Does insurance cover dental sealants? Wondering if your dental insurance covers preventive treatments like sealants? Dental sealants are a popular way to protect teeth from decay, but knowing whether your insurance plan includes them can save you both money and stress at your next appointment.
What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, creating a barrier that helps prevent cavities. They’re especially beneficial for children and teenagers, but adults can benefit from them as well.
Since sealants are considered a preventive treatment, many people assume their insurance will cover the cost. However, coverage can vary depending on your plan and provider.
Some insurance plans may fully or partially cover sealants for children under a certain age, while others may not cover them at all for adults. Therefore, it’s important to check your policy’s details, including any limitations on age or frequency, to avoid unexpected expenses.
How Much Does Dental Sealants Cost?
Dental sealants usually cost between $25 and $50 per tooth, which makes them a cheaper option compared to filling cavities. The price can change depending on where you live and the type of dentist you visit, but sealants are almost always less expensive than getting fillings or other dental repairs.
Considering the potential pain and expense of treating cavities later, the cost of sealants is often seen as a small price to pay for preventive care. In general, dental sealants are a safe and affordable way to protect your teeth from decay and avoid more costly treatments later.
Who Needs It?
Dental sealants are especially helpful for children and teenagers, as their teeth are still developing and more prone to cavities.
Sealants are usually applied when the first set of molars comes in, around the ages of five to seven. A second set of sealants can be applied when the second set of molars appears, typically between ages 11 and 14.
In some cases, dentists may recommend sealants for baby teeth with deep grooves to protect them from decay. Keeping baby teeth healthy is important for the overall health of permanent teeth.
However, while sealants are most common in children and teens, adults can also benefit from them to reduce the risk of cavities.
Sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the first two years after they are applied, making them a strong preventive measure for both kids and adults.
How Can I Know If My Insurance Will Cover My Dental Sealants?
To know if your insurance covers dental sealants, start by looking at your policy to see if sealants are listed under preventive care. Then, call your insurance provider to ask if they cover sealants, any age limits, and if you’ll need to pay anything extra.
You can also ask your dentist, as they often know how different insurance plans work. Make sure to check for any rules, like only covering sealants for kids or certain teeth. Following these steps will help you understand if your sealants are covered before proceeding to get one.
How To Apply Dental Sealants
Applying dental sealants is a simple and quick process. Here’s how it usually works:
- The dentist starts by cleaning the teeth that will receive the sealants to remove any plaque or food particles.
- The teeth are then dried thoroughly to ensure that the sealant adheres properly.
- The dentist applies a liquid sealant to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This liquid flows into the grooves and pits of the teeth.
- Then a special light is used to harden and set the sealant, making it form a protective layer over the teeth.
- The dentist checks the sealants to make sure they’re properly applied and makes any necessary adjustments.
The entire procedure is quick and painless, and it takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Bottom Line
Dental sealants are a cost-effective and preventive way to protect teeth from decay, especially for children and teenagers. Though adults can benefit too. Whether your insurance covers them depends on your plan.
So it’s important to review your policy or check with your provider. With their affordability and the long-term protection they offer, sealants are a valuable option for maintaining dental health.