Invisalign Treatment Before & After Results

Invisalign is currently the most popular orthodontic treatment due to the convenience and results. Here at Shenzhen AKJ Stomatological Hospital we have lots of successful orthodontic cases with the use of Invisalign.

The biggest concern with orthodontic treatment is metal braces and the stigma attached to getting braces. Today, a lot of patients want braces that are discreet but can still offer the results of straight teeth, that is why Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular. As a form of invisible orthodontics Invisalign uses clear aligners to correct the alignment of teeth.  

Invisalign Brand

Invisalign was founded in 1997 and is currently the world’s leading clear aligner brand. The aligners are made from SmartTrack® material, for more predictable, controlled tooth movements. The aligners are clear and are basically invisible so it’s a great option for patients who are self-conscious. What’s more the aligners can be removed for eating and drinking.

Is Invisalign suitable for me?

In most cases Invisalign can provide good results, however this will depend on the individual case. Also a professional orthodontist will advise whether Invisalign is suitable for your case. If after a examination the orthodontist advises that Invisalign is not suitable for your case and it’s best you choose other types of braces then it’s best to listen to the advice of your orthodontist.

Shenzhen AKJ Stomatological Invisalign Results

Shenzhen AKJ has a professional team of orthodontists who are qualified in Invisalign treatment. With the use of the iTero three dimensional scanner which can provide a scan of the teeth in minutes, the orthodontist is able to provide patients with a unique treatment plan and show patients gradual results of the treatment.

For more information about Invisalign treatment at Shenzhen AKJ Stomatological Hosptial you can contact us to make an appointment to see our orthodontists. More importantly Invisalign treatment can be paid in installments.

Difference Between Tooth Replantation & Dental Implantation

A lot of patients often get confused with tooth replantation and dental implantation. Both sound similar but there’s a big difference between replantation and implantation. Tooth replantation is used to manage avulsed permanent teeth whereas a dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. 

1. What is tooth replantation?

Tooth replantation is the reinsertion of a tooth that has been avulsed (knocked or torn out) of its socket. Often the best option is to replant the tooth as quickly as possible. This is true only for permanent teeth. Once replanted the tooth can heal in one of two ways if managed correctly. 

The dislodged tooth should be picked up by the crown and should be rinsed but not brushed or cleaned. The tooth should then be put into saline and go to a dentist within 30 minutes which of the accident. At the dental clinic the dentist will replant the tooth and may give antibiotics to prevent infection.  

2. What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is  a process that begins by placing an artificial tooth root in the socket of the missing tooth, then topping it with an artificial tooth after the implant has integrated with the alveolar bone. The entire process can take many months from start to finish.

1. Difference Between Replantation and Dental Implants

The biggest difference between replantation and dental implants is that replantation is used to replant natural teeth whereas a dental implant is artificial. In terms of costs tooth replantation costs start at 2,000 RMB but a dental implant is much more expensive with costs starting at over 10,000 RMB per implant. 

Gum Grafts Before Dental Implants

You might have decided to get a dental implant, but after a examination the dentist has suggested that you need gum graft surgery. Why do you need gum graft surgery? Is it painful? How much does it cost?  

1. Why is a gum graft needed before a dental implant?

Once a tooth has been missing for a period of time gum recession is more serious and this is when a gum graft needs to be considered. A gum graft can ensure the success of the dental implant and that it is securely fitted. With dental implants it is important that both the jaw bone and gum tissue are healthy and strong for dental implants to succeed. If your gum and bone tissue aren’t healthy enough, the implant  may become loose and possibly fail.

2. Is a gum graft painful?

Before starting the gum graft, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area so that the procedure does not hurt. After the procedure you may experience discomfort over the next few days which will subside. However, if the pain does not subside but gets worse then you should contact your dentist immediately.

3. How much does a gum graft cost?

Gum graft surgery costs generally start at 3,000 RMB, however costs will depend on the type of gum graft surgery. For example pedicle gingival grafts where a flap of tissue from an area right next to your gum recession and uses the flap to cover the area of receding gum tissue. This type of gum graft is less costly compared to free gingival graft where tissue is directly removed from the top layer of tissue on the roof of the mouth and stitches this tissue to the existing gum area.

Tips: Although a gum graft can be used to correct the effects of receding gums, but this does not mean that the problem won’t recur. Therefore, patients need to take extra care with oral hygiene and see the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and dental cleanings.

Why is medication put inside the tooth before a filling?

Depending on the severity of the cavity, prior to getting a filling the dentist may put medication into the tooth to disinfect or treat the cavity. In some cases medication is put into the tooth to clear it up and sometimes medication can be used to protect the pulp.

Why is medication used?

