When a dentist recommends sealants for your kids, you may worry about the cost. Fortunately, they won’t break the bank if you have dental insurance. Learn about their benefits and how much dental sealants cost:
Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the molars (back teeth) to prevent decay. They fill in the deep grooves of the tooth to keep cavity-causing bacteria from the tooth’s surface. Sealants can reduce decay in molars by up to 80% and can last for years. And they’re quick and painless to apply!
Dental sealants are a preventive treatment to stop cavities from forming, much like a fluoride varnish. Since this treatment prevents more costly cavities and fillings, most dental plans encourage their use by covering them with little or no cost to you. In fact, nearly all Delta Dental of South Dakota plans cover 100% of the cost for sealants on permanent molars (that haven’t already had other restorative work) for kids up to age 16.
Sealants are commonly applied to children’s teeth, but in some circumstances they can be beneficial for adults too (although rarely covered by dental plans). Permanent molars begin coming in around the age of 6, so protecting them early will keep them healthy between the cavity-prone years of 6-14. Children who don’t get sealants have almost 3 times as many cavities, according to the CDC.
Ask your dentist if sealants are a good treatment option for your kids.
More information on preventive dental care for kids: