Inlay, Onlay, Overlay are Better than Fillings?

A lot of patients find that with composite material fillings that the filling falls out easily and cavities can develop again. To provide patients with a better option would be the use of inlay, onlay or overlay.

1. What is the best way to treat cavities?

A composite fillings is completed in one appointment and involves removing the decayed area and then filling with composite materials and filed down. However, even a filling can be affected by many factors which can lead to the fillings falling out and leading to a cavity to develop again. However, for large cavities when fillings are not an option then a inlay, onlay or overlay would need to be considered.

2. Inlay, Onlay & Overlay is custom made for your tooth

Inlay is a type of dental restoration where the material is bonded within the centre of the tooth as a filling.

Onlay treatment is applied when the extent of the damage requires the inclusion of one or more sections of the tooth and is prepared at dental laboratories.

Overlay treatment is applied when the extent of the damage requires the full inclusion of the biting surface and in fact are categorized as crowns. Just like onlays, the overlays are custom made and are fabricated at dental labs.

There is a wide range of materials to choose from for inlay, onlay and overlay. Materials available are: metal, composite or ceramic.

3. What to look out for with inlay, onlay and overlay

It is important to get advice from a professional dentist so you know how to look after your teeth after. After getting a inlay, onlay or overlay you need to take extra care with oral hygiene. 

Covering Interproximal Cavities With Veneers is Possible?

Can front tooth cavities be covered directly with veneers? Why is it even with regular brushing that cavities still develop between gaps in teeth? These types of cavities are known as interproximal cavities. A lot of patients ask if it’s possible to cover a interproximal cavity with a veneer?

What is a interproximal cavity?

Using a veneer to cover an interproximal cavity is not an option, veneers are used as a form of cosmetic tooth restoration and will not treat a cavity.  

To treat a cavity the decayed area has to be removed if not the cavity will get worse and possibly develop into pulpitis, periapical periodontitis and if left untreated if can result in the loss of the tooth. If a veneer were to be used to directly cover the cavity this means the cavity has not been treated and is just covered up so it’s not option.

For rather small interproximal cavities composite resin can be used to fill the area. However, for more severe cavities there may be the need to root canal treatment and a filling will not be able to sort out the cavity.

For interproximal cavities are located in rather difficult to treat areas and involves removing the decay from between the teeth with affecting the neighboring tooth so it’s much more complex. Therefore, for interproximal cavities choosing a professional dental clinic and dentist to carry out the treatment.

Interproximal cavities cannot be treated with veneers! Interproximal cavities can only be treated with fillings and if left untreated it will only get worse!

Side Effects of Adult Orthodontic Treatment

During orthodontic consultations for adults a lot of patients ask if there is any harm when getting braces as an adult and if there are any side effects after the treatment. So is there any harm? What should adults expect before getting their braces fitted?

Is there any harm for adults getting orthodontic treatment?

Generally speaking there is no harm in orthodontic treatment, however there may be some pain and discomfort during the treatment. The following are the most common problems that arise:

1. Tooth Pain: Throughout orthodontic treatment pressure will need to be applied to the teeth to create movement and there will be some pain.

2. Loose Teeth: When the teeth start to move the alveolar bone will also adjust so to a certain extent the teeth may feel loose but they will return to normal.

3. Enamel Demineralization

Enamel demineralization is linked to fixed orthodontic appliances. Demineralization varies from no perceptible change to white spots on the enamel, which is the first clinical sign of enamel demineralization.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment outweigh the cons

Despite the problems mentioned above there are many benefits of orthodontic treatment which are:

1. Orthodontic treatment can correct teeth alignment and once complete it can give patients can have a wonderful smile.

2. Healthier teeth and gums are possible since straight teeth eliminate the hard-to-reach places in your mouth that are tough to brush and floss.

3. Alignment of your jaws and bite improving your ability to chew and function properly.

How Does a Cavity Develop into Pulpitis?

Cavities is one of the most common dental problems dentists come across every day. But how long does it take a untreated cavity to develop into pulpitis? Usually for pulpitis to develop that would mean that the cavity has reached the fourth stage of decay and this is when the pulp tissues become infected.

