Are Dental Sealants Worth It for My Child’s Permanent Teeth?

With spring snacks and school events on the rise, find out how dental sealants protect your child’s smile from decay and costly dental work.
Are Dental Sealants Worth It for My Child’s Permanent Teeth?

Are Dental Sealants Worth It for My Child’s Permanent Teeth?

Absolutely. Dental sealants are one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent cavities in children and teens. In fact, they can reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80%. By applying a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, Dr. Taylor Schaar creates a barrier that blocks out food particles and bacteria—saving your family the stress (and cost) of future fillings.

At Schaar Dental Wellness in Victoria, TX, we recommend sealants as part of our preventative care strategy for young patients, especially those enjoying the sweet, sticky joys of Crossroads-area spring festivals.

The "Crossroads" Snack Defense

From local fairs in Bloomington to spring festivals in Inez, Crossroads families love seasonal treats—and kids love them even more. Cotton candy, snow cones, caramel apples, and sour candies may be fun, but they’re also the perfect recipe for plaque and cavities—especially in the deep grooves of molars.

Dental sealants act like invisible armor for your child’s smile. Applied in just one visit, this painless coating:

  • Seals the pits and fissures in back teeth
  • Blocks sugar and acid from settling into hard-to-clean areas
  • Makes daily brushing more effective
  • Offers years of protection during the most cavity-prone ages

Adding sealants before high-sugar seasons like spring break can help you stay one step ahead of decay.

Learn more about how we protect young smiles with dental sealants at Schaar Dental Wellness.

Does Getting Dental Sealants Hurt?

No—sealants are completely non-invasive and pain-free. The entire process is fast, simple, and requires no numbing or drilling. Your child can return to school or activities right after their visit.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. The teeth are cleaned and dried
  2. A special gel is applied to prepare the surface
  3. The sealant is painted onto the tooth
  4. A blue light is used to harden the material

That’s it—no discomfort, no anxiety, and plenty of long-term benefits.

At our E. Mockingbird Lane office in Victoria, we make preventive care a wellness-focused, family-friendly experience.

The Long-Term ROI: Sealants vs. Restorative Costs

When weighing whether sealants are “worth it,” consider the cost of NOT getting them.

Treatment Type Average Cost Lifespan Invasiveness Purpose
Dental Sealants Low 5–10 yrs Non-invasive Prevent cavities
Dental Fillings Moderate 5–15 yrs Invasive Repair cavities
Dental Crowns Higher 10–20 yrs Invasive Restore heavily damaged teeth

A single dental crown later in life can cost several hundred dollars—or more—per tooth. Preventing that outcome with a simple, affordable sealant is not only smart—it’s essential to a long-term oral health plan.

If decay does happen, we also offer expertly crafted dental crowns to restore function and aesthetics.

Give Your Child a Head Start on a Lifetime of Oral Health

Protecting your child’s smile today can save them from major dental issues tomorrow. With spring approaching and sugary snacks around every corner, now is the perfect time to act.

Give your child a head start on a lifetime of oral health. Ask about sealants at your next cleaning or call (361) 576-0593 to schedule an appointment at Schaar Dental Wellness in Victoria, TX.