Dental Sealants in Orlando, FL

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to your back teeth’s chewing surfaces (molars and premolars). These tooth surfaces contain grooves and depressions where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. Even with diligent brushing, these areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly, making them prime locations for cavity development.

The sealant material, typically made of dental-grade resin, flows into these grooves and hardens to form a protective shield. This physical barrier prevents bacteria and food from settling in these vulnerable areas, significantly reducing the risk of tooth decay. The quick, painless application process requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure, making it an ideal preventive treatment for patients of all ages in Orlando.

Dental sealants provide exceptional protection against tooth decay, particularly for children and teenagers who may not have mastered thorough brushing techniques. By creating a smooth surface over the grooves of molars, sealants make these areas easier to clean and maintain.

The application process is completely non-invasive and can be completed during a routine dental visit at our Wintergarden office. Our skilled dental team ensures precise placement for maximum effectiveness, creating a durable barrier that can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. With regular check-ups at Esteem Dental, we can monitor your sealants and reapply them when necessary, providing continuous protection against cavity-causing bacteria.

Sealants for Children and Teenagers

Children are particularly susceptible to cavities as they develop their oral hygiene habits. Dental sealants provide an additional layer of protection during these formative years, helping to prevent decay in permanent molars as they emerge.

At Esteem Dental, our Orlando team specializes in pediatric dental care, making the sealant application process comfortable and stress-free for young patients. We recommend applying sealants as soon as the permanent molars erupt, typically around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars. This preventive measure can save families time, discomfort, and money by avoiding future fillings or more extensive dental work.

Adult Sealant Protection

Contrary to popular belief, dental sealants aren’t just for children. Adults without fillings in their molars can also benefit from the cavity protection that sealants provide, especially those prone to decay or with deep grooves in their teeth.

Our Esteem Dental professionals in Orlando evaluate each adult patient individually to determine if sealants would be beneficial as part of their preventive care plan. For adults with certain risk factors such as dry mouth, medication side effects, or a history of frequent cavities, dental sealants can provide valuable protection against future decay and preserve natural tooth structure.

The Sealant Application Process

The application of dental sealants is a straightforward, painless procedure that usually takes just minutes per tooth. At Esteem Dental in Wintergarden, we make every step comfortable while ensuring optimal results for our Orlando patients.

First, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure proper adhesion of the sealant material. Next, a mild etching solution is briefly applied to create a slightly roughened surface that helps the sealant bond effectively to the tooth. After rinsing and drying again, our dental professionals carefully apply the liquid sealant material precisely to the grooves of the tooth. Finally, a special curing light hardens the sealant into a strong, protective coating that immediately begins working to protect your teeth from decay-causing bacteria.

Longevity and Maintenance

Dental sealants typically last between five and 10 years with proper care and maintenance. During your regular check-ups at our Orlando office, our Esteem Dental team will assess the condition of your sealants and recommend reapplication if needed.

To maximize the lifespan of your dental sealants, we recommend maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits, including twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular professional cleanings. While sealants provide excellent protection for the chewing surfaces, it’s important to remember comprehensive care is still necessary to protect all surfaces of your teeth from decay.

Related Services

Orlando General Dentistry