Dental Sealants in Chicago
Protect Your Child’s Healthy Smile with Sealants
At Contos Smile Center in Chicago, IL, our dentists are dedicated to shielding your and your children’s smiles from potentially dangerous oral health issues like tooth decay on your chewing surfaces. One way to do that is with dental sealants.
Dental sealants shield vulnerable areas of teeth, primarily the molars and premolars. This protective layer bonds quickly, acting as a barrier against bacteria and acids, preventing cavities. Learn more by calling (773) 973-0531.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. These sealants act as a shield, covering the grooves and depressions where food particles and bacteria often accumulate, thus preventing cavities and decay.
Tooth sealants are great for parents who want to protect a child’s teeth from decay during the cavity-prone years of ages six to 11. However, adults can also benefit from sealants, especially if they have deep grooves or are prone to cavities.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants offer several benefits for your child’s oral health, such as:
- Cavity Prevention: Dental Sealants act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and acids from settling into the tiny grooves of the teeth, thereby reducing the risk of cavities.
- Long-term Protection: Sealants provide long-lasting protection, lasting several years with proper care and regular dental check-ups.
- Painless Application: Applying dental sealants is painless, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- Cost-effective: Dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure. Investing in sealants can potentially save on future dental treatments for cavities.
- Suitable for All Ages: While commonly applied to children’s teeth, dental sealants can benefit individuals of all ages, especially those prone to dental decay.
- Preserving Natural Teeth: Sealants preserve the natural structure of the teeth by preventing the need for fillings or other restorative treatments due to cavities.
- Invisible Protection: Dental sealants are nearly invisible when applied, blending seamlessly with the permanent teeth or baby teeth color.
When Should I Consider Sealants for My Child?
Considering dental sealants for your child is a proactive step in safeguarding their dental health. The optimal time to consider sealants is when their permanent molars and premolars start erupting, typically around 6 to 11 years old. These are crucial years as the newly erupted teeth are more susceptible to decay.
Applying sealants during this period helps provide immediate protection to these teeth by creating a shield against cavity-causing bacteria and acids. However, even if your child misses this window, it’s still beneficial to consider sealants at any age, especially if the teeth have deep grooves or a heightened risk of developing cavities.
How Do Dental Sealants Work?
Dental sealants work by creating a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Cleaning: The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure the sealant adheres.
- Application: A thin layer of the sealant material is painted onto the grooves and depressions of the tooth surface.
- Bonding: The sealant material bonds quickly to the tooth, forming a protective shield, effectively sealing off the vulnerable areas from bacteria and acids.
- Curing: In some cases, a special light may harden and set the sealant, ensuring its durability.
Once applied, the sealant acts as a physical barrier, preventing food particles and bacteria from settling into the tiny crevices, thereby reducing the risk of cavities. It’s a proactive approach to prevent cavities while maintaining oral health, offering long-term protection for the teeth. Regular check-ups and maintenance ensure the sealants remain intact and effective over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
▼How long do dental sealants last?
Dental sealants typically last for several years, generally up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Regular dental check-ups ensure their longevity, so it’s best to schedule biannual visits with your dentist, which can also help combat tooth decay on a back tooth’s enamel.
▼Do dental sealants hurt?
No, the process of applying dental sealants is painless. It involves cleaning the chewing surface, applying the sealant material, and allowing it to bond, all without causing discomfort. Consult with your dentist for more information.
▼Does insurance cover dental sealants cost?
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants, especially for children, as they are considered a preventive measure against cavities on their back teeth. Check with your specific insurance provider for coverage details.
▼Are dental sealants worth it?
Dental sealants are highly recommended as a preventive measure against tooth decay, especially for children and individuals prone to cavities. They’re cost-effective, painless, and offer long-term protection for oral health. Investing in sealants can save on potential future dental procedures and discomfort.
Safeguard Your Child’s Teeth from Cavities and Decay
Dental sealants typically last for several years, generally up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Regular dental check-ups ensure their longevity, so it’s best to schedule biannual visits with your dentist, which can also help combat tooth decay on a back tooth’s enamel.
No, the process of applying dental sealants is painless. It involves cleaning the chewing surface, applying the sealant material, and allowing it to bond, all without causing discomfort. Consult with your dentist for more information.
Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental sealants, especially for children, as they are considered a preventive measure against cavities on their back teeth. Check with your specific insurance provider for coverage details.
Dental sealants are highly recommended as a preventive measure against tooth decay, especially for children and individuals prone to cavities. They’re cost-effective, painless, and offer long-term protection for oral health. Investing in sealants can save on potential future dental procedures and discomfort.
Dental sealants stand as a testament to preventive dentistry. Ensuring lasting protection against tooth decay, these sealants guarantee a confident smile and robust oral health for years to come. To protect teeth from tooth decay and cavities, consider dental sealants. Call our Chicago, IL. office at (773) 973-0531 to schedule an appointment. We also serve patients in Evanston, Skokie, and Cicero.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and quality to our patient community by cultivating strong relationships, communicating thoughtful treatment solutions, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere, we can empower our patients to take ownership of their oral health.
We are committed to researching and offering state-of-the-art dental solutions in order to deliver the most advanced treatment options to our patients.
