Dental Sealants in Charlotte, NC

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. These clear or slightly tinted coatings act as a barrier, sealing off the deep grooves and depressions where food particles and bacteria commonly collect. The application process is quick, non-invasive, and extremely effective at preventing tooth decay in these vulnerable areas.

The material used for dental sealants is a specialized dental-grade resin that bonds directly to the tooth enamel. Once applied and cured with a special light, these sealants create a smooth surface over the natural grooves of the teeth, making them easier to clean and significantly less susceptible to decay. This professional application technique ensures maximum protection against cavity-causing bacteria.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants provide immediate and long-lasting protection against tooth decay. Studies show that sealants can reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in molars, making them one of the most effective preventive treatments available in modern dentistry. This durable protection helps maintain natural tooth structure and avoids potentially costly restorative procedures.

The application process takes just minutes per tooth, yet provides years of protection against decay. Most dental sealants last 5-10 years with proper care, making them an excellent investment in long-term oral health. For Charlotte families with active lifestyles, this means fewer dental emergencies and unexpected treatment needs.

When Should Dental Sealants Be Applied?

Dental sealants are most commonly recommended when permanent molars first erupt, typically around ages 6 and 12. Protection during these crucial developmental years helps establish healthy habits and prevents early cavity formation when children may not have perfected their brushing techniques.

While dental sealants are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, adults without fillings or decay in their molars can also benefit from this preventive measure. During your regular dental exam at Imagine Dentistry, we can evaluate whether dental sealants would be beneficial for your specific situation.

The Dental Sealant Application Process

The application of dental sealants is a quick, painless procedure that requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes per tooth and can be completed during a regular dental checkup appointment at Imagine Dentistry’s comfortable Charlotte office.

First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure proper adhesion. Next, an etching solution is briefly applied to create a slightly roughened surface that helps the sealant bond more effectively. After rinsing and drying again, Dr. Coambs or a member of her experienced team will carefully paint the dental sealant material onto the tooth surface. Finally, a special curing light hardens the sealant, creating an immediate protective barrier.

Maintaining Dental Sealants

Once applied, dental sealants require no special maintenance beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. During your biannual visits to Imagine Dentistry, we will check the condition of your sealants and recommend reapplication if necessary to maintain optimal protection.

While sealants provide excellent protection for the chewing surfaces, they don’t cover areas between teeth or along the gumline. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices remains essential for complete protection against decay in all areas of the mouth. The dental hygienists at Imagine Dentistry can provide personalized guidance on optimizing your oral care routine.

Dental Sealants vs. Fluoride Treatments

Dental sealants and fluoride treatments serve complementary roles in preventing tooth decay. While fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps repair early stages of decay, sealants provide a physical barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from settling in vulnerable grooves and pits of the teeth.

For maximum protection, we often recommend both preventive treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to oral health. The combination of fluoride’s enamel-strengthening properties and the physical protection of sealants offers the most complete defense against tooth decay, especially for children and teenagers in Charlotte.

Insurance Coverage for Dental Sealants

Most dental insurance plans cover sealants for children and adolescents, recognizing their value as a preventive treatment. At Imagine Dentistry, the team works to maximize your insurance benefits and can verify your specific coverage for this important preventive service.

For patients without insurance coverage, Imagine Dentistry offers an in-office Membership Plan that includes preventive care services. The practice also provides financing options through Care Credit to ensure all Charlotte families have access to essential preventive treatments like dental sealants.

Schedule Your Dental Sealant Appointment Today

Protecting your family’s smiles with dental sealants is one of the smartest investments you can make in their long-term oral health. At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs, Dr. Shelli Boucher, and our trusted team provide expert sealant application using the latest materials and techniques.

Don’t wait until decay develops to take action. Contact Imagine Dentistry today at (704) 540-7600 or fill out our contact form to schedule dental sealant appointments for your family. Our convenient office hours from Tuesday through Friday (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM) make it easy to fit preventive dental care into your busy lifestyle.