Dental Sealants in Lehi, UT
Dental sealants are a simple, proven way to protect your child’s teeth from decay. At Alpine Kids Dentistry, our pediatric dentist evaluates your child’s teeth and recommends the best timing for sealants as part of a complete prevention plan.
While no single treatment can guarantee a cavity-free smile, sealants are one of the most effective tools for maintaining dental health alongside regular cleanings and good home care. In some cases, we apply sealants together with dental fillings at our Lehi, UT office.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect the deep grooves from decay. These grooves are difficult to clean and easily trap plaque, making them prone to cavities. Sealants create a smooth, protective barrier that makes teeth easier to keep clean.
When Should Sealants Be Applied?
Sealants can be applied once the six-year molars come in and are typically recommended any time between the ages of 6 and 16, when children are most cavity-prone. Applying sealants early helps shield permanent teeth during these high-risk years.
What Does Getting Sealants Involve?
Placing sealants is quick and painless. We clean the selected tooth, then paint the sealant onto the enamel, where it hardens and bonds to the tooth to protect it from decay. The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and requires no drilling or anesthesia.
Pairing sealants with fluoride treatments and routine exams and cleanings gives your child powerful, long-lasting protection. Schedule a visit or call 801-377-5437 to ask whether sealants are right for your child.
Dental Sealants FAQs
What are dental sealants?
Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They fill deep grooves where food and bacteria collect, helping prevent cavities.
At what age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are typically applied once the six-year molars erupt and any time between ages 6 and 16, when children are most susceptible to decay.
Does getting sealants hurt?
No. Applying sealants is quick and completely painless. There is no drilling or anesthesia required, and the process takes only a few minutes per tooth.
How long do dental sealants last?
Sealants can protect teeth for several years. We check them at each exam and can easily reapply them if they wear down over time.
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No. Sealants protect the grooves of the back teeth, but daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are still essential for a healthy smile.
Can sealants be placed over a small cavity?
In some cases, sealants are applied alongside fillings or to protect at-risk teeth. Our dentist will evaluate each tooth and recommend the best approach.
Are sealants safe for children?
Yes. Sealants are a safe, widely recommended preventive treatment that has been used to protect children’s teeth from decay for decades.