How Much Does it Cost for a Hollywood White Smile?

How do celebrities get their Hollywood white smile? A lot of fans are desperate to know their secret! There are currently quite a few options for those who want the perfect smile, prices start at 2,000 RMB to 8,000 RMB and possibly more. So which option is best for you?

 A lot of international celebrities are admired for their perfect white teeth and fans often want the same, despite the fact that they know the teeth are possibly fake they still want the “Hollywood White Smile”.  

How Much Does a Hollywood White Smile Cost?

Hollywood white smile is a flawless bright white smile which is loved by celebrities. Currently the options below are the best methods to achieve that great smile.

1. Cold-light Whitening Treatment

This treatment uses whitening agent to bleach teeth, suitable for the degree of discoloration of teeth. It is usually possible to choose the shade of white that you want to achieve. For some patients, there should be no problem in getting that Hollywood white smile.

2. Veneers

This is where a thin layer of material is place over the tooth to improve the aesthetics of the tooth surface. A thin layer of enamel will have to be removed from the tooth before the veneers can be fitted. The shade and material of the veneers can be chosen by patients.

3. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is placed over a existing tooth so the enamel of your existing tooth will have to be filed down for the dental crown to fit. Dental crowns can enhance the shape and color of your teeth as your existing teeth will be covered.

In terms of prices, cold-light whitening costs start at 2,000 RMB whereas veneers and dental crowns are substantially more expensive. Prices for veneers and crowns are based on per tooth, prices range start at 3,000 RMB per tooth and with more expensive materials you can expect costs to reach 8,000 RMB per tooth.

Tip: You should visit a dentist for professional advice, the Hollywood white smile is achievable with the above methods, but we must emphasize that the Hollywood smile is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, you should go to a professional consultation at a clinic before going ahead with any procedures as any treatment that involves removing enamel cannot be reversed.

Can Teeth be Saved with Periodontal Treatment?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen and painful gums, bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth and other symptoms. When periodontal disease is caught early on and treated your teeth will have a better chance of being saved.

It’s well known that periodontal disease should be treated and maintained for the treatment to be successful. If care is not taken with dental hygiene and treatment the periodontal diseases will recur and can escalate from acute to chronic with the latter being more difficult to treat.

So how long can your teeth survive after periodontal treatment? This is different in every individual case and will depend on how serious the condition is. For example a patient in his 20s has serious periodontitis which has resulted in bone loss and after a x-ray shows that no treatment can preserve the teeth and the only option left is extraction of the teeth. This is the classic case of the teeth are lost even before they can be treated.

Another case is when a patient discovers that their gums are bleeding and swollen and makes an appointment to see a dentist. Once the x-ray is completed and show that it’s the early stages of periodontal disease and actively proceeds with treatment (scaling and root planing). The results are the teeth are preserved and the periodontal diseases is successfully treated.

Therefore, periodontal disease varies from every individual case and even after treatment patients need to pay extra attention to dental hygiene to prevent recurrence. So, there is no need to worry, most periodontal disease can be controlled and stabilized after treatment. Only a small amount of severe cases requires tooth extraction. It is recommended to cooperate with doctors for treatment and care.

Orthodontics & Aligners

Are clear aligners used for straightening teeth painful? No orthodontic treatments will be painless and even though anesthetic is used for tooth extraction and other treatments, once braces or aligners are fitted there will be some degree of discomfort.  

Clear aligners once worn are effectively invisible and is not noticeable and in terms of aesthetics for patients who are self conscious clear aligners can meet their needs. The aligners can also be removed whenever which makes it very convenient for patients. However, many patients have expressed even though clear aligners have their advantages there is a certain extent of pain and discomfort, so is this true?

1. Before Orthodontic Treatment

For example, patients who have overcrowded teeth and protruding front teeth, prior to orthodontic treatment teeth will have to be extracted. This includes wisdom teeth extraction and with extractions there is some degree of pain.

If extractions are not required then there is the possibility of interproximal reduction, subgingival scaling and root canal treatment which can all be painful. Therefore, the above mentioned are all carried out before orthodontic treatment and the pain is not associated with the fitting of aligners or braces.

2. During Orthodontic Treatment

When wearing the clear aligners there will be discomfort and this is due to the teeth adapting to the pressure. With the pressure this will result in the periodontal tissues to move causing slight pain. Each time you switch to new aligners this will happen. Of course, even if you wear traditional braces there is also pain and discomfort. But in comparison to braces, clear aligners can cause less pain.  

3. After Orthodontic Treatment

Once orthodontic treatment is complete, patients will have to wear retainers which also can be uncomfortable.

Overall, how painful the orthodontic treatment is will depend on the severity of the teeth. More importantly the amount of pain and discomfort is also directly linked with the pain threshold of the patient. In most cases patients are able to handle the pain and discomfort. 

Dental Implants Vs Natural Teeth

The biggest concern for patients before dental implants is whether the implants are secure and the differences between natural teeth. So here’s a quick guide to dental implants for those who are considering the procedure but are worried about what to expect.

Dental Implant Procedure

Let’s briefly discuss the process of dental implants and you will know what to expect. Firstly, the dental post will be implanted into your jaw, the post is screwed into the bone so it has maximum strength. You will then have to go through a phase where you allow the area to heal this is known as osseointegration. Once you have healed the surgeon will attach the abutment and after the soft tissues have completely healed the dental crown will be placed on top.

With dental implants, many patients with missing teeth can finally enjoy their food with confidence. But what about dental implants compared to natural teeth?

Dental Implants Vs Natural Teeth

Dental implants aren’t real teeth but to a great extent they are the closest thing to natural teeth and are durable.

There are differences between dental implants and natural teeth. Firstly, natural teeth can move and implants cannot. With natural teeth there is the periodontal membrane which allows the teeth to move naturally. In contrast to the dental implant which cannot move and any movement will result in the implant becoming loose.

Secondly, natural teeth have roots whereas implants have artificial roots. Natural teeth roots have dental pulp tissues meaning that it is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Whereas dental implants are manmade so there is no feeling to any temperatures.

Therefore, extra care should be taken to protect dental implants, avoiding hard foods and good dental hygiene is a must to prevent inflammation and infection around the implant.

Removing Black Tartar From Inner Surface of Teeth

When looking in the mirror patients can see the inner surface of their teeth, in some cases there are black stains and they often wonder what it is and how to remove it.

How to Get Rid of Inner Surface Tartar

The black tartar on the inner surface of the teeth is commonly seen and is usually a build-up of plaque and pigmentation. For example smokers that never get their teeth professionally cleaned.  

Generally speaking, if the oral cavity is not cleaned properly, it will produce a layer of plaque on the teeth. This is a kind of tartar consisting of food residue, saliva and bacteria. In the early stages of formation, it may be just a layer of film which is soft and can be removed just by brushing.

Therefore, it is advised that you should brush your teeth twice a day, especially before you sleep at night as this is when plaque may continue to increase and with time it will harden and become dental calculus. In addition to smoking, drinking tea, alcohol and eating dark colored foods the pigmentation will dye the calculus turning it black and any brushing or rinsing will not be able to remove, meaning you will have to get your teeth scaled and polished.

Black Tartar Hard to Remove?

To remove black tartar a visit to a professional clinic for a scale and polish will be able to solve the problem. There is no need to worry that the tartar will be difficult to remove. Ultrasonic scaling and dental sandblasting will be used to remove calculus, plaque and also stains. The end result is teeth can be returned to their natural color.

However, patients must be aware that once black tartar has been removed the teeth will usually be a light yellow color and will not be whitened. Therefore, it must be emphasized that a scale and polish should not be confused with whitening treatment. A scale and polish is a professional clean for teeth but if you want to whiten teeth you need to go through whitening treatment.

Maxillary Expansion Vs Tooth Extraction in Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment works usually by using braces to make the teeth move slowly into the correct position. However, if there are no gaps and the teeth are overcrowded, there is no way to correct them. This is when methods such as maxillary expansion and tooth extraction are used to create space between teeth. So which is better maxillary expansion or tooth extraction?

  

What is Maxillary Expansion?

Firstly, let’s talk about the dental arch, the mouth has two curved arches: the maxilla and the mandible, when the teeth in the dental arch are aligned correctly they are straight, uniformed and also symmetrical. The size of the arch usually determines the number of teeth that can be accommodated.

  

Maxillary expansion is carried out when the upper jaw is too narrow in comparison to the lower jaw. This procedure is done by using an expansion appliance to create more space for crowded teeth to move into the correct position.

