Things to Consider Before Getting a Dental Bridge

For tooth replacement which is best? Dental crown or dental bridge? Different dental professionals will provide different treatment plans and there are even some patients that choose to go ahead with dental implants. However, results with dental crowns and dental bridges are also very good.

To have a dental bridge fitted for tooth replacement the teeth on either side of the missing tooth will need to have enamel removed in order for the bridge to be fitted. Once the enamel has been removed from the tooth it can’t be undone.

Advantages of Dental Bridge

1. Restore the ability to properly chew and speak.

2．Dental bridges are more natural looking and more comfortable than dentures.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridge

1. Enamel from healthy teeth need to be removed.

2. There is a risk of decay if the dental bridge and crowns are not well fitted and allow plaque and bacteria to enter underneath them. Also, the structure of the teeth may change following the placement of the crowns and bridge.

The cost of a dental bridge will depend on the choice of material and the type of dental bridge. For posterior teeth metal fused crowns are more durable with costs starting at over 1,000 RMB per crown, for a dental bridge with 3 crowns that works out at 3,000 RMB to 4,000 RMB. Tooth replacement for front teeth, porcelain dental crowns are best and are also more expensive with one porcelain dental crown costing approximately 3,000 RMB to 4,000 RMB. 

Getting Veneers for the First Time

Getting veneers can be a daunting experience especially when you read up and the emphasis is put on the fact that once they’re fitted it can’t be undone. There’s a lot of information online with regards to veneers and patients often rake up enough information on prices of veneers, side-effects of veneers and the before and after results. Though there is always the one question that patients have on the back of their minds which is can veneers be done right the first time?

1. Choosing a professional clinic and dentist to carry out the procedure means there will be guaranteed results so there is no need to worry.

2. Fitting veneers is a rather simple procedure and is not an operation and no wounds. The procedure is painless in comparison to tooth extractions and dental implants which are invasive.

3. Although fitting veneers isn’t a very complex procedure, the treatment plan designed by the dentist is essential and requires great skill and technique to choose the right shape and shade for aesthetic results.

Generally speaking professional dentists can provide patients with the results the first time round. If it’s unfortunate that the first time isn’t successful then there is no need to worry it can be done a second time.

There is effectively no side-effects of going through the veneer procedure for the second time, however there is a range of veneer materials to choose from such as composite resin or porcelain. Most dentists would recommend porcelain veneers as they are more natural and durable. 

Which Type of Braces Are Best?

For patients who are looking into orthodontic treatment there is a wide range of braces to choose from. With the different demands and requirements of patients, the orthodontist will choose braces that best fit the criteria. So here is the different orthodontic braces which are available. So exactly which braces are best for money? This will completely depend on the patient’s case, requirements and budget.

There are currently 6 types of braces:

1. Traditional Metal Braces

2. Ceramic Braces

3. Self-ligating Metal Braces

4. Self-ligating Ceramic Braces

5. Lingual Braces

6. Clear Aligners

Price

Traditional metal braces are the cheapest followed by ceramic brace, self-ligating metal braces, self-ligating ceramic braces, clear aligners and lingual braces are the most expensive.

Results

In terms of results the traditional braces give the best resultsfollowed by the self-ligating metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating ceramic braces and lastly clear aligners.

Aesthetics

For those who are wanting the invisible braces look then lingual braces are considered the most concealed followed by clear aligners, ceramic self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, traditional metal braces and finally the metal self-ligating braces.

With the different types of braces there are pros and cons, also orthodontic treatment takes 1 to 2 years to complete. Therefore, when it comes to choosing the right braces this is crucial. If you’re not particularly bothered by the metal mouth look and guaranteed results then the self-ligating braces are the best option.

If you still think the metal is still obvious but still want the self-ligating brackets then you could also choose the self-ligating ceramic braces where only the metal wire is visible to the eye. For those who have the money and want the most discreet look then lingual braces is the best choice followed by clear aligners。

Getting a Filling or Removing the Dental Pulp

Does removing the dental pulp mean that the tooth can no longer be restored? The only way to restore a tooth is to get a filling? Which is better? Both methods are used to treat cavities, however which method of treatment is chosen by the dentist will depend on the situation with your tooth.

When patients hear that the dental pulp needs to be removed they often ask if it’s better than getting just a filling. Both removing a dental pulp and getting a filling are ways to treat cavities, the only difference is one method is more simple and the other is more complicated.  

Which method is better?

Generally speaking a filling is where the decayed tissues are removed and then the cavity is filled with materials to restore the tooth. This method is used the most and is simple and most clinics and dentist can carry out the procedure.

The dental pulp needs to be removed when the cavity has gotten so serious that it has already infected the pulp or nerve of the tooth. In such cases the dental pulp and nerve needs to be removed if not the pain will become worse. Once the dental pulp and nerves have been removed the pain will subside. The dentist will then carry out root canal therapy to remove the infected tissues then fill the tooth.

Although both methods are similar in a lot of ways, the choice of method will depend on how serious the cavity is and the dentist will need to do an examination before they can determine which method is most beneficial.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Aren’t Suitable For Everyone

there are 5 types of patients that cannot go through with these types of treatment. These procedures can include braces, veneers and teeth whitening.

Whether a patient is suitable or not for cosmetic dentistry treatment can only be confirmed once a professional dentist had carried out an examination. However, the following type of patients most definitely cannot get orthodontic treatment:

Patients with gingivitis or periodontitis must go through treatment before even considering orthodontic treatment if not the position of the teeth are not stable and are possibly even loose.

Those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease may not be able to handle cosmetic dentistry procedures so they must consider their own health and wellness.

Patients with contagious illnesses and disease are not suitable for cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Blood related illnesses and blood clotting disorders are also not suitable.

Patients with malignant tumors in the mouth or other acute inflammation are also not considered.

Disadvantages of Veneers

In comparison with cold-light whitening treatment, veneers can cause damage to the teeth. In the long run for whiter teeth it’s best to choose whitening treatment over veneers. Veneers are often used to cover the surface of the tooth to improve shape, shade and overall appearance of the tooth or teeth. Are veneers as good as they sound? Let’s briefly introduce the process of getting veneers.

 A veneer is a thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the tooth. However, enamel removal will have to be done before the veneer can be fitted to the surface of the tooth. If enamel is not removed and the veneer is directly fitted on the tooth the veneer might become loose and in terms of aesthetics the veneer will be larger than your other teeth and will cause your smile to look uneven.

The biggest disadvantage of veneers of course is the removal of enamel!

1. Once enamel has been removed it cannot be undone, although only a thin layer of enamel is removed to fit veneers, this will also cause slight damage to the tooth.

2. With the removal of enamel from a tooth this can make the tooth more vulnerable to cavities.

3. After the removal of enamel other forms of treatment will be limited. For example if veneers are removed whitening treatment cannot be carried out and patients can only choose to continue with veneers or dental crowns which will mean more enamel removal.

Can Cavities Heal Without Treatment?

A lot of patients ask if cavities are left untreated can they heal on their own? If you were to go through with treatment, what procedures would this include?

Cavities Cannot Heal Without Treatment

Generally speaking if cavities have not been treatment they will not heal by themselves and will become more severe. If left untreated the cavity will get bigger and in serious cases you can lose the whole tooth.

Types of Treatment

Depending on the severity of the cavity there are different treatments. You will have to go through a dental examination first so the dentist can assess the severity of the cavity. In most cases the dentist will remove the decayed tissues and then fill the area with filling materials.

If the decay is very serious and has already reached the dentin and manifested into pulpitis or periapical periodontitis then root canal treatment will need to be carried out. In this type of case the decayed pulp tissue will need to be removed and the dental chamber will need to be disinfected before it can be filled. In cases where the tooth’s dental nerve is already dead, fractured, no longer has adequate bone support or cannot be restored then the tooth will have to be extracted.   

Therefore, patients should never assume cavities will heal on their own, so it’s advised as soon as you suspect you have a cavity then make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. You wouldn’t want to leave it for too long and end up losing the tooth.  

Which Type of Tooth Replacement is Best?

Can dentures be as good as your own natural teeth? The answer is no, any tooth replacements can never be as good as your own teeth. Which type of denture is best? In terms of the closest thing to natural teeth, a dental implant is the best option followed by dental bridge and lastly a denture. So which type of tooth replacement is best for you?

There is currently 3 types of tooth replacement to choose from: denture, dental bridge and dental implant.

1. Dentures

Dentures are removable and not as natural looking and often have the tendency to shift around. Also dentures are fragile and aren’t as durable, replacements need to be made every 3 to 5 years.

2. Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is fixed and cannot be removed they are bonded to existing teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can be made of porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials. Fixed bridges create a filler tooth that is supported by crowns placed over healthy teeth on either side of the gap in the mouth to keep the bridge in place. Dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.

3. Dental Implant

Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, once in place, a oral surgeon mounts a replacement tooth to the implant. A dental implant is very natural looking and does not require you to have your tooth enamel removed to fit a dental bridge. When properly cared for with good dental hygiene and dental implant can last 20 and possibly 30 years.

After briefly introducing the three possible tooth replacement options, the answer is that no replacement can be compared to your own natural teeth. However, if you must choose between the three options then the dental implant is the closest replacement for a natural tooth.

The Costs of Composite Bonding

When looking for an alternative to repair front teeth a lot of patients are not too keen about enamel removal when it comes to veneers and crowns. Therefore, that is where composite bonding is often chosen, so just how much does composite bonding cost?

Composite bonding can repair front teeth gaps and chipped teeth providing very good results. Composite bonding with the use of good materials and skilled techniques of the dentist can provide patients with natural looking results.

Due to work commitments some patients cannot commit to treatment such as orthodontics, so may choose composite bonding instead. Composite bonding in comparison to ordinary fillings requires more equipment such as such as rubber dams, magnifying glasses and repair tools. Usually the shade will have to match the dentin, enamel and incisal halo. Therefore, comparisons of suitable materials need to be carried out. Composite bonding will also require more professional dental staff.  

Overall, composite bonding prices will be more expensive than fillings and compared with veneers, crowns and other forms of repair treatment are about the same price.

An exact cost is hard to say, composite bonding prices are based on per tooth, the cheapest composite bonding for a tooth can start at over 1,000 RMB. However, this will depend on the skills of the dentist and the overall results.

Composite bonding costs are directly linked to how many teeth are repaired. The results of composite bonding are directly linked with skills and techniques of the dentist, therefore we must emphasize that you choose a professional dental clinic and dental professional to carry out the procedure. 

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, generally speaking it is advised that you should seek treatment as soon as possible. However, a lot of patients often express that they don’t know how serious and at what stage the gum disease is at. So here is a rough guide for you to determine the stages of gum disease.  

How to Determine the Stage of Gum Disease

How is gum disease determined? Usually a dentist will have to examine the symptoms, dental x-rays and use a periodontal probe that measures how deep any gaps are between your teeth and gums.

1. Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums which has not yet progressed into the more serious periodontits. The main symptoms of gingivitis is swollen gums, tender of painful gums and receding gums.  

Treatment: For gingivitis a professional dental clean is required to remove dental calculus, with improved oral hygiene the symptoms will subside.

2. Moderate Periodontitis: Dental calculus build-up along the gum line which irritates the gum and causes gaps to form between the gum and teeth. Gum pockets will harbor bacteria and in the long-term these gum pockets will become deeper, dental calculus and bacteria will continue to irritate the gums resulting in receding gums and tooth roots will become exposed.   

Treatment: At this stage a dentist will carry out a clean above the gum line and scaling below the gum line. After this basic treatment, the dentist will have to assess the success of the treatment before going ahead with other treatment.

3. Severe Periodontitis: When periodontitis develops to a severe degree, the gum pocket will continue to deepen, the gums will continue to recede , the teeth will not only look longer and there will be the loss of bone and the teeth will begin to loosen and perhaps even fall out. 

Treatment: In cases of severe periodontitis treatment becomes difficult. Basic treatment will be carried out followed by periodontal surgery. Firstly, the teeth with a mobility grade of 1 or 2 are preserved, however, if the tooth is already very loose then the only option is extraction.

Therefore, regardless of the stage of gum disease or periodontitis, patients should go through with treatment as soon as possible. Preventive measure such as brushing, flossing and rinsing along with regular dental examinations should be done.

What Type of Retainer is Best?

The most important thing after removing braces is preventing the teeth from shifting, in order to keep the teeth in place a retainer must be worn. However, when it comes down to choosing which type of retainer is best?

There are many types of retainers we’ll take a look at three of the most common and  you can determine which one might best suit your needs.

Metal Retainers are Better Than Clear Plastic Retainers?

The 3 main types of retainers used today are: Hawley retainer, clear retainer and fixed retainer. The Hawley retainer and fixed retainer are made of metal and the clear retainer is made of plastic.

Hawley Retainer Vs Clear Retainer

The Hawley retainer and clear retainer are both removable which makes it convenient. The Hawley retainer has wires that go around the teeth so in terms of aesthetics it’s not the best. However, the Hawley retainer is durable and adjustments can be made more easily.

In comparison to the Hawley retainer, the clear retainer is made of plastic and is similar to Invisalign which is virtually invisible when worn, but the biggest disadvantage is that it doesn’t have a long life span compared to traditional retainers.

Fixed Retainer Vs Clear Retainer

Both the fixed retainer and clear retainer are virtually invisible to the eye. The fixed retainer is fitted on the back of the teeth and can’t be removed whereas the clear retainer can be removed. In terms of results, the fixed retainer will keep the teeth in place better as it can’t be removed. The clear retainer can be damaged and lost so compared with the fixed retainer it’s not so convenient.

Therefore, different types of retainers have their pros and cons, so it’s best to ask your orthodontist which retainer is best for you.  

Removing Dental Calculus

Dental calculus is a crusty deposit that is found on teeth which traps stains and also a culprit for discoloration. Dental calculus cannot be removed with brushing and can only be removed by professional dental hygienists or dentists. Generally speaking, calculus can be seen on the back of teeth and along the gum line. However, dental calculus can also be found in between teeth.

How to Remove Dental Calculus in Between Teeth?

Can dental calculus between teeth be successfully removed? Due to the area being hard to reach a lot of patients are worried that calculus can’t be completely removed. However, with a professional scale and polish dental calculus can be removed from between teeth and gum line.

A ultrasonic scaler is often used to remove the calculus, the ultrasonic scaler will emit ultrasonic waves to break down the calculus and plaque. The ultrasonic cleaner is connected to a water hose which sprays water over your teeth as it moves so there is not direct contact between the scaler to teeth and gums. Therefore, patients don’t need to worry that it will damage the teeth or gums. It is advised that a scale and polish should be done 1 to 2 times a year.  

After Scaling

Once the dental calculus has been removed you might feel that the gaps between teeth have gotten wider. The main reason for this is because the dental calculus before removal the gaps will have been blocked which cannot be seen. With the gaps between teeth being widened, parts of the tooth root may be exposed, therefore there might be soreness and sensitivity after the scaling. This is considered normal and may continue for a few days.

After a week the symptoms of soreness and sensitivity should subside, but for more serious cases where dental calculus is along the gum line then further treatment is required to remove calculus from below the gum line. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease then scaling below the gum line must be carried out to prevent the gums receding.

How Often Should Dental Implants be Replaced

Dental implants and dentures along with crowns are all considered dental prosthesis. So how often do dental implants need to be replaced?

When Should Dental Implants be Replaced?

