Protect Your Child’s Smile: Dental Sealants at Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, CO
Brushing and flossing may not always be enough to protect your child’s teeth from decay. Hard-to-reach areas, especially on the back teeth, are vulnerable to cavities. At Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, we offer pediatric dental sealants as a simple, effective solution to safeguard your child’s smile. This preventive treatment helps block decay-causing bacteria and acids, keeping your child’s teeth healthy for years to come.
Ready to protect your child’s teeth from cavities? Call (719) 249-2030 to schedule an appointment at Simply Kids Dental today!
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars and premolars, which are especially vulnerable to decay. The chewing surfaces of these teeth are pitted and grooved, which can trap food and bacteria, making them difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush. Sealants fill in these grooves to prevent plaque, bacteria, and acids from leading to cavities.
How Are Dental Sealants Applied?
Applying dental sealants is a quick, easy, and pain-free procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cleaning: First, our team cleans your child’s teeth thoroughly to remove any bacteria or debris.
- Preparation: A special solution is then applied to the teeth to create a surface that ensures a strong bond for the sealant.
- Sealant Application: After the preparation, we carefully apply the sealant material over the chewing surfaces, covering the grooves and pits.
- Curing: Finally, a special light is used to harden the sealant, making the teeth immediately protected and functional.
The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and your child can eat and drink immediately afterward.
How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?
Dental sealants are designed to be long-lasting, typically protecting for 3-5 years. However, some sealants can last even longer with regular checkups and good oral hygiene. If we notice any signs of wear or if the sealant comes off, we can easily repair or replace it to maintain optimal protection.
What Benefits Do Dental Sealants Offer?
Dental sealants offer a range of benefits for your child’s oral health:
- Cavity Prevention: By preventing acids and bacteria from getting to sensitive tooth regions, sealants successfully prevent cavities.
- Non-Invasive: No shots, drilling, or anesthesia are needed for this quick and painless application.
- Long-Lasting: Sealants can shield your child’s teeth from decay for years if they are properly maintained.
- Invisible Protection: Sealants, which can be either white or transparent, are essentially undetectable on your child’s teeth.
- Cost-Effective: By preventing the need for future, more involved dental procedures, cavity prevention using sealants can save money.
Are Dental Sealants Suitable for All Children?
Yes! When youngsters reach the age of six or seven, when their permanent molars erupt, dental sealants are a safe and efficient solution. Adults also benefit from them, particularly those who are prone to cavities or have deep molar grooves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appropriate age for teeth sealants?
Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as your child’s permanent molars come in. This typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 12. Some children may also benefit from sealants on baby molars if they have deep grooves or are more prone to cavities. Our pediatric dentist will advise on the best age for dental sealants.
Does placing dental sealants hurt?
No! Placing dental sealants is a quick and comfortable procedure. Our team brushes the sealant material onto the chewing surfaces. Your child may feel the tooth being touched, but that’s just about it.
Why are sealants commonly applied to molars?
Run your tongue over your posterior teeth, especially molars. Do you feel rough edges on the surfaces? These pits and fissures help grind and chew food, but they can also create a favorable environment for trapping food debris and harmful bacteria. Even with good brushing, these areas are hard to clean.
Sealants block out cavity-causing bacteria and create a smooth surface, which makes teeth easier to clean. They help protect the teeth that are most likely to develop cavities.
Does my child need to brush their teeth after sealants?
Yes! Dental sealants protect teeth, but they don’t replace daily oral hygiene. Therefore, your child still needs to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. Sealants work best when paired with good oral habits.
What happens if the sealant wears out?
Sealants can last several years, but they can chip or wear down over time. The sealant should be repaired promptly to protect the underlying tooth. If a sealant wears out, our team can touch it up or replace it. The procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes.
Will the sealant be visible in the mouth?
No! Sealants are created from clear or tooth-colored materials. Some may appear slightly white. They blend in well and are not noticeable when your child smiles or talks. Most people will never realize they are there.
Are dental sealants safe for children?
Yes. Dentists have used dental sealants for decades without any safety concerns. A common question, however, is whether bisphenol A (BPA) in sealants should be a concern. According to research by the American Dental Association, sealants may release trace amounts of BPA, but only for a short time after placement. These levels are minuscule, often less than everyday exposures from sources like air or handling receipts. Furthermore, any exposure is temporary and typically disappears within 24–48 hours.
Bottom line: Studies consistently show BPA exposure levels in sealants are far below thresholds known to cause harm. That means you can be confident that sealants are an effective yet safe way to prevent childhood cavities.
Are dental sealants costly?
Dental sealants are one of the most affordable preventive care services. They only cost a few dollars per tooth and prevent the need for costly restorative treatments, such as fillings and root canals. Many parents/caregivers consider sealants a smart investment for their child’s long-term oral health.
Does insurance cover dental sealants in children?
Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children, especially on permanent molars. However, coverage differs among providers. If you are unsure about your coverage, our team can help verify its benefits.
Don’t have insurance? That shouldn’t hold you back. We offer dental financing through CareCredit, which allows you to break down treatment costs into affordable installments.
Does my pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs offer dental sealants?
Yes! Simply Kids Dental prioritizes your child’s oral health with dental sealants. Don’t wait for dental issues to occur. Call (719) 249-2030 and schedule your consultation today with our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sean Vostatek. Preventing dental issues today with sealants prevents costly problems tomorrow.
Protect Your Child's Smile Today!
At Simply Kids Dental, we're dedicated to helping your child maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile. Dental sealants are a simple yet powerful tool in cavity prevention, and our team is here to ensure your child's teeth stay protected.
Call us today at (719) 249-2030 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how dental sealants can benefit your child's oral health. Let us help you keep your child's smile shining bright!
