Sealants

Extra Protection Against Cavities

At Sleep Dentistry, we believe in proactive dental care to prevent cavities before they start. Dental sealants are a simple, painless, and highly effective way to protect teeth from decay, especially for children and teens. Whether you’re in Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA, our expert team is here to provide top-quality preventive care for a healthier smile.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These areas are most prone to cavities because their deep grooves and pits easily trap food and bacteria. Sealants act as a barrier against plaque and acids, reducing the risk of decay.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

✔ Cavity Prevention – Sealants reduce the risk of decay by up to 80% in molars.

✔ Long-Lasting Protection – With proper care, sealants can last 5 to 10 years.

✔ Painless & Quick Application – The process is non-invasive, fast, and completely painless.

✔ Ideal for Children & Adults – While commonly applied to children’s teeth, sealants can also protect adults from decay.

✔ Cost-Effective – Preventing cavities with sealants helps avoid the need for fillings or more costly dental work in the future.

Who Should Get Dental Sealants?

While sealants are commonly recommended for children and teenagers, they can also benefit adults who are at risk of tooth decay. You may be a good candidate for sealants if you:

  • Have deep grooves and pits in your molars and premolars.
  • Have a history of cavities or are at high risk of tooth decay.
  • Want to prevent cavities without invasive treatments.
  • Have permanent molars that have erupted (typically around age 6 and 12).

How Long Do Sealants Last?

With proper care, sealants can last 5 to 10 years. During routine dental checkups, we will monitor them for wear and reapply if needed to ensure continued protection.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Applying dental sealants is a fast, painless, and non-invasive process that takes just a few minutes per tooth. Here’s what to expect:

1. Cleaning & Drying the Tooth

Our dental team will thoroughly clean and dry the teeth to ensure the sealant bonds properly.

2. Preparing the Surface

An etching gel is applied to the chewing surface to create a slightly rough texture, helping the sealant adhere better.

3. Applying the Sealant

The liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth, filling the grooves and pits to create a protective barrier.

4. Curing the Sealant

A curing light is used to harden the sealant, forming a strong, protective shield over the tooth.

5. Final Check

We ensure the sealant has fully bonded and check your bite for comfort. That’s it—your teeth are now protected!

Are Sealants Safe?

Yes! Dental sealants are completely safe and have been recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA)and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an effective preventive measure against cavities.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Dental Sealants

Prevention is key when it comes to oral health. Dental sealants offer a simple yet powerful way to protect teeth from decay without the need for invasive treatments. Whether for yourself or your child, our team at Sleep Dentistry is here to help keep your smile strong and healthy.

Schedule your sealant appointment today at our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA locations and take the next step in cavity prevention!