Dental Sealants

At Lee Dental, we offer a variety of preventative treatments to keep your teeth in the best condition possible. Dental sealants are a great option for children and teens who are more prone to developing cavities, but adults can benefit from sealants as well. Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surface of your permanent back teeth – your molars and premolars – to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Dental sealants are easy to apply and the procedure can be completed during a routine check-up. Sealant is applied directly to your tooth enamel where it bonds to your tooth and hardens, filling in the tiny pits and fissures your tooth brush may not be able to reach. The sealant takes just a few seconds to cure and the entire procedure is painless. With the sealant in place, your teeth have a barrier against plaque and acids, and as long as the sealant remains intact your teeth will be protected from decay. Sealants create a smooth surface for your molars, making it easier for your tooth brush to clean away food particles and plaque, leaving you with healthier teeth.

You can continue eating and drinking as usual after your sealant is in place. Sealants hold up well under the force of regular chewing and last for several years or more. We’ll check your sealants during routine visits and reapply them when necessary.

We also recommend fluoride treatments for children and teens, twice a year during routine dental check-ups. Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay and the benefits of fluoride have been known for over 50 years. Our in-office fluoride treatment is painless and effective. We simply fill two dental trays for your upper and a lower teeth, then have you bite down on them for a few minutes. As the paste seeps into the outer surface of your tooth enamel, it strengthens your teeth, making them more resistant to decay – and the paste comes in a variety of flavors. In some cases we apply a fluoride varnish with a small brush that adheres to the tooth and allows the patient to eat and drink immediately after the appointment.