Services
Sealants and fluoride
Thin coatings on back teeth and a mineral treatment that help protect teeth, mostly for children and teenagers.
Back teeth have deep grooves where food and bacteria collect. A sealant is a thin coating that fills them in. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the outer layer of a tooth. Dr. Casillas decides who needs them, and results vary.
What happens
- 01
Step 1: Choosing the teeth
Dr. Casillas looks at which teeth have deep grooves and whether a sealant makes sense for your child.
- 02
Step 2: Clean and dry
The hygienist cleans the tooth and dries it, which takes a little patience and a lot of explaining.
- 03
Step 3: Paint and light
The sealant is painted on and hardened with a small blue light. Fluoride is painted on or put in a tray, depending on age.
- 04
Step 4: Check each visit
At later visits we check each sealant and repair it if it has worn.
Good to know
Comfort
Sealants need no numbing. They are painted on the tooth, and a child holds their mouth open for a few minutes. We stop whenever they need a break.
If you wait
Teeth with deep grooves are harder to keep clean, and a sealant can only be placed on a tooth with no cavity. Dr. Casillas tells you what she sees and what could happen if you wait.
Risks and after-care
A sealant can chip or wear and need repair. Too much fluoride swallowed by a young child can mark developing teeth, so we choose the form and amount by age and tell you how to use fluoride toothpaste at home.
How it's billed
Plans differ on whether they cover sealants and fluoride and for which ages. We check your child's plan first and give a written estimate in advance if you pay yourself.
How fees work
Questions about sealants and fluoride
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. A sealant covers only the grooves of back teeth. Brushing and flossing still matter.
Are sealants only for children?
They are most often used for children and teenagers. Dr. Casillas will tell you if an adult tooth may benefit.
How long does a sealant last?
It depends on the tooth and the child. We check each one at routine visits and repair it if needed.
Provided by a general dentist
Cleanings are done by our hygienists, Melanie Pettway and Erasmo Perea, licensed dental hygienists in Texas, with Dr. Casillas, a general dentist, examining each patient. Their licenses are listed in the footer.