Caring for families across the Loop, Millennium Park, River North, and downtown Chicago.
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What are children's dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings we paint onto the chewing surfaces of your child's back teeth, sealing out the food and bacteria that cause cavities. They're especially helpful for kids' new molars and take just minutes to apply, painlessly. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, sealants are a simple way to protect your child's smile in Chicago's Loop.

How Sealants Protect Kids' Teeth

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, the molars. Those teeth have deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria easily get trapped, and where even careful brushing can't always reach. A sealant smooths over those grooves and seals them off.

The result is a strong barrier against decay. By keeping food and plaque out of the most cavity-prone spots, sealants dramatically lower the chance of cavities forming on those teeth.

Sealants are especially valuable for children. We often apply them soon after a child's permanent molars come in, around age 6 and again around age 12, to protect those new teeth during the cavity-prone childhood years.

A protective dental sealant on a child's molar
A protective dental sealant on a child's molar
Dentistry at Millennium Park
A sealant being painted onto a child's back tooth in Chicago

Who Are Sealants For?

Sealants are a smart, protective step for many children, especially:

  • Kids whose permanent back molars have come in (around age 6 and age 12)
  • Children who are prone to cavities
  • Kids with deep grooves in their molars
  • Any child you'd like to protect from cavities in hard-to-clean back teeth

Note: We'll check your child's teeth and let you know when sealants would help. They're one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent cavities in growing smiles.

Why Sealants Help Growing Smiles

A few minutes of protection goes a long way. Sealants:

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Shield the cavity-prone chewing surfaces of back teeth

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Seal out food and bacteria from deep grooves

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Protect new molars during the high-risk childhood years

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Are quick and painless, with no drilling

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Offer proven, cost-effective cavity prevention

Children's Dentistry Near Millennium Park, Chicago

Our practice is on the 18th floor at 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the heart of the Loop, a convenient, welcoming spot to bring the whole family.

We care for families from across downtown Chicago, including the Loop, River North, South Loop, and West Loop, with convenient access by CTA, Metra at Millennium Station, and nearby parking.

Chicago's Loop near Millennium Park

Benefits of Sealants for Kids

01

Strong cavity protection

Seals out decay from hard-to-reach grooves.

02

Quick and easy

Each tooth takes just a few minutes.

03

Completely painless

No drilling and no numbing needed.

04

Long-lasting

Sealants protect teeth for years, and we check them at every visit.

05

Protects new molars

Ideal for teeth that just came in.

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Great value

A small, simple step that helps avoid bigger problems later.

What to Expect at the Visit

Getting sealants is one of the easiest, most comfortable treatments your child will have.

Note: There's no drilling, no numbing, and no discomfort. Our comfort menu (noise-canceling headphones, Netflix, blankets, and more) is here for nervous little ones.

Chicago skyline

Are Children's Sealants Covered?

Sealants are preventive care, and dental insurance often covers them for children, especially on the permanent molars. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will gladly review your family's specific benefits before the visit.

If any further care is ever recommended, we'll explain everything clearly and, when helpful, offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry. There are never any surprises.

A consultation about veneers at Dentistry at Millennium Park

Are Dental Sealants Safe for Children?

Yes. Dental sealants are safe, painless, and recommended by dental organizations as one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children. Applying them involves no drilling and removes none of your child's natural tooth — it simply adds a protective layer.

Sealants work best alongside good daily habits, not instead of them. Your child should keep brushing twice a day, flossing, and coming in for regular checkups, and we'll check the sealants at each visit and reapply if one ever wears down. If you have any questions, we're always glad to talk them through.

Related pediatric care: Children's Dental Cleanings and Children's Fluoride.

Why Families Choose Dentistry at Millennium Park

Parents want gentle, preventive care from a team they trust. We focus on protecting little teeth before problems start, take the time to make every visit positive, and always explain the why behind our recommendations.

As a proudly woman-owned, all-female practice in the heart of the Loop, led by a woman of color, we bring a caring, personal touch that helps children feel right at home.

Dr. Nanditha A. Ranganathan, DDS, Founder and Lead Dentist

Reviewed by Dr. Nanditha A. Ranganathan, DDS

Founder & Lead Dentist, Dentistry at Millennium Park. 

Last updated: June 2026

Meet Dr. Ranganathan
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Sealants are safe, painless, and recommended by dental organizations as a highly effective way to prevent cavities in children. Applying them involves no drilling and removes none of your child's natural tooth — it simply adds a protective layer.

Usually soon after their permanent back molars come in, around age 6 for the first molars and around age 12 for the second molars. We'll let you know the right timing for your child.

Sealants can protect teeth for several years. We check them at every visit and can quickly reapply one if it wears down over time.

Not at all. It's quick and completely painless, with no drilling and no numbing. We simply clean the tooth, paint on the sealant, and harden it with a light.

Often, yes, especially on the permanent molars, since sealants are preventive care. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will review your benefits with you.

At our family-friendly office on the 18th floor of 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the Loop. We welcome families from across downtown Chicago. Call or text (224) 249-5977 or book online.

Protect Your Child's Smile from Cavities

Sealants are a quick, painless way to guard your child's teeth against decay. Call or text us at (224) 249-5977 or book online, and we'll take wonderful care of your little one.

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