Dental Sealants
Back teeth do the hardest work in your child's mouth, and they're also the hardest to keep clean. Dental sealants are a quick, painless way to give those teeth an extra layer of protection against cavities. At Strategic Dental Care in East Orlando, we apply sealants as part of our family and pediatric dental care.
Why Molars Need Extra Protection
Children's molars are prone to cavities for two reasons. First, they're used for chewing and are constantly exposed to food mixed with saliva. Second, they sit at the back of the mouth, where they're more difficult to clean. The chewing surfaces of molars also have natural grooves where food and bacteria can hide, even with good brushing.
What Is a Dental Sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin layer of liquid that hardens and creates a barrier between the teeth and the plaque, food particles and bacteria that collect on them and lead to decay. The sealant is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where it fills in the grooves and creates a smoother surface that's easier to keep clean.
When Should Children Get Sealants?
Protect your children's molars by having sealants applied when they are between the ages of 5 and 7. Molars begin to appear in children between the ages of 5 and 7, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11 and 14. It's best to have the treatment when the molars first come in so those teeth are protected right away.
Who else can benefit?
Sealants are most often recommended for children, but teens and some adults with deep grooves in their back teeth may also benefit. Ask us whether sealants make sense for anyone in your family.
The Sealant Procedure, Step by Step
Getting sealants is quick and comfortable, and there are no needles or drilling involved.
- Cleaning. The teeth to be sealed are cleaned and dried.
- Adhesive. An adhesive is applied to the teeth being treated.
- Applying the sealant. The sealant is spread over the adhesive as a liquid, flowing into the grooves of the tooth.
- Hardening. The liquid hardens, creating a protective barrier.
- Final check. We check the bite to make sure your child is comfortable.
After Sealants: What to Expect
There's no recovery time. Your child can eat and return to normal activities right after the appointment. Sealants can last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary. We'll check the condition of the sealants at each regular visit.
Sealants work best alongside good habits:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily once teeth touch
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of teeth, but they don't replace brushing and flossing. If a cavity does develop, we can treat it with a tooth-colored filling.
Helping Kids Feel Comfortable
Because the sealant procedure is quick and doesn't involve needles or drilling, it's often an easy, positive dental experience for children. We explain each step in kid-friendly terms and encourage parents to ask questions. If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist, let us know when you schedule so we can plan extra time.
Sealants vs. fluoride
Sealants and fluoride work together. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel on all tooth surfaces, while sealants physically cover the deep grooves of the chewing surfaces where toothbrush bristles can't easily reach. Using both gives your child's back teeth more complete protection against decay.
Signs a Sealant Needs Attention
Sealants are durable, but they can wear over time. At each checkup, we look for chips or worn areas and reapply sealant where needed so protection continues.
Cost, Insurance and Payment Options
Sealants are a preventive treatment, and the cost depends on how many teeth are sealed. Many dental insurance plans include coverage for sealants on children's molars, though benefits and age limits vary.
Strategic Dental Care accepts most PPO insurance plans. Because every plan is different, call us at 407-284-1645 and our team will help you understand what your plan may cover before treatment begins. If you don't have dental insurance, ask about our in-house plans, which are designed to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. We also offer third-party financing, and there is no credit check to see if you qualify. Be sure to check our current specials too.
Sealants for East Orlando Families
Strategic Dental Care is at 12250 Strategy Blvd, serving families in East Orlando, the UCF area and nearby neighborhoods. Sealants are easy to schedule alongside a regular checkup, and many parents plan them for summer or a back-to-school visit. For kids who play sports, ask about a custom mouth guard at the same time.
Strategic Dental Care
12250 Strategy Blvd Ste 437, Orlando, FL 32817 (behind McDonald's)
Phone:
407-284-1645
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 am–5 pm; Friday, 8:30 am–2 pm
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sealants
What age should my child get sealants?
Sealants are best applied when the molars first come in, around ages 5 to 7 for the first set and 11 to 14 for the second set.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.
Does getting sealants hurt?
No. An adhesive is applied, the sealant is spread over it as a liquid, and it hardens into a protective barrier. No needles or drilling are involved.
Why are molars more likely to get cavities?
Molars are used for chewing and are constantly exposed to food mixed with saliva, and they're in the back of the mouth, which makes them harder to clean.
Does insurance cover dental sealants?
Many plans cover sealants for children, but benefits vary. We accept most PPO plans and offer in-house plans and third-party financing with no credit check to qualify.
Schedule Dental Sealants in Orlando
Call Strategic Dental Care at 407-284-1645 now to schedule a consultation, or contact us online.
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