That’s pretty much how it went for us, too. I figured sealants were just another upsell at first, but my dentist showed me the grooves in my kid’s molars and yeah… toothbrushes can only do so much. The insurance part was confusing—I had to call twice before I got a straight answer. It’s not the cheapest, but honestly, compared to the cost (and drama) of a filling later on, I’ll take it. Would be so much easier if they lasted forever, though.
Would be so much easier if they lasted forever, though.
Right? My youngest needed a couple redone after just three years—apparently she chews ice (facepalm). I used to think sealants were a gimmick, but after my own nightmare with cavities as a kid, I’m not taking chances. Insurance was a headache for us too... had to argue my way into partial coverage.
I used to think sealants were a gimmick, but after my own nightmare with cavities as a kid, I’m not taking chances.
Totally get that. I was skeptical too until my oldest went years without a single cavity after getting them. But yeah, they don’t last forever—especially if your kid’s an ice chewer or grinds their teeth. Did your dentist mention how often they should be checked? I’ve heard some say every six months, but ours only brings it up at the yearly checkup. Insurance is such a pain... ours only covers sealants up to age 14, which seems kind of random.
Insurance is such a pain... ours only covers sealants up to age 14, which seems kind of random.
That age cutoff drives me nuts too. I remember my dentist saying the risk for deep grooves and cavities doesn't magically disappear at 14. My grandkids are both past that age now, and honestly, their molars look just as tricky to clean as when they were younger. The insurance rules just seem arbitrary.
As for checkups, I’m in the camp that says every six months is safest, especially if your kid’s chewing on ice or grinding—those habits can really wear down sealants faster than people think. I’ve actually had a sealant pop off myself (in my 60s, no less), so it’s not just a kid thing. If you’re already going in for cleanings twice a year, might as well have them checked each time. It only takes a minute.
I get being skeptical about the whole thing, but after decades of fillings and crowns, I’d do anything to help my family avoid that mess. Sealants aren’t perfect, but they’re better than another drill session in my book.
The age cutoff is so weird, right? I still have deep grooves in my molars and let’s just say I’m well past 14... My orthodontist actually recommended sealants for me after I got my braces off because cleaning around those back teeth was basically impossible. Insurance didn’t cover it, but honestly, the cost was less than a single filling. I’d rather pay out of pocket than deal with another cavity. And yeah, I totally agree—sealants aren’t perfect, but they’re way better than that drill noise.