Dental Sealants in Wheaton, IL
Protect Your Child’s Smile from Cavities
Dental sealants are a simple, painless, and highly effective way to protect children’s molars from tooth decay. These thin, clear or tooth-colored coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to seal out food particles, plaque, and bacteria that often get trapped in the natural grooves of molars. At Dental Professionals of Wheaton, we recommend sealants as a preventive solution for children, helping them maintain a healthier smile well into their teenage years.
According to the
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly
1 in 3 children ages 6 to 12 in the U.S. already benefit from dental sealants—and with good reason: they’re
proven to significantly reduce the risk of cavities during the most cavity-prone years of childhood.
Did You Know?
Dental sealants can last
5 to 10 years with proper care. Children typically receive their first molars around
age 6, and their second set around
age 12. For best protection, we recommend applying sealants
as soon as these molars erupt. This proactive approach helps prevent decay before it starts, potentially reducing the need for fillings or more invasive dental treatments down the line.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sealants?
Sealants are a cornerstone of preventive pediatric dentistry. Applied during a short visit, they can offer years of cavity protection—especially for children who may struggle with brushing and flossing effectively.
Benefits of dental sealants include:
- Non-invasive and painless application
- Protection for hard-to-reach molar grooves
- Long-lasting defense against cavities
- Safe and effective for children of all ages
- Virtually invisible after placement
FAQs About Dental Sealants
Will dental sealants affect the look or feel of my child’s teeth?
Not at all. Dental sealants are either clear or tooth-colored, making them virtually unnoticeable to others. While your child may briefly feel the texture of the sealant with their tongue, most children adjust quickly and won’t even notice them after a short time.
What is the process for applying sealants?
Getting dental sealants is quick, comfortable, and drill-free. Here's what you and your child can expect:
The tooth surface is cleaned and dried.
A special solution is applied to prepare the enamel.
The sealant material is painted onto the grooves of the tooth.
A curing light may be used to harden the material.
The entire process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and no numbing or anesthesia is required.
Do sealants guarantee my child won’t get cavities?
While sealants offer excellent protection against cavities, especially in molars, they are not a substitute for daily oral hygiene. To keep your child’s smile healthy, be sure to:
Encourage daily brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste
Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Maintain a balanced, low-sugar diet
Sealants work best as part of a comprehensive preventive care plan.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Sealants in Wheaton, IL
Help your child avoid cavities before they start with pediatric dental sealants at Dental Professionals of Wheaton. Our friendly dental team specializes in preventive care that keeps young smiles healthy, strong, and confident.
Call us today or book online
to schedule your child’s appointment for dental sealants in Wheaton!
