Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. Sealants are clear or tinted.
Tinted sealants are easier to see.
No, sealants are not new. Research by NIDR and others led to the development of sealants in the early 1960s. But many people still do not know what sealants are. Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away.