Are dental sealants worth it for adults?

If you think of sealants as something you got in elementary school and never again, you're not alone. Adults can benefit too, especially when back teeth have deep pits and grooves that are hard to keep clean. Sealants may also help with very early decay that has not formed a cavity. Whether they are worth it for you depends on your teeth and cavity risk. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Adults can get dental sealants, not just children.

• Sealants have strong evidence for preventing cavities, especially in children and teens.

• Sealants may help keep very early decay from getting worse.

• Your dental provider can tell you whether a sealant makes sense for a specific tooth.

If you want to find out whether sealants are right for your teeth, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your dental provider can check your teeth and tell you if sealants are a good fit. 

What is a dental sealant? 

Sealants form a protective layer over the pits and grooves of your back teeth (think of it as a raincoat for the parts of your teeth that are hardest to keep clean). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that this barrier helps keep food and cavity-causing germs from collecting in these hard-to-clean areas.¹ 

Are sealants only for kids? 

No. The CDC says sealants can be used from early childhood into adulthood.¹ The American Dental Association (ADA) also notes that adults may benefit from them.² Age alone does not determine whether you need a sealant. Your dental provider will look at the tooth and your cavity risk. 

How well do sealants protect teeth? 

The evidence behind sealants is strong, particularly for children and teens. The ADA reports a nearly 80% drop in molar decay risk in the evidence it highlights.² The CDC also notes that sealants can keep protecting teeth for years.¹ 

Sealants may also help when decay is just starting. The ADA explains that a sealant can help keep early decay from developing into a cavity.² 

For adults, your dental provider will look at your own cavity risk and the condition of the tooth rather than assuming the same prevention rate applies to you. 

Do sealants save money? 

They can, but it depends on your situation. The ADA notes that preventing tooth decay can reduce future dental costs.³ Whether a sealant saves you money depends on your cavity risk, dental coverage and whether it helps you avoid treatment later. 

What should you expect at the appointment? 

Your dental provider will check the tooth first and decide whether a sealant makes sense. The tooth is cleaned and dried, then treated with a gel that roughens the surface slightly so the sealant can bond tightly. After the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again, the sealant is painted into the grooves and hardened, often with a curing light. 

The process is quick. Ask your dental provider how long your sealants should last and when they should be checked. 

Who is a good candidate for sealants as an adult? 

Not every adult needs sealants. Your dental provider will look at the pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of your teeth and check for signs of decay. 

As noted above, sealants may also help with very early decay before a cavity has formed. Your dental provider can decide which teeth may benefit after examining them. 

If you have deep grooves in your back teeth or areas of very early decay, talk with your dental provider. They can examine each tooth and help you decide whether a sealant is worth considering. 

Are dental sealants worth it for adults? FAQs 

Still have questions about dental sealants for adults? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Can sealants go on teeth that already have fillings? 

It depends on the tooth. If you already have a filling, your dental provider can check the remaining chewing surface and tell you whether adding a sealant would be useful. 

Do sealants feel strange in your mouth? 

Sealants form a thin layer over the chewing surface. If your bite feels different after one is placed, tell your dental provider so they can check it. 

Do sealants change the look of your teeth? 

Appearance varies by the type of sealant. Some are clear, and sealants are placed on the chewing surface of the tooth. Ask your dental provider what the material they use will look like. 

Are sealants covered by dental insurance? 

Coverage varies by plan. Check with your insurer before your appointment to find out whether adult sealants are covered. Your dental office can also help you understand your benefits. 

Can sealants replace brushing and flossing? 

No. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They don't protect the sides or roots of your teeth. Brushing and flossing still matter every day. 

Sources 

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Oral Health: “About Dental Sealants.” https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/about-dental-sealants.html 

² American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: “Sealants.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/sealants 

³ American Dental Association: “Dental Sealants.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dental-sealants