Dental Sealants in Wheaton, IL

Q: How are dental sealants applied?

Sealants are painted onto the chewing surfaces of teeth as a thin, clear coating. The process is quick, painless, and does not require any drilling or anesthesia.

Q: How long do dental sealants last?

Sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years with proper care. Dr. de la Fuente will check them at every visit and reapply if necessary.

Q: Are dental sealants only for children?

While sealants are most commonly placed on children's permanent molars, adults who are cavity-prone can also benefit from sealants on teeth without existing fillings or decay.

Q: Does insurance cover dental sealants?

Many dental insurance plans cover sealants for children under a certain age, typically 14 or 18. Our team will check your benefits and let you know before treatment.

Prevention is always better than treatment, and dental sealants are one of the simplest ways to protect teeth from cavities before they start. At 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL, Dr. Fuente applies dental sealants to shield the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where most cavities in children and teens develop. We provide sealants for patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and across DuPage County.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings painted onto the grooves and pits of molars and premolars. These back teeth have deep crevices that trap food particles and bacteria, making them especially vulnerable to decay even with careful brushing. The sealant fills in those grooves, creating a smooth barrier that keeps bacteria out and makes the tooth much easier to clean.

Sealants are made of a safe, BPA-free resin material that bonds directly to the tooth enamel. The application is completely painless, requires no drilling or anesthesia, and takes only a few minutes per tooth.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Up to 80% Cavity Reduction

According to the CDC, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by nearly 80 percent. That is a significant return on a simple, affordable preventive treatment.

Quick and Painless

Each tooth takes about one to two minutes to seal. There is no numbing, no drilling, and no discomfort. Children are often surprised at how easy it is.

Long-Lasting Protection

With proper care, sealants can last up to 10 years. Dr. de la Fuente checks them at every routine exam and reapplies them if they begin to wear.

Cost-Effective

Sealants cost a fraction of what a filling or crown would require. They are one of the best investments in your child's long-term oral health.

The Sealant Process

Step 1: Clean

The teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure the sealant bonds properly.

Step 2: Prepare

A mild etching solution is applied to the chewing surface to create a slightly rough texture that helps the sealant adhere.

Step 3: Apply

The liquid sealant material is painted onto the tooth and flows into the grooves and pits.

Step 4: Cure

A special curing light hardens the sealant in seconds, creating a durable protective shield. Your child can eat and drink normally right after the appointment.