Dental Sealants in Houston, TX

Helping your family enjoy happy and healthy smiles is a priority of our caring team. Dental sealants are a preventive measure that we often recommend for children but can help patients of any age maintain cavity-free teeth. Sealants are made of a white or thin tooth-colored material that fills the pits and fissures, or grooves, in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where cavities commonly form. Placing sealants on premolar and molar teeth can help prevent bacteria, food particles, and plaque from collecting in these areas and leading to the formation of tooth decay. Sealants can serve to protect the teeth and last for several years when cared for properly. Our dentists at Made Ya Smile Dental may recommend dental sealants to protect the oral health of children, adolescents, and adult patients. Schedule a visit at our Houston, TX family dental practice today and find out if your loved ones could benefit from having dental tooth sealants placed.

Children and teens have the highest risk of developing cavities on the back or premolar and molar teeth. These teeth naturally have grooves that can harbor food, plaque, and bacteria and create an ideal environment in which cavities can form. Pits and fissures can often be difficult to clean effectively with normal brushing activities. Sealants fill these areas and create a smooth surface to block out harmful debris. Anyone who can benefit from decay prevention may be a candidate for tooth enamel sealants in Houston, TX. However, we typically place them in children between the ages of 6 – 12. Sealants are only placed in healthy teeth that are cavity-free, have fully erupted, and have no fillings or other restorations.

Before placing tooth enamel sealants at our Houston, TX office, our general dentists will evaluate your child’s teeth to check for decay or other concerns. If sealants are recommended by our dentists for cavity prevention, we can place them at that appointment or have your child return at a later date or more convenient time. We begin the process of placing sealants by cleaning the teeth with a special paste and liquid that creates a surface to which the dental tooth sealants can adhere. The teeth will then be rinsed and thoroughly dried. At this stage, our team will place the sealant material, which is applied in liquid form, in the grooves of the teeth. Each sealant is cured or hardened with a special dental light in a matter of about 20 – 30 seconds. We will then check the bite for comfort and provide you with follow-up instructions.

Receiving sealants from our team at Made Ya Smile Dental is a simple procedure for patients. Following the visit, your child can go about their normal daily activities but will need to adhere to a few instructions following sealant placement. Foods that are hard or sticky should be avoided for the first few days after receiving tooth enamel sealants in Houston, TX. We also advise against eating candy, chewing gum, or crunching ice (which is never recommended) during this time. Keeping up with brushing and flossing is still very important to your child’s teeth, gums, and smile, even though dental sealants can help minimize the risk of cavities. During bi-annual cleaning and exam visits, our team will be sure to check your child’s sealants and determine whether replacement or repair is needed.

Dental tooth sealants are a preventive procedure and are often covered up to a certain age by dental insurance plans. Before placing your child's sealants, we will review your plan details and determine if sealants for cavity prevention are a covered benefit. Any personal expenses will be reviewed with you prior to sealant placement. Our team at Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX is passionate about helping patients get the affordable care they need and accepts several convenient payment options along with third-party dental financing through CareCredit®.

How long do dental sealants last?
As per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sealants can last up to nine years after placement but likely won’t be very effective at protecting against cavities at that time. The CDC estimates that sealants protect against 80% of cavities for about two years and go on to safeguard against half of cavities for as long as four years.

Are sealants bad for your teeth?
When properly installed, sealants are an excellent way to shield your teeth from cavities. However, incorrectly applied sealants can lock in unhealthy acids that promote decay. Dental sealants also can’t be used on teeth with fillings or decay. The Made Ya Smile team will assess your child’s teeth and thoroughly clean them before employing sealants.

Can adults get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are usually adhered to the teeth of children and teenagers to avert tooth decay on their new permanent teeth. However, adults may also find value in dental sealants as they help halt the formation of cavities.

Can dental sealants be removed?
Dental sealants can be removed, but this is typically done only if they’re displaying signs of immense wear. If taken out, they are usually substituted by new dental sealants.

Sealants can help keep your child’s smile healthy by minimizing the risk of tooth decay. By protecting the chewing surfaces of healthy back teeth, sealants may reduce the future need for fillings, crowns, or other restorations. Our team is very experienced in providing fast, comfortable, and simple sealant procedures. Schedule a visit at Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX today to learn if your child or other family members can benefit from these protective coatings for teeth.