Proper brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from your child’s teeth. However, toothbrush bristles may not reach all the way into the depressions and grooves of the tooth surfaces. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque, acids and food, protecting tooth enamel and reducing the risk of decay. Sealants are a shaded plastic resin that is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds into the depressions and grooves of the chewing surfaces of back teeth and hardens.

Application is quick and comfortable. It takes only one visit. The tooth is first cleaned, then conditioned and dried. The sealant is then applied to the grooves of the tooth’s chewing surface and allowed to harden or hardened with an ultraviolet light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment. Sealants are very durable, lasting several years before a reapplication is needed.