While dental sealants are most commonly discussed during childhood checkups, they are equally valuable for adults looking to protect vulnerable back teeth from decay. Deep anatomical grooves (fissures) on molars can be narrower than a single toothbrush bristle, making them virtually impossible to clean thoroughly with brushing alone.
At BB Dental Care in Burbank, Dr. Bryanna Hubbard applies clear, biocompatible resin sealants to provide a smooth protective barrier over deep pits, sealing out cavity-causing bacteria and food particles.
Why Adults Benefit from Dental Sealants
If you have never had cavities on your back molars, or if you have deep pits and fissures that are difficult to reach with standard dental floss and brushing, sealants offer significant preventive protection:
- Shielding Deep Fissures: Sealants smooth out complex crevices on chewing surfaces, preventing food debris from lodging in hard-to-reach pockets.
- Easier Daily Brushing: With fissures sealed, your toothbrush slides easily across the molar surface to sweep away biofilm effectively.
- Cost-Effective Prevention: Applying a preventive sealant takes minutes and costs a fraction of the price of future composite fillings or crowns.
- BPA-Free, Biocompatible Materials: Modern dental sealants are clear or tooth-colored, completely non-toxic, and blend unnoticeably with your natural enamel.
What to Expect During Application
Getting sealants is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless—no numbing, drilling, or removal of healthy enamel required:
- Cleaning: The molar surfaces are gently cleaned and polished to remove surface plaque.
- Conditioning: A mild etching gel is applied for a few seconds to microscopically prep the enamel surface for optimal bonding.
- Sealing: The liquid resin sealant is painted directly into the deep grooves and fissures.
- Light-Curing: A specialized LED blue light cures and hardens the resin in about 30 seconds.
Sealant Longevity and Care
Dental sealants can protect your teeth for several years under normal chewing forces. During your routine 6-month exams at BB Dental Care, Dr. Hubbard checks the condition of your sealants and can easily touch up or reapply them as needed.
To learn more about how dental sealants can help protect your smile, schedule your preventive checkup with Dr. Bryanna Hubbard in Burbank today.