Sealants
Pediatric Dental Sealants in Fort Collins, CO
Protect your kids’ teeth with sealants at Rockies Kids DDS
Schedule an AppointmentQuick and painless
Protect against tooth decay
Healthy smiles for years to come
What are Dental Sealants?
Cavities are an almost unavoidable part of childhood. No matter how well your kids brush and floss, those pesky cavities still show up—especially in the hard-to-reach grooves along the back of the teeth. Fluoride goes a long way to protect teeth, but doesn't always fully work on those high-traffic biting surfaces at the back of the mouth.
Thankfully, there’s another option! Parents who choose sealants—the thin, protective coatings that the dentist paints on the teeth—for their kids can guard against cavities for many years. Sealants block out germs and food bacteria so your child’s smile stays bright for years to come.
Seal in healthy teeth for up to 4 years!
Sealants help give you peace of mind that their teeth are safe and protected.
Faster and Easier
Fluoride bonds with teeth and attracts the calcium and phosphate ions to restore minerals which have been lost and repair developing weak spots.
Protection for Years
The CDC reports that sealants typically protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Recommended by Experts
Both The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend sealants for children.
Why Sealants Instead of Fillings or Fluoride
Many people come into our office confused about sealants and how they differ from fillings, fluoride, or how they even work. Here’s a brief overview to help you make the best decision for your kids:
How are sealants different from fillings?
Fillings are used after a cavity forms to protect it from spreading more. Sealants, on the other hand, are used to protect potentially weak spots in teeth to cover and protect them. It’s all about being proactive instead of reactive. A little effort now will save you and your child from pain, emergency visits, and additional cost.
How are sealants different from fluoride?
Both sealants and fluoride are used to strengthen teeth and protect them against cavities. Fluoride, however, is a mineral painted on all teeth. It bonds with teeth to attract good minerals and deflect damaging acids.
Dental sealants, on the other hand, are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on the tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth, and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.
The CDC recommends using both fluoride and sealants because they protect the teeth in two different ways. Other studies have shown that sealants used with fluoride reduce the risk of cavities by 73% compared to those who used fluoride alone.
When should my child get sealants?
Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth after their permanent teeth have erupted as a preventive measure against tooth decay. It is more common to seal permanent teeth rather than baby teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and the dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.
How often do my children need to get sealants?
Sealants typically protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years, and can stay on the tooth for up to 9 years. Talk with your child’s dentist, but plan to do sealants every 2-4 years on your child’s adult teeth.
It’s important to note that dental sealants only provide protection when fully intact, sealants are checked at every 6 month appointment, and teeth are re-sealed as needed.
Want to know more? We’d love to discuss your options with you! Contact us today at (970) 829-8258.
