Protective Tooth Sealants for Children in Montrose, CO
While brushing and flossing are key to strong, healthy teeth and gums, sometimes hard-to-reach nooks and crannies can get missed with even the most diligent efforts. To avoid cavities and decay from taking root in these hard-to-reach areas, sealants are often recommended during your child’s dental visit. Ask us about tooth sealants in Montrose, CO, at your child’s next visit to give their smile extra protection against cavities.
Sealants work by acting as barriers between bacteria and areas that are prone to cavities, like the chewing surfaces of back teeth and the deep pits and grooves of any teeth. They are a quick and easy way to prevent tooth decay in both primary and permanent teeth and are simply brushed on during any routine dental cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sealants
At what age should my child get dental sealants?
Most children benefit from sealants on their permanent molars as soon as those teeth come in — typically around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars. Sealants can also be placed on baby molars for kids at higher risk of cavities, especially if the chewing surfaces have deep grooves. The sooner sealants go on after a tooth erupts, the better, since new molars haven’t had time to collect plaque or start decaying. Our team checks for sealant candidates at every routine cleaning.
How long do dental sealants last on my child's teeth?
Dental sealants typically last 5 to 10 years, though some wear down or chip sooner depending on your child’s chewing habits, diet, and grinding. Because sealants gradually thin over time, we check them at every cleaning appointment and reapply or repair them as needed — a quick, painless process. Kids who chew ice, bite hard candy, or grind their teeth may wear sealants down faster. Keeping up with six-month cleanings is the easiest way to make sure sealants stay intact and continue protecting the teeth underneath.
Does getting sealants hurt or require numbing?
No, applying sealants is painless and requires no shots, drilling, or numbing. The dentist or hygienist cleans and dries the tooth, applies a gel to help the sealant bond, rinses it off, then paints the liquid sealant onto the chewing surface and hardens it with a special light. The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth and feels similar to brushing. Kids can return to school or activities immediately with no restrictions, which makes sealants one of the easiest preventive visits on the schedule.
Are dental sealants safe? I've heard concerns about BPA.
Yes, dental sealants are considered safe by the American Dental Association, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Some sealants contain trace amounts of BPA, but the exposure is extremely low — far below levels found in everyday items like food packaging or receipts — and only occurs briefly during application. The proven cavity-prevention benefit is well-established, while long-term studies have found no health risks from sealants. If you’d prefer a BPA-free option, ask our team about the materials we use at your child’s appointment.
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
No, sealants do not replace brushing and flossing — they add an extra layer of protection where a toothbrush can’t fully reach. Sealants only cover the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, leaving the sides, front teeth, and gum lines to be cleaned by brushing and flossing at home. Cavities can still form on any unsealed surface, and daily hygiene also protects gums and prevents bad breath. Think of sealants as a helpful backup, not a substitute for the daily routine. See our cavity prevention guide for more.
Can my child eat and drink right after getting sealants?
Yes, your child can eat and drink right after sealants are placed since the material hardens immediately under the curing light. That said, we usually recommend avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods like taffy, gummies, ice, and hard candy for the rest of the day to help the sealants set fully and stay intact longer. Soft foods, water, and normal beverages are perfectly fine. Your child can brush that same night — the sealants are already fully bonded and won’t wash off during regular hygiene.
What happens if a sealant comes off or wears down?
If a sealant chips, cracks, or falls off, the tooth loses that layer of extra protection and becomes vulnerable to cavities in the grooves again. Fortunately, sealants are easy and quick to reapply — usually during your child’s next cleaning at no extra visit needed. Our hygienists check every sealed tooth at each six-month appointment and flag anything that needs repair or replacement. If you notice a piece missing between visits or your child mentions a rough spot, call our office at 970.240.8694 to have it checked sooner.
Are sealants covered by insurance or Medicaid for kids in Colorado?
Most dental insurance plans and Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) and CHP+ cover sealants for children on permanent molars, since they’re recognized as an effective preventive service. Coverage details — how many teeth, which ages, and how often reapplication is covered — vary by plan, so call the number on your insurance card or ask our front desk to verify before the appointment. Bring your child’s insurance card and member ID to their visit. Our financial policy page covers billing and payment questions.
Where can I get dental sealants for my child in Montrose, CO?
Pediatric Dental Specialists of Montrose provides dental sealants at 1435 Hawk Pkwy Suite 101, Montrose, CO 81401. Call 970.240.8694 to schedule a preventive visit or ask whether your child is due for sealants at their next cleaning. We also serve families across Western Colorado from our Grand Junction and Fruita offices. The Montrose location is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and every other Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Board-certified pediatric dentists on staff.
