Sealants

Cavity prevention is a big part of children’s dental health. Unfortunately, even if your child is brushing twice a day and flossing, issues can still arise. That’s where our team at Dentistry at Millennium Park comes in!

Dental sealants are a highly effective solution for preventing decay and preserving your child’s dental health as their teeth grow. Painted onto the chewing surface of teeth, these thin, hard layers add extra protection against tooth decay as your child learns healthy oral habits like brushing and flossing.

If you’re looking for special needs dentistry in Chicago, dental sealants are also an excellent option for these patients and their oral health.

What is a Dental Sealant?

For patients of any age, a daily routine of brushing and flossing is the best way to preserve and protect your smile and overall health. 

However, sometimes this isn’t enough. From young children who are just learning how to care for their teeth or who are getting their molars, to anyone who has particularly uneven chewing surfaces on their teeth, a sealant can help protect them from cavities. 

In both children and adults, cavities can hurt long-term oral health if left untreated. For young patients whose teeth are still developing, decay can be detrimental.

Dental sealants are a preventative treatment, meaning they stop bacteria buildup before it can even start. Applied to the biting and chewing surfaces of baby teeth, they protect the developing surfaces of these teeth from decay and plaque. 

Adults, especially our older patients, are also welcome to explore our dental sealant services, too. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, we believe preventative dentistry is important at every age.

How are Dental Sealants Applied?

The sealant application process is quick, easy and painless, making it perfect for children. We literally just paint it onto their teeth.

First, our team evaluates the tooth to make sure there is no preexisting sign of decay. If decay is spotted, the tooth will need to be treated instead.

Next, we apply a thin layer of resin coating to the chewing and biting surface of the tooth. To ensure quick drying, we’ll use a special light that hardens the sealant.

Applying a sealant only takes a few minutes per tooth. Like a dental filling, if properly cared for a sealant can last for several years before a replacement is needed. Sometimes, sealants can last up to 10 years.

How do Dental Sealants Work?

Dental sealants are healthy, safe, affordable and effective for protecting teeth. The resin coating applied to teeth is smooth to the touch, but tough in terms of protection. It keeps bacteria from attaching to the tooth, and also smooths the tooth so brushing is easier.

Looking for Dental Sealants in Chicago?

At Dentistry at Millennium Park, our team specializes in preventative dentistry for both children and adults. Call our office at (312) 883-9316 to discuss sealants for you or your child!