22
Sep
Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?
Although preventable, cavities remain a major dental problem among children and adults. That’s why your Chicago, Illinois dentist recommends dental sealants. Sealants are often viewed as a preventive measure against decay for children, but they’re just as effective for adults. In the following FAQs, Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno from A Brush Above Family Dentistry shed greater light on the benefits of dental sealants for adults, children, and teens.Â
What are dental sealants?
A sealant is a transparent liquid covering applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to protect them from cavities. Once cured, the sealant becomes a hard, plastic coating over your teeth, keeping out bacteria and debris.Â
Why are sealants placed mainly on back teeth?
Your molars and premolars are used primarily for chewing and grinding food. As they’re located in the back of your mouth, they’re often difficult to clean, which puts them at risk of cavities. Food and debris can easily collect in the grooves of these back teeth, making them a target for plaque and bacteria to breed.Â
Who can benefit from sealants?
Sealants are often recommended for children, as they’re still developing their brushing and flossing skills and may have difficulty keeping their back teeth clean. Adults, however, can benefit from this same protection to prevent cavities. Â Â Â
What’s the process for getting sealants?Â
After cleaning your teeth, your Chicago, IL dentist will apply a special solution to your molars and premolars to help the sealant adhere to your teeth. Then, the sealant is painted onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth and cured with a special light to harden it. Once hardened, the sealant becomes a transparent, plastic coating that seals out food, bacteria, and debris. Sealants only work on healthy teeth with no fillings to safeguard them from cavities. Decaying teeth are treated with dental fillings to restore their health and usefulness.Â
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (773) 840-0378 | Existing Patients: (773) 276-0300
Request an Appointment
Does the process hurt?
No. Getting sealants is a non-invasive, painless procedure with no downtime after treatment.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants won’t last indefinitely. With good oral care, they can last 5 to 10 years. Once they wear off, we can reapply them to your teeth to continue protecting you from cavities.Â
How well do dental sealants work?
Sealants effectively combat decay, with an 80% success rate within the first two years of their application. Their effectiveness, however, is dependent on oral hygiene, dietary habits, and lifestyle. You still have to do your part to care for your teeth. Some excellent habits to establish are brushing twice daily, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.Â
Where can I go for dental sealants near me?
Chicago, IL, residents can visit A Brush Above Family Dentistry to get sealants for their teeth. To schedule an appointment for this treatment, contact Dr. Marcella Guzman, Dr. Philip Fidel, or Dr. Rosa Sinno at (773) 840-0378.
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Phillip Fidel
Philip Fidel, DDS, graduated from the University of California Davis in 1981 and attended Northwestern Dental School in Chicago. He has been providing exceptional dental care via private practice in Chicago ever since. Dr. Fidel believes learning is a never-ending process and has completed advanced training in CEREC 3-D technology, laser, and implant dentistry.
Dr. Rosa Sinno
Rosa Sinno, DDS, graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and received her dental degree from the University of Illinois Dental School in 2006. After five years of practicing in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she continued to treat patients and ran a successful office in Midtown Manhattan. She also followed a year-long intensive training program at the renowned Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry. She has also completed training in Invisalign, CEREC 3-D technology, and laser dentistry. In 2017, Dr. Sinno moved back to her hometown of Chicago.
Dr. Irbad Chowdhury
Irbad Chowdhury, DMD, DABOI, AFAAID, FAGD, FICD, FICOI, received his dental degree and completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry and Implant Fellowship at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Dental Medicine. ​​He is board-certified in dental implants and is also an advanced dentistry expert. After completing his residency and private practice in Saint Louis, MO, Dr. Chowdhury moved to Chicago.
A former faculty and clinical professor at SIU School of Dental Medicine, he now serves as a clinical instructor/professor at Midwestern University Dental School.
Dr. Shoshana Center
Shoshana Center, DMD, is a highly skilled dentist dedicated to providing exceptional dental care focusing on patient comfort and education. Since graduating from Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in 2022, she has specialized in Invisalign and CEREC 3-D technology for same-day crowns and onlays. Dr. Center is passionate about esthetic dentistry, including implant restoration, and is committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements through continuous education. As a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, she is trusted for her expertise and dedication to clinical excellence.
All these providers aim to deliver exceptional patient care focused on health, function, comfort, and aesthetic beauty. They take pride in listening to patients’ concerns and tailoring each visit to their individual needs. Full patient-oriented dental care backed by patient-empowered decisions is what they intend to deliver in providing patients with the ultimate dental experience.