher risk for tooth decay.
When they’re preferred over resin
- Moisture-prone situations: Glass ionomer works better when complete moisture control is difficult to achieve. They can bond effectively even in slightly wet conditions, making them ideal for young children who may have trouble sitting still.
- High cavity risk patients: For individuals with a history of frequent cavities or dry mouth conditions, the fluoride-releasing properties provide ongoing protection. This makes them an excellent choice for patients needing extra cavity prevention.
- Partially erupted teeth: When permanent molars are still coming in and haven’t fully emerged, glass ionomer sealants can be applied more easily. They don’t require the same dry field that resin sealants need.
Polyacid-Modified Resin Sealants
Polyacid-modified resin sealants represent an innovative middle ground between traditional resin and glass ionomer materials. These hybrid sealants combine the strong bonding and durability of resin-based materials with some of the fluoride-releasing benefits of glass ionomers. They offer better moisture tolerance than pure resin types while maintaining excellent retention rates on your permanent teeth.
3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Dental Sealant Material
Patient Age and Cooperation
The age of the patient plays a crucial role in selecting the right sealant material. Younger children who may have difficulty sitting still for extended periods often benefit from glass ionomer sealants, which can be applied more quickly and tolerate some moisture. Older children and adults who can cooperate fully during the procedure typically receive resin-based sealants, which offer superior longevity and protection when applied under ideal conditions.
Cavity Risk Assessment
Your individual cavity risk directly influences which sealant material will serve you best. If you have a history of frequent cavities, dry mouth, or other risk factors, your dentist might recommend fluoride-releasing glass ionomer sealants for added protection. For patients with low to moderate cavity risk and good oral hygiene habits, resin-based sealants typically provide excellent long-term protection without the need for additional fluoride release.
Tooth Condition and Position
The specific condition and location of your teeth affect material selection significantly. Teeth with deep grooves and perfect isolation from moisture are ideal candidates for resin-based sealants. However, teeth that are difficult to access, partially erupted, or in areas where moisture control is challenging may require glass ionomer or polyacid-modified resin sealants for successful application and retention.
How are dental sealants applied?
- Examination and tooth selection – Your dentist examines your teeth to identify which ones would benefit most from dental sealants. Typically, permanent molars and premolars with deep grooves are the best candidates for this protective treatment.
- Professional cleaning – A dental hygienist or dentist thoroughly cleans the teeth using a special paste and rotating brush. This removes all plaque, tartar, and food particles to ensure the sealant adheres properly.
- Tooth isolation – Cotton rolls or a dental dam are placed around the teeth to keep them completely dry. Even a small amount of saliva can prevent the sealant from bonding correctly.
- Acid etching treatment – A mild acidic solution is applied to the chewing surfaces for 15-30 seconds. This creates tiny rough areas that help the sealant grip onto your tooth enamel.
- Thorough rinsing – The etching solution is rinsed away completely with water spray. Your dentist ensures all acid residue is removed before proceeding to the next step.
- Complete drying – The teeth are dried again using compressed air until they appear chalky white. This appearance indicates the surface is properly prepared for sealant application.
- Sealant painting – Your dentist carefully applies the liquid sealant material onto the prepared tooth surface. The sealant flows into all the pits and fissures, creating comprehensive coverage.
- Light curing – A special blue curing light hardens the sealant in about 20-30 seconds. Some dental sealants are self-curing and harden on their own within a minute or two.
- Bite check and adjustment – Your dentist checks how your teeth come together to ensure the sealant isn’t too thick. Any excess material is gently removed with a dental instrument.
- Final inspection – The completed sealant is examined to confirm full coverage and proper hardening. You can eat and drink normally immediately after the procedure is complete.
What is the controversy with dental sealants?
The main controversy surrounding dental sealants centers on concerns about BPA (bisphenol A) exposure from certain resin-based materials. While some older sealant formulations contained trace amounts of BPA or could release it during application, modern dental sealants are carefully formulated to minimize or eliminate BPA content. The American Dental Association and FDA have extensively studied this issue and conclude that the benefits of preventing tooth decay far outweigh any potential risks from the minimal BPA exposure.
4 Myths About Dental Sealants
- Sealants trap decay underneath: This myth stems from misunderstanding how sealants work. Dentists thoroughly clean and prepare teeth before application, ensuring no bacteria remain trapped beneath the sealant.
- They’re only for children: While children benefit greatly from early sealant application, adults with deep grooves in their teeth can also receive sealants. Many adults successfully use sealants to prevent cavities in previously unfilled teeth.
- Sealants damage tooth enamel: The application process doesn’t harm your teeth at all. The mild acid etch used only roughens the surface microscopically to help the sealant bond better.
- They need frequent replacement: Quality sealants applied correctly can last 5-10 years or longer. Regular dental checkups ensure they remain intact and effective.
3 Major Benefits of Dental Sealants
Long-Term Cavity Prevention
Dental sealants provide exceptional protection against cavities, reducing decay risk by up to 80% in treated molars. This preventive measure works continuously, 24 hours a day, creating a physical barrier that blocks out cavity-causing bacteria and food particles. Over the lifetime of the sealant, this protection can save you from needing fillings, crowns, or more extensive dental work that would otherwise be necessary if cavities developed.
Cost-Effective Dental Care
Investing in dental sealants proves remarkably cost-effective when compared to treating cavities after they form. The average cost of sealants is significantly less than even a simple filling, and they can prevent multiple cavities over their lifespan. Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, recognizing their value in preventing more expensive treatments down the road.
Painless and Quick Application
The sealant application process requires no drilling, no anesthesia, and causes no discomfort whatsoever. Your dentist can typically apply sealants to several teeth in just one short visit, taking only a few minutes per tooth. This makes sealants an ideal preventive treatment for patients of all ages, especially children who may be anxious about dental procedures.
How to Care for Your Dental Sealants
- Maintain regular brushing habits – Continue brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to your sealed teeth, using gentle circular motions to keep them clean.
- Floss daily without worry – Floss between all your teeth as usual, including those with sealants. The sealants only cover the chewing surfaces, so flossing remains essential for cleaning between teeth.
- Avoid chewing hard objects – Protect your sealants by not chewing on ice, hard candies, or non-food items like pens. These habits can chip or crack the sealant material.
- Schedule regular dental checkups – Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and sealant inspections. Your dentist will check for any wear or damage that needs attention.
- Eat a tooth-friendly diet – Limit sticky, sugary foods that can wear down sealants faster. Choose nutritious foods that support overall oral health and sealant longevity.
- Report any changes immediately – If you notice rough spots, chips, or feel like something is missing from your tooth surface, contact your dentist. Early repair ensures continued protection.
Conclusion
Dental sealants offer a simple yet highly effective way to protect your permanent teeth from cavities. Whether made from resin-based materials, glass ionomers, or hybrid formulations, these protective coatings provide years of defense against decay-causing bacteria and food particles.
Ready to protect your family’s smiles with dental sealants? Schedule an appointment with us at Truly Yours Family Dental to discuss which sealant option is right for you. For more dental health tips and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our patient reviews on Yelp.