Patient Guide for Your New Dental Sealants

Q: What should I do if my bite still feels high after a few days?

While it’s rare, if the high feeling doesn’t go away on its own after 2-3 days, please give our office a call. We can schedule a quick, 5-minute appointment to make a simple adjustment that will make it perfectly comfortable.

Q: Can I still get a cavity under a sealant?

Sealants are extremely effective at preventing cavities in the grooves of teeth. However, a cavity can still form if the sealant chips or if plaque is not properly cleaned from around the edges. This is why regular brushing and check-ups are so important.

Q: How long do sealants last?

With proper care and by avoiding very hard foods, dental sealants can last for many years, often between 5 to 10 years. If a sealant does come off, it can be easily replaced.

Appliance & Preventive Care

How to Use / Wear

Your new dental sealants are a powerful, invisible shield for your teeth. To make sure this shield is as strong as possible, please follow these simple instructions.

For the next 30 minutes: Please do not eat or drink anything. This gives the sealant material time to fully harden and bond to your tooth.
For the rest of today: Please avoid eating very sticky, chewy, or hard foods. Things like hard candies, ice, or chewy caramels can put a lot of pressure on a brand new sealant.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Caring for your sealants is easy and becomes a normal part of your daily hygiene routine.

Brush and Floss Normally: You should brush and floss your teeth just as you always do. Sealants are an extra layer of protection, but they do not replace the need for good oral hygiene.
Avoid Biting Hard Objects: Try not to chew on very hard things like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or hard candy. This is the most common reason a sealant might chip or wear down.
Regular Check-ups: We will check your sealants at every one of your regular dental check-up and cleaning appointments to make sure they are intact and protecting your teeth. If we find a small chip or leak, they can be easily repaired.

What To Expect

It is very common for your bite to feel a little different after a sealant is placed.

Your Bite May Feel “High”: The sealant material fills in the deep grooves of your teeth, so it is completely normal to feel that your bite is hitting that spot first. This feeling is temporary.
It Will Settle In: As you chew over the next day or two, the sealant material will naturally settle into your bite, and the “high” feeling will go away completely.