Sealants For Children’s Teeth

      Sealants For Children’s Teeth: You may have been told recently that your child/children should get sealants done on their teeth. Sealants are just that, a seal. They’re used as a preventative measure to stop cavities from happening. The grooves in molars make them more susceptible for bacteria and food to get trapped. With prolonged exposure to these, the dental enamel (the coating that protects teeth) can begin to erode, and cavities can form. The material we use at Altman Dental, is BPA-free.

Common questions about sealants:

Do Sealants Hurt?

It’s a painless procedure, where a clear coating is painted on the teeth. The teeth are etched and washed and then the sealant is applied. A curing light is used to help the material harden. That’s it! It’s very quick and easy.

Are sealants safe for my child?

Sealants have been in use since the 1960’s, and have proven to be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Past concern about sealants has been whether or not they contain BPA, a common component in plastics. The material we use, Embrace WetBond, does not contain any BPA. For more information on this product, this is the link to the company’s website.

When should my child get sealants?

Sealants should be done as soon as your child’s adult 1st year molars erupt (come in), usually around the age of 6, and also their 2nd year molars, usually around the age of 12. Molars should be sealed to prevent tooth decay (cavities), as soon as they grow in for maximum protection.

How long do sealants last?

They can last for up to 10 years, but should be checked through regular checkups.

Are sealants covered by insurance?

It depends on your insurance. Sealants are not a very costly procedure. Give our dental office Altman Dental a call, and we will be happy to discuss the cost of sealants to you. We can be reached at 831-8018 and are located at 5462 Sheridan Drive, conveniently located in Williamsville, NY. We our dental office is close to Amherst, NY and Buffalo, NY as well.

Does my child not need fluoride if they get sealants?

It is recommended your child receive a healthy checkup every 6 months. In addition to this, our dental office recommends your child receives fluoride treatments once a year.

For more information about sealants and recommendations for pediatric dental health, click here to go to the National Institute of Health’s pediatric dental page.