When
Soon after the adult molars come through, around six and twelve.
In one paragraph
What it is.
The biting surfaces of back teeth have deep narrow grooves that a toothbrush bristle physically cannot get into. That is where most childhood decay starts.
A sealant flows into those grooves and sets hard, so food and bacteria cannot collect there. Nothing is drilled and nothing is numbed.
The specifics.
Nothing to feel
No drilling, no anaesthetic.
Quick
A few minutes per tooth.
Checked
Looked at each visit; topped up if one wears.
Adults too
Sometimes, where deep grooves are still sound but at risk.
Not a substitute
Brushing and flossing still matter.
Money
What it costs.
You get an itemised written estimate before anything starts. We bill your insurance directly, so you usually pay only your own portion on the day, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan is accepted. In-house financing is available through PaySpyre, so treatment can be paid for over time.
Questions.
At what age should children get sealants?
Usually soon after the first adult molars appear around age six, and again for the second molars around twelve.
Do sealants hurt?
Sealants are usually applied without drilling or anaesthetic. The team cleans the tooth and applies and sets the material.
How long do they last?
Several years typically. We check them at each visit and repair them if they wear.
Can adults have sealants?
Sometimes, where an adult still has deep sound grooves that keep catching decay.