Where Families in Green Lake Come to Smile
Dental Sealants Seattle, WA
Think of dental sealants as tiny raincoats for your teeth. Just like a good jacket keeps you dry during Seattle’s drizzly days, sealants create a protective barrier that shields your back teeth from the bacteria and food particles that cause cavities. They’re one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay, especially in those hard-to-reach back teeth where your toothbrush sometimes misses the mark.
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cherryl Ellison provides dental sealants as part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining your smile’s health. This quick, painless procedure offers years of protection and can save you from more complex dental work down the road.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Your molars and premolars have deep grooves and valleys that trap food and bacteria, making them vulnerable to decay. Even with regular brushing and flossing, these crevices can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
Sealants smooth out these grooves by creating a protective shield over the enamel. The material bonds directly to the tooth and hardens to form a barrier that keeps food particles and bacteria from settling into those vulnerable areas. Studies show that sealants can lessen the risk of cavities in molars by nearly 80 percent.
Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?
Children and teenagers are the most frequent candidates for sealants. The first molars typically come in around age six, and the second molars appear around age 12. Applying sealants shortly after these teeth erupt provides protection during the cavity-prone years when kids are still developing good oral hygiene habits. Sealants can also be used to prevent decay in baby teeth!
But sealants aren’t just for kids. Adults with little to no decay or fillings in their molars can also gain from this preventive treatment. If you have deep grooves in your teeth or a history of cavities, sealants offer an extra layer of protection at any age.
The Sealant Application Process
Getting dental sealants is one of the most straightforward procedures in dentistry. The entire process should take just minutes per tooth and requires no drilling or anesthesia.
First, your tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried. An abrasive gel is then applied to roughen the surface, which helps the sealant bond properly. After rinsing and drying the tooth again, the sealant material is painted onto the enamel. A special blue light is then used to harden the sealant quickly.
That’s it. You can eat and drink normally right after the appointment. The whole experience is comfortable and completely painless, making it an ideal preventive measure for patients of all ages.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Dental sealants can protect your teeth for up to 10 years with proper care. During your regular dental checkups, we’ll examine your sealants for any indicators of chipping or wear. If needed, we can repair or reapply sealants to maintain continuous protection.
Taking care of sealed teeth is simple. Continue brushing twice daily and flossing once a day, as you usually do. Avoid chewing on non-food objects like ice or pen caps, as this could damage the sealant material. Your regular dental cleanings and exams will ensure your sealants stay in good condition.
Cost-Effectiveness and Insurance Coverage
One of the best things about dental sealants is their cost-effectiveness. The procedure costs significantly less than treating a cavity with a filling or crown, and it prevents the need for more complex dental work later.
Many dental benefits plans cover sealants for children and teenagers, recognizing their value as a preventive measure. Some plans also extend coverage to adults, depending on the policy. Our team can verify your insurance and explain your coverage options before treatment.
For patients without insurance, we offer an affordable in-house membership plan and flexible payment options through Cherry financing to make preventive care accessible for everyone.
Why Choose Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry for Sealants
Dr. Ellison takes a proactive approach to dental health, focusing on prevention rather than reaction. Her training through the Spear and Seattle Study Clubs keeps her up to date on the latest techniques and materials in preventive dentistry. Our North Seattle location on Aurora Avenue provides convenient access for families throughout Green Lake, Wallingford, Phinney Ridge, and surrounding neighborhoods. We offer same-day appointments when possible and flexible scheduling to accommodate busy families. Prevention is always better than treatment. Dental sealants give you a head start in protecting your smile from decay, saving you time, money, and potential discomfort in the years ahead. They're a simple investment with lasting benefits for patients of all ages.
Schedule Your Sealant Consultation Today at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry
Protect your family’s smiles with dental sealants at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Ellison and her team will evaluate your teeth and recommend the best preventive treatments for your individual needs. Whether you’re considering sealants for your children or yourself, we’ll answer all your questions and make the process comfortable and convenient.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment, or call our office to learn more about how dental sealants can benefit your oral health. Dr. Ellison looks forward to helping you maintain a healthy, luminous smile for years to come.
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