smiling girl sitting in a dental chair, speaking with her dentist

Affordable Dental Sealants for Children in Kerrville, TX

Dental sealants are a quick, painless, and budget-friendly dental treatment that can help prevent dental fillings from becoming necessary. Dental sealant applications are often scheduled right after routine cleanings when the teeth are squeaky clean, so if you would like to add this service to your child’s next routine visit, please let our team know! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we always want to help our patients avoid restorative dental work by scheduling preventive services whenever possible.

smiling mother hugging her two smiling daughters

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealant applications involve applying a clear varnish over the top of each molar. A curing light is then used to seal the tooth and prevent harmful bacteria from collecting in the grooves of the teeth. Patients cannot see or feel the sealants on their teeth. In fact, some patients completely forget that they even have dental sealants! While adults can also utilize dental sealants, baby teeth have a thinner layer of tooth enamel than adult teeth, so they are a highly recommended preventive service for children.

Which is better, dental sealants or fluoride treatments?

Both dental sealants and fluoride treatments are excellent preventive services to add to your child’s treatment plan. Fluoride treatments can be scheduled every six months, and kids can begin receiving them from a much younger age, essentially whenever their baby teeth begin to grow in. Dental sealants are only applied to molars, so they can be applied around the time a child turns six typically. Once they lose their baby teeth and their adult molars grow in, another sealant application will need to be scheduled, usually around age eleven or twelve.

little girl giving her dentist a high five

Are dental sealants worth the money?

Many children’s dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings and exams as well as additional preventive services like dental sealants and fluoride treatments. Even if your child’s plan doesn’t cover the cost of dental sealants or they do not have insurance, dental sealants are a fairly affordable dental treatment. Additionally, dental sealants can last up to 10 years without needing to be repaired or replaced, so they are very cost-effective, considering how long they last. For more information about financing your child’s care, we recommend visiting our financial page.