Not all cases require medication to be used and will depend on the severity of the dental cavity. If the cavity is rather small and not deep then removing the decayed area and disinfecting the area once and then filling the tooth is adequate. If the cavity is deep and is close to reaching the pulp then medication will have to be used to protect the dental nerves, medication will have to be put into the tooth between 2 to 3 times, once the symptoms have cleared then the tooth can be filled.

If the dental cavity is severe and has already reached the dental nerves there is the possibility it could develop into Apical periodontitis which will require medication to put be inside the tooth kill microbes and dissolve pulpal tissue. This could take up to 1 week to be complete and requires medication inside the tooth to be changed every 2 days.

Though patients should be aware that even with the use of medication to disinfect the tooth within there will still be pain. Deep dental cavity pains may subside over a few days once the medication has been inserted, however if the pain gets worse then you should contact your dentist immediately.

If the decay has already reached the dental nerves then the insertion and disinfection of tooth then the toothache will be more severe. Once the root canal infection has been cleared the pain will subside.

Why Are My Braces Not Closing The Spaces Between My Teeth?

When will the gaps between my teeth close up? Why do I feel that the gaps are closing too slowly? Patients are often worried that gaps between the teeth won’t close up after tooth extractions. So what’s the solution to this problem?

Gaps Between Teeth Will Close Up

In most cases a orthodontist will design a treatment plan depending on how overcrowded or protruding the teeth are. Even when the treatment plan includes tooth extractions the orthodontist will have designed a treatment which will take into account how the teeth will shift into the correct position and close spaces between the teeth.

What should I do if the gaps have not closed up?

It’s recommended that you should ask your orthodontist whether the treatment has reached the stage where the gaps between the teeth should have closed up. Generally speaking after tooth extractions it is after the teeth have shifted into the correct position that the gaps will then close up. It takes time for the gaps to slowly close up for some patients it can take a few months and for other patients it can take over a year.

Even just for closing the gaps between teeth it will also depend on the size of the gap. In most cases teeth can only shift a few millimeters at a time, closing gaps between teeth too quickly can lead to alveolar bone resorption which is not good for the teeth.

However, if the treatment has reached the stage where the gaps should have closed up but there are still gaps what should you do? In such cases you would have to see your orthodontist to see what options are available, methods such as the use of orthodontic bone anchors.

If your orthodontist is unable to treat the gaps between the teeth then you should consider contacting another orthodontist and you would have to go through a second round of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, before going through with any orthodontic treatment at dental clinics it’s crucial to make sure that the orthodontist is qualified and professional. 

Should You Get Veneers or Braces to Fix Gaps in Teeth?

For gaps between teeth is it better to get braces or veneers? A dentist will advise which option is better depending on the size of the gaps. For small gaps then veneers are suitable, for larger gaps then braces would be a better option.

The most commonly used methods for closing gaps between teeth are braces and veneers. However, in terms of costs and time scale then patients need to think it through before making the decision.

1. Braces to Fix Gaps in Teeth

Advantages: There is no need to remove enamel and will not damage the teeth. Braces will maintain the outer appearance of the teeth but will shift the teeth into the right positions. If the teeth are also overcrowded then braces will also sort out the problem.

Disadvantages: The biggest disadvantage with braces is that it will take at least a year for the treatment to close gaps between the teeth. Also braces can’t change the overall outer appearance of teeth. Getting braces is also much more expensive.

2. Veneers to Fix Gaps in Teeth

Advantages: Veneers can be fitted and completed in 1 to 2 weeks. The results are instant which is suitable for patients who want an instant solution. Veneers can improve the overall outer appearance of teeth as it cover the surface of the natural teeth.

Disadvantages: For veneers a layer of enamel will have to be removed from the surface of the tooth. After veneers are fitted patients will have to take extra care with oral hygiene and avoiding hard foods as this can damage the veneer. For gaps between teeth which are over 2mm then veneers are not suitable. 

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost in Shenzhen

If you have a severe toothache then it’s time to see the dentist as soon as possible you might need root canal treatment. What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment is where the infected pulp is removed and the dentist will clean out the root canal and then tooth will be sealed with a temporary filling.

How much does root canal treatment cost in Shenzhen?

Different clinics in Shenzhen charge differently for root canal treatment. At Shenzhen AKJ Stomatological Hospital our microscopic root canal treatment costs are approximately 2,000 RMB to 3,000 RMB per tooth. To put it simply the more teeth that require root canal treatment the more expensive the treatment. With the different treatment fees varying from clinic to clinic it’s best to enquire before going ahead with treatment.

