Dental Sealants
A shield for the grooves where cavities start.
Sealants protect the deep grooves of back teeth, preventing most cavities there for years.
What is dental sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It fills grooves where food and bacteria collect. It's quick and painless. Its main limitation: sealants can wear and need checking and occasional reapplication.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Children with new molars
- Teens
- Adults with deep grooves
- High cavity risk
Needs extra care or planning
- Existing decay
- Fillings on surfaces
- Heavy grinding
When an exam is needed: A check ensures the tooth is decay-free.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Sealants protect only chewing surfaces, not between teeth.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Painless
- Quick
- Very effective
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Can wear
- Need checking
- Not for decayed teeth
The treatment process
- 1
Clean
Tooth cleaned.
- 2
Prep
Surface prepared.
- 3
Apply
Sealant painted on.
- 4
Cure
Light hardens it.
- 5
Check
Bite check.
Timeline: A few minutes per tooth.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: None.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Brush normally
- Avoid chewing ice
- Regular checkups
Call us right away if you notice
- Sealant chips
- Rough feel
Longevity and outcomes
Up to 5–10 years.
What affects your result
- Chewing habits
- Grinding
Possible complications
- Wear
- Loss of sealant
Cost and payment options
Affordable per tooth; often covered for children.
What affects the price
- Number of teeth
- Insurance
- Age
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Fluoride
Strengthens enamel.
Diligent home care
Brushing and flossing.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Do sealants hurt?+
No.
How long do they last?+
5–10 years.
Are they safe?+
Yes.
Who needs them?+
Kids and anyone with deep grooves.
Are they visible?+
Barely.
Covered by insurance?+
Often for kids.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →Related treatments
Not sure if you need dental sealants?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit