Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign clear aligners are the latest treatment to straighten your teeth and give you a more pleasing smile. These aligners are transparent, comfortable, can be removed while brushing teeth and eating food. Advantages being they are not visible, it's easier to maintain oral hygiene, no lifestyle modifications are required so you can enjoy eating what you like and smile with confidence even while treatment is ongoing! Very popular amongst teens and adults alike!
Are Braces always visible?
There are many options available today such as tooth coloured braces which literally merge with your teeth. Then there are invisible braces also called lingual braces which are put on the inside surfaces of your teeth. The latest, however, is Invisalign or Clear Aligners which are transparent custom made trays. They are very comfortable to wear on the teeth, hardly visible, and can be removed while eating food and brushing. Hence, they do not require any lifestyle modifications.
Who requires Orthodontic (Braces) treatment?
Anyone with mal-aligned, irregular or crowded teeth or teeth with gaps between them. Sometimes the reason to do this treatment is more functional than esthetic like in cases where the bite is not very good or there is attrition of teeth due to a lack of balance in the bite. With options like Invisalign and ceramic braces which are more comfortable and less noticeable than ever, even adults are opting to correct dental problems.
Can spaces between teeth be closed?
Spaces between teeth can be distracting, causing the viewer to look from your eyes to your mouth. Such spaces can be easily closed using tooth-colored composites, braces treatment, Invisalign, or veneers to give you a better smile.
What treatments are used for stained teeth?
Superficial stains can be removed with a professional cleaning and polishing of teeth. However, for most stains caused by age, tea, coffee or smoking tooth whitening is the most popular option.
Can anything be done to make my worn and flattened out front teeth look better?
Cosmetic recontouring is a quick and simple way to reshape teeth that are slightly worn out. This procedure can be used to make flat, attrited teeth look more shapely and youthful, thus renew a tired smile! Other options are Veneers or crowns depending upon the amount of tooth structure lost. It's also important to know why your teeth are getting worn out.
How can i achieve the smile of my dreams?
If you are unhappy with your smile, a detailed smile analysis to find out what is bothering you about your smile can be done. whether it is the colour of your teeth, their proportions, position or display, the gum display or their colour, all can be assessed. After that, a treatment plan can be formed and discussed with you. Sometimes very minor alterations can do wonders for your smile!
What causes tooth decay?
Germs or bacteria present in the mouth act on the sugar in food and drinks to release acids. Over time this acid starts to dissolve the healthy tooth structure leading to a cavity. That's why it is very important to brush well so that no food particles are left stuck between the teeth. Brushing after meals and rinsing mouth with water goes a long way in preventing cavities.
Why do back teeth decay so easily?
The chewing surfaces of back teeth are uneven and have small pits, grooves, and fissures. Food and germs can get stuck in these areas and stay there for a long time. Sometimes toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away. This causes them to decay.
How do sealants protect our teeth from decay?
Pit and Fissure sealants seal the deep pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth thus preventing decay. The permanent first molars of kids should be sealed by 6-7 yrs of age as they are most prone to decay. The permanent second molars erupt at around 12-13 yrs of age and should be sealed then. Teenagers and adults whose teeth are prone to decay can also get sealants done as a preventive treatment. Sealants can also be done for milk teeth having deep grooves or if maintaining hygiene is a problem.
How do IÂ know if I have gum disease?
If you have swollen or tender gums, gums that bleed while brushing, gums separated from teeth, loose or shifting teeth, bad breath, or bad taste then its time to show to a dentist as these symptoms point towards underlying gum and periodontal problems.
Is gum disease curable?
Yes, early gingivitis is completely reversible by getting a professional cleaning of teeth (scaling) done, although you must follow it up with good tooth brushing and flossing habits. Advanced gingivitis and periodontitis may require procedures such as deep cleaning, curettage, root planing, laser disinfection of pockets, pocket elimination procedures, or a flap surgery along with a three-month follow-up regime with your dentists for scaling or review.
Why is Root Canal Treatment done?
Years ago a badly infected, painful tooth or one that had significant decay was doomed to be extracted. Today a majority of these teeth can be saved by a special dental procedure called Root Canal Treatment. Using the latest techniques Root Canal Treatment can now be performed in a single sitting making it very comfortable and pain-free for the patients.