After getting your dental implants you will need to make appointments to see your dentist for check-ups but you will not need to replace your implants regularly. After the dental implants are implanted and you take care of our teeth and adhere to dental hygiene the implants can last for a long period of time. In comparison to dentures and crowns, dental implants can last from 10 years to 20 years.

However, there are cases where dental implants don’t last as long for some patients. Therefore, to increase the lifespan of the dental implants it is suggested that patients come in for examinations and check-ups every 3 months during the first year, then after the first year then an examination once a year.  

There are individual cases where dental implants need to be replaced. For example if the implant becomes loose or if the crown or other parts of the implants are damaged or break. In such cases replacement of the damaged parts will be able to restore the implant.

To ensure that the dental implants provide the results, patients should take oral hygiene seriously and make changes to their diet, such as avoiding hard foods. Regular visits to the dentist at least twice a year for a professional clean to remove plaque and dental calculus is also essential. 

Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are braces that utilize little metal doors to hold the wires in place instead of elastic ties. Self-ligating braces are more comfortable than traditional braces. Fixed braces usually use brackets and wires which are attached to the teeth and through applying pressure the teeth should move into position.

However, the use of different materials and methods, there are now a range of different fixed braces available such as lingual braces, ceramic braces, traditional braces and self-ligating braces.

Self-ligating braces over recent years has been the most popular choice for patients. So why are self-ligating braces so popular?

Advantages of Self-ligating Braces:

1. Although self-ligating braces are made of metal, usually the metal materials used is imported and produced exquisitely. Also single brackets are smaller which means once they are fitted onto the teeth they are not as obvious as traditional brackets, so aesthetically speaking they are better looking.  

2. Self-ligating braces do not need to be fixed for each bracket like traditional braces. The self-ligating brackets which are little metal doors hold the wire in place which is more convenient for orthodontists and the control can be more precise, and the overall treatment time can be shortened accordingly. 

3. Self-ligating braces are more expensive than traditional braces but compared with ceramic braces, clear aligners and lingual braces it’s still cheaper. Self-ligating braces cost between 10,000RMB to 20,000RMB and can be paid in installments which makes it more affordable for most patients.

Of course, self-ligating braces have their advantages and in general is a classic choice for most patients. However, braces themselves are just a form of orthodontic treatment, the skills and techniques of a orthodontist are also required to create a orthodontic treatment plan which can provide the best results. 

How X-rays Work for Braces

What examinations need to be done before orthodontic treatment? For example panoramic x-rays, cephalometric projections and take molds of the teeth. Once you have made up your mind that you want to go ahead with orthodontic treatment then you will need x-rays taken before treatment can begin.

A lot of patients ask why x-rays need to be taken before orthodontic treatment. The reason x-rays are taken is to see if there are any underlying problems with your teeth.

Why x-rays are taken?

Orthodontic treatment involves wearing braces which makes the teeth move into the correct position. How long you need to wear braces for and how much force is needed to straighten out the teeth will depend on your treatment plan. The use of x-rays can provide the orthodontist with imaging of your teeth to provide the best treatment plan. Professional orthodontist will carry out examinations, take x-rays and treat cavities and periodontal disease before fitting braces.

What types of x-ray need to be taken?

In most cases panoramic x-rays and cephalometric projections are taken. Panoramic x-rays are used to take a full view of the mouth, the image will not only allow the orthodontist to see the number of teeth but also show if there are any missing teeth, highlight any bone loss, supernumerary teeth and impacted teeth. The x-rays will allow orthodontists to diagnose if there are any other problems with the teeth.

Cephalometric projections are used by an orthodontist to show the degree of deformity in the upper and lower jaw. With the use of other examinations along with the cephalometric projections the orthodontist will be able to diagnose whether it’s dental malformation or a jaw problem. It could also be a combination of both, therefore the cephalometric projections can help with diagnosing the complexity of the treatment plan.

Of course, other types of x-rays may also be used and will depend on the Individual case. In more complex cases CT scans may also be taken, CT scans are slightly more expensive compared to x-rays which cost approximately 150 Yuan, so there is no need to worry.