Extra Costs Not Included in Root Canal Treatment

1. Material Costs: disposable root canal files, imported anesthetic and rubber dams all incur extra costs.

2. Root Canal Re-treatment: root canal re-treatment is much more complex and will increase the costs for re-treatment cases.

3. After root canal treatment if there is a need for dental posts, dental crowns or inlays this will be charged separately and not included in the treatment price.

Therefore, the overall costs for root canal treatment will depend on individual cases. Some root canal treatments are relatively simple whereas other cases are complex. For an accurate treatment cost a dentist would have to do an oral examination and x-rays will need to be taken to see the degree of damage. 

Excessive Salvia When Wearing Invisalign Aligners

Orthodontic treatment is challenging for patients whether they choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners. A lot of patients think that by choosing Invisalign they are more comfortable and removable that there are basically no problems. So let’s take a look at the most common problems associated with using Invisalign.

Normal to have excessive saliva when wearing Invisalign?

It is normal to have excessive saliva and saliva bubbles when wearing Invisalign aligners. When wearing the aligners for the first time it takes time to adjust and the discomfort is all normal. It can take between 2 to 3 days for those who adjust quickly or 1 to 2 months for those who adjust very slowly. It’s also normal when you first start with a new set of aligner trays, they may not fit tightly against your teeth. Sometimes there are saliva bubbles where the tooth has been extracted and the aligner can even fog up.

Other problems that might arise when wearing Invisalign:

l Invisalign must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating and daily oral hygiene.

l Getting new Invisalign aligner trays can be uncomfortable and even painful when you get fitted for a new set. Although the orthodontist most likely refers to the feeling as pressure, it can be painful as your teeth are adjusting to a new set of aligners. 

l Invisalign aligners need to be removed for eating and you are also required to brush your teeth after each meal before putting them back in your mouth, which means you’ll be brushing your teeth multiple times per day, which can be inconvenient.

Shenzhen All-on-4 Dental Implant Guide: Costs & Procedure

When speaking of dental implants many patients are familiar with individual dental implants and depending on how many teeth are missing a dental implant is implanted for each individual tooth. However, due to the advancement in technology with the use of just four implants it’s possible to replace all of the teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth. This type of dental implant is known as All-On-4.

All-On-4 dental implant costs in Shenzhen

A lot of patients express their interest in All-On-4 dental implants and the first question is always related to the costs. Generally speaking costs for All-On-4 dental implants for half the mouth in Shenzhen is estimated at over 100,000 RMB. The costs for All-On-4 dental implants are substantially more expensive due to the use of Swiss implants and German implants. Swiss implants are slightly more expensive than German implants.

All-On-4 dental implant procedure

To put it simply an All-On-4 dental implant is implanting instantaneously, the procedure is as follows:

1. A detailed examination will be done and any periodontal treatment must be completed prior to getting the implant.

2. The dentist/oral surgeon will insert titanium screws into your jawbone. They will place two implants near the front of your mouth and two towards the back of your mouth so the implant can evenly bare the force of the denture. After the implants have been placed, the surgical sites will be cleaned and suturing all the incisions.

Advantages of All-on-4

The All-on-4 procedure prevents the need for bone grafting for dental implants and uses only the existing bone. The procedure is also designed to work with minimal jawbones. The cost of these implants are relatively cheaper than other full-arch restoration options.

How Much More Expensive are Self-ligating Braces?

Are self-ligating braces expensive? Self-ligating braces are more expensive than traditional braces by a few thousand RMB in Shenzhen. However, whether the braces are worth the extra cost is something patients need to consider.

What do self-ligating braces look like?

There are two types of materials used for self-ligating braces, there are metal self-ligating brackets and ceramic self-ligating brackets. Metal self-ligating brackets are usually smaller whereas ceramic self-ligating brackets can guarantee durability but are slightly bigger than metal self-ligating brackets.

Self-ligating braces do not have the elastic ligatures. In other words, there are no elastic “ties” or metal ties because they are simply not needed. Rather, self-ligating braces have a door mechanism that is opened and closed to hold the tooth-aligning wires. 

Prices for self-ligating braces

Normal imported metal bracket prices will be based on the severity and complexity of the case. Treatment for adults and teens vary with prices starting at over 10,000 RMB to over 30,000 RMB. If patients were to consider self-ligating brackets then they should expect extra costs at about 4,000 RMB to 5,000 RMB.

Ordinary ceramic brackets usually cost approximately 20,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB, if patients were to upgrade to self-ligating ceramic brackets then the extra costs would come in at a few thousand RMB. However, if the case is complex then the materials used are unique and patients can expect to pay more than 8,000 RMB which is more expensive than metal self-ligating brackets.

