Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay. The molars and premolars have deep pits and grooves on their biting surfaces where food and bacteria accumulate easily — surfaces that a toothbrush cannot reliably clean. Sealants fill those grooves, creating a smooth surface that resists cavity formation and is easier to clean.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth where most cavities in children occur. At Alber Dental Studio, we apply sealants as part of our preventive dentistry program, typically for children when their permanent molars have fully erupted. The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no drilling or anesthesia. Sealants can also be placed on adult teeth that are cavity-free and at elevated risk.
When Are Sealants Applied?
The ideal time to place sealants is shortly after the permanent molars erupt — typically the first molars around age six and the second molars around age twelve. Applying sealants early, before any decay can start in the grooves, is when the prevention benefit is greatest. The procedure takes only a few minutes per tooth: the surface is cleaned, a conditioning gel is applied briefly, and the sealant material is painted on and hardened with a curing light. There is no drilling and no anesthesia required.
Sealants are checked at every routine exam and can be touched up or replaced if they wear or chip over time. We include sealant evaluation as part of our comprehensive dental examinations. Combined with professional teeth cleanings and good home care, sealants are one of the most cost-effective preventive investments available for children’s dental health.
Sealants protect only the chewing surfaces where they are applied — the deep grooves of the back teeth. They do not protect the smooth surfaces between teeth or at the gumline, which is why brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings remain essential. Sealants are one layer of a complete preventive program, not a substitute for the rest of it.
Protect Your Child's Teeth Before Cavities Start
Sealants are one of the most straightforward and high-value preventive procedures we offer. The cost of placing sealants is significantly lower than the cost of treating the cavities they prevent. For children who are in their cavity-prone years and have deep grooves in their newly erupted permanent molars, sealants are a clear clinical recommendation. Dr. Alber will note when sealants are indicated during your child’s exam and explain the recommendation clearly. Contact our Boulder office to schedule an appointment.
Sealants are covered by most dental insurance plans for children, typically up to age 14 or 16 depending on the plan. Coverage for adults varies. Our team verifies benefits before any procedure. Visit our financing page for payment options if needed.
Dental Sealants at Alber Dental Studio
Dr. Marc Alber and the team at Alber Dental Studio include sealant evaluation as a routine part of care for children and young adults. We recommend sealants when the clinical situation clearly supports them and explain the reasoning to parents so the decision is informed. Contact our Boulder office to schedule your child’s exam and sealant evaluation.
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregular tooth shape
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene habits
- Do not grind excessively, or are willing to wear a night guard
- Have sufficient enamel to support bonding
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
Dr. Alber will confirm veneers are the right fit during your consultation — and clearly explain any alternative if they’re not.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Health Review & Diagnosis
Dr. Alber begins with a thorough exam to confirm you are a good candidate — healthy gums, adequate enamel, and no untreated decay. From there, we discuss your smile goals and review shade options. Digital photos help visualize the proposed changes before any treatment begins. For patients unsure about shade or shape, we can discuss temporary mock-ups to preview the result.
Clinical Assessment & Care Plan
At your second appointment, a very thin layer of enamel (typically 0.5mm) is removed from each tooth receiving a veneer. This step is permanent — the tooth structure that is removed is not replaced — so it is important that you are fully committed to the treatment before preparation begins. Impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab, and temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth while the custom porcelain shells are fabricated. Lab turnaround is typically two to three weeks.
Treatment or Preventive Action
When the lab returns your custom veneers, Dr. Alber places each shell on the tooth temporarily to check the fit, color, and bite before permanently bonding them. Minor adjustments can be made at this stage. Once both you and Dr. Alber are satisfied with how the veneers look and feel, they are permanently bonded using a dental-grade adhesive and light-cured into place. The temporaries are removed and your new smile is complete — in the same appointment.
Scheduling & Follow-Up
Permanent veneers are placed, adjusted for fit and bite, bonded with light-cured adhesive, and polished for a seamless result.
Simple Protection. Lasting Results.
Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Alber and find out whether porcelain veneers are the right path for your smile goals. No pressure — just an honest assessment.
Veneers vs. Composite Bonding
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Bonding
Both are cosmetic options — the right choice depends on the extent of the change you want and how long you want results to last.
| Preventive Care | Restorative Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Consistent professional exams and cleanings | Treatment of damage, decay, or disease when it occurs |
| Longevity | Lifelong — compounds in value over time | Determined by how early problems are caught |
| Stain resistance | Lower cost per visit, avoids costly late-stage treatment | Higher cost — fillings become crowns, crowns become extractions |
| Tooth reduction | Best for patients who stay current with care | Best for patients who delayed care and now need repair |
| Best for | Patients investing in long-term oral health | Patients treating existing damage or disease |
Caring for Your Veneers
Ready to Get Started?
Porcelain veneers are durable and low-maintenance, but a few habits will help you get the most years from them:
Porcelain is strong but not indestructible. Biting down on hard objects puts stress on the bond and can chip the veneer. Treat your veneers the same way you would treat natural teeth — avoid using them as tools.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is one of the most common causes of early veneer failure. If you grind at night, Dr. Alber will recommend a custom night guard to protect your veneers and underlying teeth from damage.
Veneers are maintained just like natural teeth — brush twice daily and floss regularly. Avoid highly abrasive toothpastes, which can scratch the porcelain surface over time. We recommend a non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste for daily use.
Routine six-month exams and cleanings let Dr. Alber inspect your veneers for any early signs of wear, edge lifting, or gum changes. Catching small issues early is always easier — and less costly — than addressing them later.
Dental Sealants With Flexible Payment Options
Sealants are covered by most dental insurance plans for children up to age 14 or 16. Adult coverage varies by plan. We verify benefits before any procedure. For any remaining costs, we accept HSA and FSA funds and offer flexible financing.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Cosmetic Services
Veneers are one part of a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry offering at Alber Dental Studio.
A customized combination of cosmetic treatments — veneers, whitening, Invisalign, and bonding — designed around your unique smile goals.
A same-appointment option for minor chips or gaps — no enamel removal needed.
Professional-strength whitening when tooth color is the primary concern.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental sealants?
When should sealants be applied?
What is the sealant application process like?
Do sealants replace brushing and flossing?
How long do sealants last?
Does insurance cover dental sealants?
Alber Dental Studio: Dental Sealants in Boulder, CO
At Alber Dental Studio, sealants are part of a complete preventive program that includes regular exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene education. Dr. Alber evaluates sealant need at every exam and applies them when the clinical situation supports it. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile. Contact our Boulder office to schedule.