Can You Get Sealants With Braces On? (A Comprehensive Guide)

Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Gio Greenard

Dental sealants are intended to provide greater cavity protection. To defend against decay it is painted on the chewing surfaces of molars. Sealants protect the teeth from 80% of cavities for the first two years, and 50% for the next two years after that, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In this post, we’ll answer the question of how do dental sealants work? Let’s get sealing.

TL;DR

1. Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
2. Sealants are typically made of a plastic resin material that bonds to the tooth surface, filling in the grooves and depressions to create a smooth surface, making it more challenging for bacteria and food particles to accumulate.
3. Dental sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as soon as their permanent molars emerge, around the ages of 6 and 12.
4. Sealants are a safe and effective preventive measure and can last for several years. However, they may need to be checked during dental visits and reapplied if necessary.
5. Sealants can be beneficial for patients with braces, as they help protect the teeth from decay in areas that may be harder to clean due to the braces.
6. According to a HealthTap post, it is possible to have braces if you’ve had fissure sealants put on your teeth. The sealants should not interfere with the braces, as they are applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, while braces are bonded to the front surfaces.

What Are Sealants?

Although brushing and flossing are instrumental in protecting against tooth decay and cavities, it is not always easy to reach all of the nooks and crannies, even for a dental hygienist; especially for younger children. When these nooks and crannies of the molars are not kept properly clean, decay can begin to set in and cause damage.

A dental sealant is made of plastic and a combination of other dental materials. The sealant material is painted on in a thin layer and it sinks down into the cracks and crevices of the molars, so no food can become caught in these hard to brush areas.

Although sealants cannot replace brushing and flossing for keeping cavities at bay, they can work with proper oral hygiene care, so cavities are less likely to occur in the treated areas.

Braces and Sealants: Can They Work Together?

The short answer is yes! However, it’s essential to understand the limitations and considerations when combining braces and sealants. Dental professionals typically apply sealants before braces, as sealants only protect the teeth’ chewing surfaces and not the areas covered by braces.

Moreover, when orthodontists install braces, they place brackets on the tooth’s front surface, whereas sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces. Therefore, the two treatments don’t interfere with each other. Additionally, sealants can even be helpful while wearing braces, as they make it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene by preventing food particles from getting trapped in the grooves of your teeth.

Why Do Children Need Sealants?

Children are the most vulnerable for developing cavities because they often do not know how to properly care for their dental health. It is recommended children under the age of ten are monitored to ensure they are properly brushing and flossing, so cavities, dental caries, tooth decay, and gum disease can be avoided.

According to the CDC, it is recommended, school-aged children have dental sealants placed on their teeth. In a report released in 2016, it was stated children without sealants have three times the number of cavities as those children who are protected with a dental seal.

Although children are typically more likely to have sealants applied, any age can benefit from the application. The cavity reduction benefits are the same at any age.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Dental sealants may last up to ten years, but they need to be checked at each preventative care appointment to ensure they have not become chipped or damaged in any way. If damage occurs to the sealant, it can be repaired by the dental hygienist or dentist.

To repair any damage, the dental professional will simply need to paint the damaged sealant areas with new dental sealant material and allow it to harden in place, so it will be able to offer full protection.

What Can Parents and Children Expect

The process of having sealants put on is not painful in any way. There are a few simple steps involved in the process of placing sealants and they are as follows.

• The surfaces that will be treated are carefully cleaned to remove any plaque, tartar, or traces of food particles.
• The surfaces that will be treated are carefully dried and cotton will be placed around them to keep them free of saliva.
• A special solution is placed on the tooth that helps to roughen the outer layer, so the sealant material will stick.
• The tooth is then rinsed and dried and a new layer of cotton protection is put in place.
• The liquid sealant is painted on the chewing surface and it hardens within a few seconds.

The entire process will take anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on how many sealants are being applied. There are no shots or medications administered because there is no invasion of the tooth. As long as a child is able to sit still and hold their mouth open during the application, they should experience no problems during their appointment.

How to Protect the Sealants from Damage

Although sealants are very hard and meant to stand up to chewing, there are some things individuals will need to avoid when they have sealants put in place. The following should be avoided to help keep a dental sealant from chipping and becoming damaged.

• No chewing on hard candy
• No chewing on ice
• No chewing on hard non-food items like pens or toys

If the sealants are applied correctly, they can protect a person’s vulnerable smile areas for many years to come. The dentist or orthodontist should check the sealants a couple of times a year for any signs of damage. If damages are seen, prompt reapplication will protect the treated areas and prevent food and plaque from causing erosions that could lead to weakened areas.

What Is the Best Way to Care for Sealants?

It is important to note, children and adults will be able to practice the same brushing and flossing methods they did before their sealants were applied. It is essential individuals do not stop brushing or flossing or their smile could still be vulnerable to the same risks of decay which could eventually cause destruction. Food particles must be destroyed.

In addition to brushing and flossing, individuals need to make sure they see their dentist and orthodontist as often as recommended, so their oral health can be protected with dental cleanings and thorough examinations. Cleanings will need to be carried out every six months to ensure optimal oral well-being.

How Much Do Sealants Cost?

Most parents are concerned about the price of sealants for their children. The average price across the country is anywhere from $30 to $60 per tooth. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion or all of the cost of sealants, so it is important individuals check their coverage to see what is offered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, braces and dental sealants can coexist without interfering with each other. Sealants can even be beneficial for individuals with braces, as they make maintaining oral hygiene more manageable. As always, consult with your dental professionals to ensure that you’re making the best choices for your oral health.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.