A Simple, Powerful Tool for Preventing Cavities

When it comes to protecting your teeth or your child’s smile, dental sealants are one of the easiest and most effective tools available. At Village Green Dentistry in Lincolnshire, IL, we use sealants to help patients—especially children—reduce the risk of cavities without invasive treatment. But are they really worth it?

Let’s explore how dental sealants work, who benefits from them, and whether they’re a smart investment in your oral health.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth—usually molars and premolars. These areas often have deep grooves (pits and fissures) where food and bacteria can get trapped, even with good brushing habits.

Sealants work by sealing off those grooves, creating a smoother surface that’s easier to keep clean. This barrier helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of decay.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

Sealants are most often recommended for children and teens, particularly when their first and second molars come in (usually around ages 6 and 12). These newly erupted teeth are more vulnerable to cavities.

Adults can also benefit from sealants if they have deep grooves in their molars and no existing fillings. While not routinely recommended for every adult, they can still be effective for those with a higher risk of decay.

Are Sealants the Same as Fillings?

No—sealants are preventive, while fillings are restorative. Sealants are applied before cavities form to help avoid the need for more extensive treatment later. Fillings are used to treat decay that has already damaged a tooth.

If your goal is to stay ahead of tooth decay, sealants are a simple, proactive step.

Durability and Maintenance

With proper care, dental sealants can last up to 10 years or more. Over time, they may wear down and need to be touched up or reapplied—but this process is quick and painless.

Your dentist will check the condition of your sealants during regular checkups and recommend reapplication if necessary.

Do Sealants Really Work?

Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%. They are especially effective in children and teenagers, who are more prone to tooth decay during their developmental years.

At Village Green Dentistry, we’ve seen firsthand how sealants help our young patients stay cavity-free.

Are There Any Risks?

Sealants are very safe. Some parents ask about potential exposure to BPA—a compound found in many plastics—or other materials, but the levels used in modern sealants are extremely low and considered safe by the American Dental Association (ADA).

The main concern is improper application, which could trap bacteria under the sealant—but this is rare when applied by experienced professionals.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

In many cases, yes—dental insurance often covers sealants for children and teens. Adult coverage may vary. Our team in Lincolnshire is happy to check your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

Even if you’re paying out of pocket, sealants are still one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent more expensive dental problems down the road.

What About At-Home Sealants?

Dental sealants should always be applied by a professional. The process involves cleaning, drying, and preparing the tooth surface before the sealant is carefully painted on and cured with a special light. At-home kits are not reliable or recommended.

Are They Worth It?

When you consider how easy they are to apply, how long they last, and how effectively they prevent cavities, dental sealants are absolutely worth it—especially for kids and teens.

They can help avoid more invasive and costly dental procedures in the future and give parents peace of mind.

Protect Your Smile With Dental Sealants in Lincolnshire

At Village Green Dentistry, we believe preventive care is the best care—and dental sealants are a smart, affordable way to protect your or your child’s teeth for years to come.

Call our Lincolnshire, IL office or book online today to ask about sealants during your next visit. Let’s keep your family’s smiles strong, healthy, and cavity-free.

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