What are sealants?

The grooves in the chewing surface of the back teeth are called fissures. They are difficult to clean, which increases the risk of decay. In order to protect them, the fissures can be sealed with a tough plastic, which can either be see-through or tooth-coloured.

Sealants are normally only used on children's teeth and on permanent teeth in particular.

Reasons for having sealants:

Summary of benefits

Fissure sealants can last for years and they can usually be replaced if they fall out or wear out, providing that there is no decay underneath They can protect teeth from decay