Just got back from the dentist and they recommended sealants for my 7-year-old. Did some quick googling and prices seem all over the place. Anyone know how to find decent pricing or save a bit on this?
I feel you on the pricing confusion—it's all over the map. Did your dentist mention if insurance covers any of it? Mine did, but only partially, and I still had to shop around a bit. Ended up finding a dental school nearby that offered sealants at a fraction of the cost. It took longer (students supervised by dentists), but honestly, worth the savings. Maybe check if there's something similar near you or ask your dentist about payment plans?
I totally get the anxiety around this—I was pretty overwhelmed myself when I first started looking into sealants. My dentist mentioned insurance would cover some, but the details were pretty vague, and honestly, the paperwork felt endless. Wish I'd known about dental schools earlier... sounds like a smart option. Did your dentist say anything about how long sealants typically last? I've heard mixed things, and I'm wondering if the cost balances out over time or if it's just another thing to stress about down the road...
My dentist said they're supposed to last around 5-10 years, but it really depends on the kid's habits and stuff. Honestly, even if they don't last forever, avoiding cavities for a few years sounds worth it to me... less stress overall.
We went through this with both our kids a few years back. The dentist explained that sealants are basically preventive, filling in those deep grooves on molars where food and bacteria tend to get stuck. I was skeptical at first because of the cost, but after doing some digging, it seemed like a decent investment compared to potential cavity fillings down the line.
One thing I'd suggest is checking if your dental insurance covers sealants—ours covered part of it, which helped ease the sticker shock. Also, some dentists offer discounts if you're paying out-of-pocket or if you do multiple teeth at once. Doesn't hurt to ask directly about payment plans or discounts.
As for longevity, our oldest had hers done about 6 years ago and they're still holding up pretty well. The younger one's sealants wore down quicker (he chews ice constantly, drives me nuts), so habits definitely matter like someone else mentioned earlier. Overall though, I'd say they've been worth it for us—fewer cavities means fewer dentist visits and less hassle overall.