Therefore, in terms of cost effectiveness metal self-ligating brackets are the best choice. The overall costs for self-ligating braces are approximately over 20,000 RMB. Payment for treatment can be made in installments which makes self-ligating braces a popular choice at Shenzhen AKJ Stomatological Hospital.

Clear Aligners Which is Better Invisalign or Angelalign?

How much does Invisalign cost compared to Angelalign? Invisible orthodontics is becoming the most popular choice of orthodontic treatment though the price is always the main consideration for most patients. Currently in Shenzhen the two main clear aligner brands used are Angelalign and Invisalign. So what’s the difference between the brands?  

Invisalign  

Invisalign was founded in 1997 and is currently the world’s leading clear aligner brand. The aligners are made from SmartTrack® material, for more predictable, controlled tooth movements. Costs for Invisalign are more expensive with costs starting at over 40,000 RMB to 50,000 RMB.

Angelalign

Angelalign is a Shanghai based company that offers invisible orthodontic treatment with Angelalign and Angelalign Pro. The AngelAlign system uses masterControl® technology which was specifically designed for its products. The costs of Angelalign can start at over 30,000 RMB to 40,000 RMB.

There is a substantial price difference between Invisalign and Angelalign which often leaves patients in a dilemma about which brand to choose. However, both brands can still give the results and through a consultation with a professional orthodontist you can discuss which brand is within your price budget.

Is tooth extraction required for Invisalign or Angelalign?

A lot of patients have the misconception that tooth extraction is not required for clear aligners. However, if patients think that by choosing clear aligners they can avoid tooth extraction. This is not the case, with clear aligners there are some cases where tooth extractions are necessary.

Though orthodontists will try and prevent tooth extractions to give the best results but when needed tooth extractions also need to be done. Whether a tooth extraction is required a orthodontist will do a examination and x-rays will be taken and will give you a detailed treatment plan which will explain whether extractions are required. 

How Much More Expensive is Lingual Braces Compared to Invisalign

How much more expensive are lingual braces compared to Invisalign? Why are invisible orthodontics more expensive than traditional braces? The biggest difference with lingual braces is they are fitted behind the teeth so in terms of comfort and aesthetics they provide the best results.

How much do lingual braces cost?

The best known brands of lingual braces are the imported brands e.Brace and Incognito. The price of the materials are substantially more expensive and the techniques for lingual braces require orthodontists to be certified to carry out the procedure. Therefore patients can expect prices around 60,000 RMB to 70,000 RMB.

How do prices of lingual braces compare to Invisalign?

Invisalign is currently one of the most popular choice of clear aligners. Prices currently come in at 30,000 RMB to 40,000 RMB. In comparison with lingual braces they are cheaper. Also Invisalign are clear and removable by the patient when they need to eat.

There is no need to be put off by the price of lingual braces, if you can afford lingual braces then it is a good choice. If you are looking for braces that are less costly then you can make an appointment with an orthodontist who can create a treatment plan for you and give you options with choices and detailed costs of the treatment so you know what you’re expected to pay.

The costs of lingual braces do not need to be paid at once but can be made in installments. A deposit is paid first and then each payment after will be made when you have an appointment with the orthodontist. The costs of orthodontic treatment vary for each patient and will depend on the severity and complexity of the case. It is only after an appointment with a orthodontist can accurate costs be given. 

Onlay Bone Graft or Guided Bone Regeneration for Dental Implants

Bone grafting is required when a patient does not have a sufficient amount of healthy natural bones in their mouth that are capable of supporting the dental implants. When choosing between bone grafts there is the choice of onlay bone graft or guided bone regeneration. What’s the difference? Which is better?

1. Onlay Bone Graft

A onlay bone graft is where a small amount of bone is required and can be transferred from one part of the jaw to another. Bone can be taken from the chin or the back of the jaw and transferred to where it is needed. It will then be fixed into position with small pins and screws which will be removed when the dental implants are placed.

2. Guided Bone Regeneration

Guided Bone Regeneration is a technique that provides space for new bone using barrier membranes. These spaces can then be filled with new, guided bone growth. In terms of predictability in results guided bone regeneration is the most reliable and valid procedure.

3. Difference between onlay bone graft and guided bone regeneration?

Onlay bone graft uses a section of bone from another area of your body and using a special bone grafting material, and graft it onto your jaw bone. Whereas guided bone regeneration Guided bone regeneration is a predictable procedure which is used to increase the amount of bone volume.  Though It is not really bone grafting as your own bone is not being moved from one site to another.

4. Which is better?

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but which method is suitable for you will depend on the situation of your teeth and the advice of dental professionals. Before going ahead with a dental implant dental professionals will advise accordingly which method is more suitable for our case.