Tooth Extraction

Extractions in orthodontics usually involves extracting the premolars that have less effect on the aesthetics and chewing. In most cases 4 premolars are removed to create room for the anterior teeth which can resolve the problem of overcrowded teeth.

Tooth extraction creates more space for teeth, whereas maxillary expansion is more suitable for cases with small gaps. Moreover, tooth extraction is irreversible but  using an expansion appliance for maxillary expansion can result in relapse. Therefore, whichever method is used you must listen and cooperate with your orthodontist.

A professional orthodontist will choose the method which is best for your treatment plan. To create small gaps between the teeth maxillary expansion and possibly interproximal reduction can be used. To make more space for teeth then extractions will be done for more serious cases such as overcrowded and protruding front teeth.  

Cost of LAVA Crowns

LAVA crowns are made up of zirconia produced by the reputed 3M. This is a porcelain material and has a unique composition which is the key to the crowns made of LAVA zirconia. LAVA crowns are translucent and resemble natural teeth, the crowns are known for their durability and are now very popular in cosmetic dentistry.

How Much Does a LAVA Crown Cost?

In Shenzhen LAVA crowns cost on average between 7,000 RMB to 8,000 RMB. The prices are approximately the same at private dental clinics and hospitals. The number of crowns you require will directly affect treatment costs as crown prices are based on per tooth. Therefore, the more crowns you require the more expensive the treatment prices are. For example a single crown in comparison with a dental bridge, the latter is more expensive due to the number of crowns needed.

Other Treatments & Costs Before Getting a Dental Crown

1. Scale & Polish: Prices are usually 350 RMB, although not all patients will require a scale and polish, but the majority of dentists do advise as a scale and polish can remove plaque build-up and dental calculus.

2. Root Canal Treatment: The prices of root canal treatment range from 2,000 RMB to 3,000 RMB. If the tooth is badly damaged then a root canal treatment will need to be carried out and once the treatment is complete a crown will need to be fitted.

3. Periodontal Treatment: Treatment costs can vary from a few hundred to 3,000 RMB. Periodontal treatment covers scaling, root planing and possibly periodontal surgery.

Tips: Prior to getting dental crowns fitted x-rays will need to be taken to check if there is periodontitis, cavities or other dental problems. If there are problems then treatment needs to be carried out before any type of repair treatment can be done. 

Costs for Fixing Gap Between Front Teeth

Although a gap (diastema) between the front teeth is not unattractive but a lot of patients are self conscious about this and often seek to have orthodontic treatment. However, the costs of orthodontic treatment is the main consideration, but there is in fact a range of affordable braces to choose from.

There is a normal physiological gap between adjacent teeth, but is invisible to the eye. But when the gap between two teeth are too wide it affects the overall aesthetic of the teeth. That is why patients often choose to get braces fitted to solve this problem.

The price is usually the main factor which determines whether patients go ahead with the treatment. Many patients worry that orthodontic treatment is expensive. But the truth is whether the treatment is expensive or not will depend on certain circumstances.     

l  Is there just a gap between the front teeth or is there gaps between other teeth? Are the teeth protruding and are they straight? If it’s only a diastema in the front teeth and there are no other teeth that require straightening then the orthodontic procedure is rather simple and prices are obviously cheaper.

l  What kind of braces are suitable? Although there are now a range of choices for braces from traditional to lingual braces, they are different in terms of price and aesthetics. The choice of traditional braces, such as metal brackets, ceramic brackets and self-locking brackets are relatively cheaper.

l  Are the teeth in good condition? Do you need other treatments, such as tooth extraction, filling, scale and polish or periodontal treatment. If the oral health is good, you can usually save hundreds to thousands of Yuan on expenses.

So if you’re after a cost-effective solution, how much would it cost? Generally speaking it can cost from 10,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB for orthodontic treatment which can be paid in installments. After the first installment is paid, the following payments are made each time you attend a appointment so the treatment is affordable. 

Tip: When you discover a diastema you should make an appointment to see your dentist. If you leave it for too long the gap could become bigger and the gums can recede and the roots of the tooth will be exposed which will cause pain with hot and cold temperatures more seriously it could also cause a loss of the tooth. 

