I hear you on the price and the sticky factor—my son hates how the varnish feels, and I’m not a fan of paying out-of-pocket either. But after he had a couple small cavities even though we brushed like crazy, I caved and started doing the varnish thing. It’s helped so far, but I still wonder if we’re just layering on too much. Has anyone actually seen those white spots reverse or fade over time, or is it more about stopping it from getting worse?
Yeah, the sticky feeling is the worst—my kid complains every time. I get what you mean about wondering if it’s too much. For us, the spots didn’t really go away, but they didn’t get worse either. Dentist said that’s kind of the point, just to stop more damage. Not perfect but honestly, I’d rather deal with that than another filling.
Not perfect but honestly, I’d rather deal with that than another filling.
Honestly, same here. My own kids act like I’m torturing them with the varnish—one of them tried to wipe it off on the car seat once (not recommended unless you want a new upholstery project). But fillings are a whole different level of drama. The sticky feeling is annoying, sure, but if it means fewer drills and less “open wide” meltdowns? I’ll take it every time. Spots not getting worse is still a win in my book.
That sticky varnish texture is the worst, but I totally get why people put up with it. My youngest complained for hours after her first application, but she’s way more scared of the dentist’s drill. I’d rather have a grumpy kid for a day than deal with another cavity. It’s not perfect, but if it slows down the decay, I’m all for it. Anyone else notice the varnish sometimes leaves weird yellow patches on teeth for a bit? That threw me at first.
Anyone else notice the varnish sometimes leaves weird yellow patches on teeth for a bit? That threw me at first.
Yeah, the yellow patches freaked me out too the first time. I kept thinking, “Did I just pay for my kid’s teeth to look stained?” But they faded after a day or two. I totally get being annoyed by the sticky feeling—my son made such a fuss, but like you said, it beats a filling. Did your insurance cover it? Ours did, but only barely. Still feels worth it if it means fewer trips (and bills) later on.
