Dental Sealants for Children & Adults
in San Francisco
Anchor Dental (West Portal)

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we provide dental sealants for both children and adults to help protect molars and premolars from cavities. These thin, invisible coatings create a smooth barrier that shields deep grooves where bacteria often settle. Sealants are quick to apply, completely painless, and an effective preventive treatment—especially for children developing new permanent teeth or adults prone to decay.

Preventive care made simple and effective

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we recommend dental sealants as one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent cavities for both children and adults.

Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They block bacteria and food particles from settling into deep grooves where toothbrush bristles can’t reach — helping keep your teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free for years.

Painless, quick, and invisible, sealants are an easy way to protect your smile and your family’s oral health.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are clear or tooth-colored resin materials painted onto the deep pits and grooves of the back teeth.
Once hardened, they act as a shield — sealing off the areas where plaque and bacteria tend to collect.

Sealants work like raincoats for your teeth: they prevent decay before it ever starts.

Why sealants matter for both kids and adults

Many people assume sealants are just for children, but they’re valuable for adults too.
Molars and premolars have natural grooves and fissures that are difficult to clean completely, even with good brushing habits. Over time, these areas can trap bacteria, leading to small cavities.

Sealants:

• Help children protect newly erupted permanent molars (usually ages 6–12)
• Help adults with deep grooves or early enamel wear prevent decay
• Provide a noninvasive way to maintain healthy enamel
• Can last several years before reapplication is needed

The earlier they’re applied, the more protection they offer — but it’s never too late to benefit.

The sealant process at Anchor Dental

1. Cleaning and preparation

The tooth surface is cleaned thoroughly to remove any plaque or food debris.

2. Etching

A mild gel is applied for a few seconds to create a slightly rough surface that helps the sealant bond securely.

3. Application

The liquid sealant material is carefully brushed into the grooves of each tooth.

4. Curing

A blue curing light hardens the sealant instantly, creating a smooth, durable barrier.

The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth and requires no drilling or anesthesia.

How long do dental sealants last?

With proper care, sealants can protect your teeth for 5 to 10 years.
During your regular check-ups, our team checks for any wear or loss of sealant and can easily reapply it if needed.

They’re an investment that quietly works every day — without you having to think about it.

Sealants vs. fluoride treatments

Both treatments prevent cavities, but they work differently:

For most patients, sealants + fluoride treatments together provide the strongest cavity defense.

Benefits of dental sealants

• Prevents up to 80% of cavities in molars (according to the CDC)
• Completely painless and noninvasive
• Safe for all ages — no drilling, no anesthesia
• Invisible finish that blends with natural enamel
• Long-lasting protection that saves money on future dental work

Even patients with excellent home care benefit — toothbrush bristles simply can’t reach into those microscopic grooves.

Why children need sealants early

When permanent molars erupt (around age 6 and again around age 12), they’re especially vulnerable to decay.
Applying sealants shortly after eruption protects those teeth during the critical years when brushing habits are still developing.

Studies show children without sealants are three times more likely to develop cavities in their molars than those who have them.

At Anchor Dental, we make the process comfortable and even fun for kids — using simple explanations and quick appointments to build positive dental habits early on.

Sealants for adults

Adults often develop small pits or cracks in molars over time, especially if they’ve had fillings, orthodontic treatment, or teeth grinding. Applying sealants helps:

• Protect exposed enamel around old fillings
• Reduce bacteria trapped in deep fissures
• Prevent new cavities from forming in hard-to-reach areas

It’s a subtle but powerful way to add years of protection without altering your natural teeth.

Local insight — San Francisco dental habits

In the Bay Area, where coffee, acidic foods, and busy lifestyles are common, enamel wear is one of the leading causes of new decay. Sealants act as a “shield” against that daily exposure, especially for patients who sip coffee or sparkling water throughout the day.

According to the California Department of Public Health, preventive sealants could reduce dental decay in children by nearly 60% statewide — a number that reflects how effective they are when applied early (CDPH Oral Health Program).

Caring for your sealed teeth

Sealants don’t require special care, but these steps help them last longer:

• Maintain twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth
• Limit sticky foods that can tug on sealant edges
• Visit every six months for check-ups and cleanings

Our hygienists check sealants during every routine exam to confirm they’re intact.

Common questions

Are sealants safe?
Yes. Sealants are made from biocompatible resin materials that have been tested for safety and approved by the ADA and FDA.

Will I feel the sealant on my tooth?
Not at all. Once hardened, the sealant feels completely smooth — you won’t notice it’s there.

How long does the appointment take?
Usually about 30 minutes for the entire mouth, depending on how many teeth are being sealed.

Do adults really need sealants?
Yes. Adults with deep grooves or existing fillings can benefit just as much as children by protecting enamel from new decay.

Are sealants covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover sealants for children under 18. Some extended plans also cover adult sealants — we’ll help you check your benefits.

Why San Francisco families choose Anchor Dental

• Experienced care for all ages — from kids’ first molars to adult preventive treatments
• Gentle, fast application that’s easy even for anxious patients
• Advanced materials for durable, invisible protection
• Family-friendly atmosphere — trusted by parents across all San Francisco Neighborhoods 
• Led by Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD, known for precision and patient comfort

We approach sealants as an investment in prevention — one small step that saves years of future dental work.

Schedule dental sealants in San Francisco

Protect your smile — or your child’s — with a quick, simple sealant appointment at Anchor Dental.
Our preventive approach keeps your teeth strong and cavity-free through every stage of life.