WatchDental Sealants

Are dental sealants worth it? Why every parent should consider them

Children's back teeth — the molars — have natural pits and grooves on the chewing surface that are nearly impossible to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush. That's why those teeth are the most common spot for childhood cavities. Dental sealants solve this problem with a simple, painless, brushed-on coating that lasts for years.

This video shows exactly how dental sealants are applied. The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth: the tooth is cleaned and dried, a thin layer of liquid resin is brushed into the grooves, and a special light hardens it instantly. There's no drilling, no anesthesia, and no discomfort whatsoever.

According to the American Dental Association, children with sealants have significantly fewer cavities in their back teeth than those without. The protective layer typically lasts 5–10 years and can be reapplied as needed. For most kids, this is one of the most evidence-based preventive treatments we offer — and it's far less expensive than treating the cavities sealants prevent.

Sealants are usually placed shortly after the first permanent molars come in (around age 6) and again when the second molars erupt (around age 12). At Brammeier Dental of Naperville, we check sealants at every checkup and let parents know if any need touching up.

Read the video transcript