Got sealants put on my back molars last year, and honestly, I didn’t even know adults could get them until my dentist suggested it. The process was quick and painless, but I’m still not sure if it’s actually making a difference. Anyone else try this? Did you notice fewer cavities or any downsides?
Getting those sealants as an adult felt a little weird to me, honestly. I always thought they were just for kids with new teeth coming in, but my dentist pitched it as a way to protect my “deep grooves” (which, thanks, I guess?). I had them put on after getting braces off—figured with all that effort, might as well try to keep things cavity-free.
The thing is, I can’t really tell if they’re “working” either. Haven’t had a new cavity since, but I’m also brushing like a maniac now because I’m paranoid about undoing my ortho work. One thing I did notice: my teeth feel a bit smoother back there, almost like plastic, which took a couple weeks to get used to. No weird taste or anything, though.
I do kinda wonder if they’ll last, or if they’ll just chip off and I won’t even notice. Did your dentist say how long they’re supposed to stick around? And is it just me, or does food get stuck in them more sometimes? Maybe I’m imagining it…
Yeah, I had the same reaction when my dentist suggested sealants for me. Thought it was just a kid thing, but apparently those grooves don’t magically disappear when you hit adulthood. Mine went on after I got my wisdom teeth out—figured if I’m already numb and drooling, might as well get it all done at once.
I get what you mean about not really knowing if they’re “working.” It’s not like you wake up and your teeth are suddenly bulletproof or whatever. I guess the no-new-cavities thing is a win, but like you, I also started brushing and flossing way more after all that dental work. Could be either one that’s helping.
As for how long they last, my dentist told me they can stick around for years but sometimes chip off without you noticing. He checks them at cleanings and will re-do them if needed. Kind of feels like one more thing to keep track of, honestly.
And yeah, food does seem to get stuck in there more? Or maybe I’m just more aware of it now because the surface feels different. Like, sometimes popcorn kernels or seeds wedge in there and it’s super annoying. Never really noticed that before the sealants.
Overall, I don’t hate having them but I wouldn’t say it’s been some life-changing upgrade either. Just one more weird adulting thing that sounded kind of unnecessary until someone explained all the reasons for it... and then you’re like, “Fine, slap some plastic on my teeth too.”
I’m right there with you—my dentist just suggested sealants and I had no idea adults even got them. The food getting stuck thing is exactly what I’m worried about. Did you notice any weird taste or sensitivity after they put them on? I keep imagining I’ll feel the stuff on my teeth constantly.
I get what you mean about the weird taste or sensitivity. I was pretty nervous about that too, but honestly, I didn’t notice much right after they put them on. Maybe a little odd feeling for a couple days, like my bite was off, but nothing major. The food getting stuck is a real thing though—sometimes stuff wedges around the edges and it bugs me until I floss. Haven’t noticed any new cavities yet, but I’m still paranoid about it. I keep checking back there with my tongue.