A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid. Ideally, sealants should be placed as soon as possible after the new permanent teeth come in to the mouth. Sealants can be placed at any time, but those placed early will give the best protection against decay. We consider this service, which is painless and requires no anesthesia, to be a normal part of the treatment program for the children in our practice.