If you’re like many Chapel Hill parents, you’ve probably heard of dental sealants during a routine visit, but might not be sure whether your child needs them. Sealants are one of the easiest, most effective ways to prevent cavities, especially in school-aged children. They’re simple, safe, and often covered by insurance. And yet, many families miss out simply because they’re not sure what sealants are or why they matter.
At Clifton & Mauney, we’re dedicated to providing preventative dental care for children, ensuring their dental health starts off strong. From gentle cleanings and exams to preventative treatments like sealants and fluoride applications, we create a nurturing environment tailored to young smiles. Our team believes in building healthy habits early to set the foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral health; let’s break it all down so you can feel confident in protecting your child’s smile.
What are dental sealants, and how do they work?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth, usually the molars and premolars. These teeth have deep grooves and pits that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Even with regular brushing, it’s easy for particles to get stuck and lead to decay.
A sealant acts like a shield. It covers those grooves and creates a smoother surface, making it harder for bacteria to hide and much easier for your child to clean their teeth effectively. The process is quick and painless:
- The tooth is cleaned and dried
- A gentle gel is applied to roughen the surface slightly
- After rinsing and drying again, the sealant material is painted on
- A special light is used to harden it in just seconds
Your child can eat, drink, and smile right away with no numbing, drilling, or discomfort involved.
When should children get sealants?
Timing matters. The best time to apply dental sealants for kids in Chapel Hill is when the permanent teeth have fully erupted; usually around age six for the first set, and age 12 for the second set. Sealants applied early can protect them through the most cavity-prone years of childhood.
Your child’s dentist will monitor tooth development during routine cleanings and let you know when it’s the right time to apply sealants. If your child has deep grooves in baby molars or a history of early decay, sealants may be recommended even earlier.
Are sealants safe and effective?
Yes, sealants are both safe and highly effective. The materials used have been studied for decades and are approved by leading dental and pediatric organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Your child’s dentist will check them at each visit and touch up or replace them if needed. Think of it like renewing a coat of paint; it keeps everything protected and strong.
Ask About Sealants at Your Child’s Next Visit
Sealants vs. fillings: Why prevention is key
Parents often wonder, why get sealants when you can just treat cavities if they happen? The answer comes down to cost, comfort, and long-term health.
Fillings require removing decayed tooth structure, which can weaken the tooth and involve numbing and drilling. While modern techniques are very gentle, fillings are still a treatment for damage that’s already done.
Sealants, on the other hand, help prevent decay before it starts. They’re painless, non-invasive, and usually far less expensive than fillings, especially when insurance covers them. Most importantly, sealants preserve the natural structure of your child’s tooth, helping it stay strong and healthy for years to come.
If you’re weighing your options between sealants and fillings, consider this: sealants are proactive. They’re an investment in your child’s future oral health, and often the simpler, more affordable choice.
What about fluoride?
Fluoride and sealants are both powerful tools in preventing cavities, but they work differently.
Fluoride strengthens enamel from the inside out, making it more resistant to acid and decay. Your child gets fluoride from toothpaste, tap water, and professional treatments during cleanings.
Sealants, meanwhile, provide an external barrier. They don’t replace fluoride; they complement it. Together, they offer double the protection, especially during the critical school years when brushing habits are still developing and kids tend to snack more often.
Think of fluoride as building up your child’s defenses, and sealants as putting a guard at the gate.
Does dental insurance cover sealants?
Good news for parents: most dental insurance plans do cover sealants for children. Coverage usually applies to permanent molars and may extend up to age 14 or 15, depending on the plan.
Every policy is different, so it’s a good idea to check your benefits before your child’s next appointment. If you’re unsure, our team can help you learn what’s covered for preventive care and send a pretreatment estimate to your insurance company.
Even if sealants aren’t fully covered, they’re typically a low-cost procedure, especially compared to treating a cavity later on.
What do sealants look like?
Sealants are clear or tooth-colored, so they blend in naturally and are barely noticeable. They won’t change the way your child talks, eats, or chews, but they’ll make a big difference in how well their teeth stay protected.
If your child already has sealants and you’re curious whether they’re still intact, just ask during your next visit. We’ll take a look and let you know if a touch-up is needed.
A small step with big benefits
The next time you come in, be sure to ask about sealants during your visit. We’ll help you decide the best time and ensure your child’s teeth stay strong and cavity-free as they grow. Sealants may be small, but their impact is big. They help your child avoid cavities, reduce dental costs over time, and make brushing easier, especially during the busy school years. Most importantly, they give you peace of mind that your child’s smile is well-protected.
At Clifton & Mauney, we believe preventive dental care for children should be simple, effective, and stress-free. If you’ve been wondering whether dental sealants are right for your child, we’d be happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. Call 888.339.8108 or contact us online.