Enamel Removal For Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a great option for repairing teeth as it can restore the shape, size and strength of the tooth. However, with dental crowns enamel has to be removed from your natural tooth which is probably the major consideration of many patients. So how many teeth require enamel removal to fit a dental crown? How many teeth require enamel removal before a crown can be fitted will depend on the condition of your teeth.

Root of the Tooth Still Intact  

l If there is only one tooth that is damaged and requires repair, or if the tooth is seriously discolored and these teeth still have roots then a crown can be fitted. In such cases only the affected tooth requires enamel to be removed so the dental crown can fit.

l If it’s more than one tooth that is damaged, discolored and still has roots then the affected teeth that require crowns will have enamel removed and a mold will be taken to make a suitable crown.

Root of the Tooth No Longer Intact

l For tooth replacement, there is the possibility that teeth on either side of the missing tooth will require enamel removal so a dental bridge can be fitted.

l With multiple teeth replacement the dentist will have to assess the condition of your teeth. There is the chance that several porcelain fixed dental bridge will be used which means that several teeth will require enamel removal.

Usually in cases of tooth replacement a dental crown is not advised especially for teeth that still have roots. This is due to enamel removal of adjacent teeth and this increases the cost for treatment and in comparison to veneers where only the surface enamel is removed, a dental crown removes a lot more.

With dental crowns patients will have to consider that they will have to go through the rest of their life with repairs and replacements. Once the enamel of the tooth has been removed it can only be covered with a crown. Also after enamel removal the teeth are more susceptible to damage such as cavities. Before getting dental crowns fitted you should discuss with a professional dentist and ask for advice and get a treatment plan which is suitable for you.  

Getting Braces with Periodontitis is Possible?

How does periodontal diseases affect orthodontic treatment? Does chronic periodontitis make the teeth loose during orthodontic treatment? A dentist will have to evaluate the severity and discuss with the patient whether they can go ahead with orthodontic treatment.

Second Stage Periodontitis Will Orthodontics Make Teeth Loose?

In general, it is normal to have such concerns, and it is possible. After all, in the second stage of periodontitis there is already the possibility of bone loss. If at this stage no treatment is done and orthodontics is carried out this will lead to further bone loss and in some cases the loss of the tooth.

If it’s already second stage periodontitis then treatment will need to be carried out. A dentist will carry out scaling and also clean below the gum line, root planing may also be done and in some cases periodontal surgery. Periodontal splinting treatment can also be used to stabilize the loose teeth. Once the periodontitis is under control and stable then orthodontic treatment can be considered.   

If periodontitis is not treated this can lead to the loose teeth to reach grade 3 tooth mobility and if orthodontic treatment were to apply pressure to these teeth this would lead to the loss of the tooth. In grade 3 tooth mobility the tooth would have to be removed before braces are fitted.  

Patients with periodontitis would have to take extra care with oral hygiene once braces are fitted, this is to reduce calculus and plaque build-up and more importantly to prevent periodontitis from affecting the orthodontic treatment.

Getting Braces is Affordable

Is 10,000RMB enough to fix my teeth? Will 20,000RMB cover the costs? During dental inquiries this is the most frequently asked questions by patients. But in fact, for those who want to fix their teeth on a budget it is still possible.

After hearing the costs for braces the first thing that comes to mind for patients is the costs. Why are braces so expensive? You don’t have the money for braces? So can you still get braces even if you’re tight on a money budget?

Are you really short of money?

Are you really living on a budget or are you just bad at budgeting yourself? Something to think about carefully, a lot of patients actually can afford to get their teeth treated but spend their money on other aspects which they think are more worth their value or they spend money that they don’t think about and then at the end of the month they find their budget is completely blown. Fixing your teeth is affordable you just have to budget carefully.

You can pay for braces in installments

Orthodontic treatment is not as expensive as most patients think. For example traditional braces cost approximately between 10,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB. Even if you don’t have savings but each month if you budget well enough with your wages and save over a few months you will have the money for orthodontic treatment.

More importantly you can pay for braces in installments, which means you don’t need to make the full payment all in the one go. The first payment you make is only a proportion of the total payment. The remaining payments for the braces are made with each appointment you attend. Orthodontic treatment usually takes 1 to 2 years, so with payments being made across this time schedule and making payments only when you come in for appointments it’s affordable for most people.

Therefore, if you want your teeth straightened and living on a limited budged, you can contact us for more information and our professional orthodontists will tailor a treatment plan that fits in with your budget and paying in installments.