A commonly requested dental benefit by employees with children, sealant coverage is crucial to starting young people early on the right path for a lifetime of oral health. Parents naturally seek out the best for their kids, so a simple benefit like sealants that can help protect children’s teeth adds value to an insurance plan. Below is an explanation of sealants and the types of coverage Delta Dental offers groups and individuals.

What are sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating (clear, white or slightly tinted) made from plastic or other dental materials. The dentist, dental hygienist or other qualified dental professional brushes them in liquid form onto molars and premolars covering the enamel and sealing the small spaces between teeth. Special care is taken to cover the deep grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces that trap food particles that brushing and flossing can’t remove. After the sealant has been applied (painted on), it is then hardened for a few moments with a curing light. It’s a fast, painless procedure that requires no numbing or drilling.

What are the benefits of sealants?

Sealants form a protective barrier or shield against bacterial plaque that causes decay – like a raincoat for your teeth. Once applied, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years, therefore preventing the risk of tooth loss and possible bite issues for other teeth brought on by cavities.

Sealants can help protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years. However, they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups and reapplied as needed.

Who can get sealants?

Anyone with healthy teeth can get sealants – including adults without decay or fillings in their molars. But children should receive them as soon as their molars and premolars come in around the age of six, and then again as additional, permanent molars come in around age 12. Protecting them early will keep them healthy between the cavity-prone years of 6-14. Molars and premolars are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. According to the CDC, children without sealants have almost 3 times as many cavities than children with sealants. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run.

Why sealant coverage is an important benefit.

Sealants aren’t just an effective weapon against bacteria and acids; they’re also cost-effective in the fight against cavities. Sealants can spare families the hassle, discomfort and expense of cavities, and unlike most cavity treatments, sealant application is a simple, one-time, and painless procedure.

First introduced in the 1960s, the prevalence of sealants has increased overall in children ages six to 11, from 31% during 1999–2004 to 42% during 2011–2016. Knowing about and having access to sealants through dental coverage can provide parents and their kids with a health advantage that pays off for a lifetime.

Delta Dental sealant coverage for groups and individuals.

Considered preventive services, most Delta Dental plans cover dental sealants, so members can often get all their kids’ protective sealants at little or no out-of-pocket cost.

• Sealants are a standard benefit in group Delta Dental PPO™ plans. An age limitation typically applies.
• All standard DeltaCare^® USA plans cover sealants.
• For individual plans, both Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA include sealant coverage:
  • The Basic Plan and Premium Plan cover sealants at 100% after members reach their deductible.
  • DeltaCare USA individual plans cover sealants with a low copayment.

Plans that include sealants generally limit the benefit to permanent first and second molars subject to age limitations by contract. Under some Delta Dental PPO plans, there is a maximum allowance payable per tooth, and the patient is responsible for the remainder of the allowed fee. Benefits for sealants include repair or replacement within 24 months by the same dentist or dental office.