1. First Signs of Tooth Decay

The first signs of tooth decay begins when chalky white areas on the surface of the tooth appear due to the loss of calcium and build-up of plaque. Usually there is no pain or toothache at this stage, tooth decay can still be reversible with the proper treatment such as a filling to prevent the cavity developing further.  

2. Dentin Decay

When the cavity has reached the stage of dentin decay you will feel tooth sensitivity, slight toothache or discomfort. Your tooth will feel sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks. The dentist will need to remove the damaged part of the tooth. Depending on the tooth and how much of tooth structure is removed you may need a filling, a dental crown or an onlay/inlay to restore the tooth.

3. Pulpitis & Periapical Periodontitis

Pulpitis and periapical periodontitis develop when a cavity is left untreated and bacteria and infection has spread to the dental pulp tissues otherwise known as pulp decay . In this case a filling can no longer treat the problem and root canal treatment is required.

How long does it take for pulpitis to develop?

There is no given timeframe for a dental cavity developing into pulpitis. It varies for every person. For individuals who have poor oral hygiene then the chances of pulpitis is much more rapid. When you discover that you have a cavity you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

A cavity can be easily treated with a filling during the early stages. If left to linger the cavity will require root canal treatment and not to mention it will leave you with the discomfort of a toothache. 

Crown Post and Core Vs. Dental Implant

A lot of patients often get confused between a crown post and core and a dental implant. How exactly is a crown post can core fitted into a tooth? What’s the difference between crown post and core and a dental implant?

Root Canal Treatment

1. After root canal treatment there is a observation period of 1 to 2 weeks to see if there is any pain. If there is no pain then a crown post and core can be placed.

2.  It is a type of dental restoration required where there is an inadequate amount of sound tooth tissue remaining to retain a conventional crown.

3. X-rays will be taken to see the length of the root and the situation within the tooth. A mold will be taken for the post and core.

4. The post and core will then be placed into the tooth, there is certain post material available such as ceramic posts, fiber posts and metal posts. For front teeth ceramic and fiber posts are most commonly used. Metal posts are used for back teeth due to durability.

Difference Between Crown Post and Core and Dental Implants?

1. Crown post and core are used for teeth that still have roots, whereas a dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth.

2. A crown post and core is placed into the root of the tooth and the crown is fitted above. A dental implant is where the implant is implanted into the jaw bone and the crown is fitted onto the abutment.

3. Costs for crown post and core start at over a few thousand RMB whereas the price of dental implants are over 10,000 RMB.  

Composite Fillings & Restoration For Front Teeth

Composite materials are a popular choice for clients as they match the color of natural teeth and is aesthetically pleasing. So is composite material a good choice for fillings and restorations on the front teeth? Generally speaking composite materials can be used for small areas of damage to teeth such as fillings and can provide very good results.

Below are the top reasons which composite materials are popular:

1. Costs: Normal composite filling costs between over 300 RMB to 400 RMB per tooth and is cheaper than inlays.

2. Natural Color: Different brands of composite materials offer a range of colors and shade. Depending on the different area that require fillings there is a color to match the area. Therefore, this means that the restoration is natural looking.

3. Convenience of Composite Materials: Compared to inlays which require molds to be taken and sent to be made, composite fillings are quick and easy to carry out. The composite mixture is put into the cavity and is then cured by a light and is set. For small composite fillings it takes only approximately 30 minutes to complete.

However, there are certain scenarios where composite fillings is not a suitable option and this is when a professional dentist’s advice is vital.

1. When a gap between the teeth is too wide or when a cavity surface is too large then composite materials are not a good option as it will become loose more easily.

2. Using composite materials for fillings and restorations will depend on the dentist’s skills and techniques. Therefore, it’s important to see a professional dental clinic and dentist to carry out the procedure.

What Are The Causes of Buck Teeth?

A lot of patients have heard about buck teeth but are not familiar with the causes of buck teeth. In dentistry buck teeth is known as overjet and there are usually two types of reasons which causes this to happen which is linked to skeletal discrepancy or environmental factors. So which cause is more severe?

1. Skeletal Discrepancy

One cause of protruding teeth is an imbalance in the growth of the upper and lower jaws. When the upper jaw is large or when the lower jaw is small, the upper teeth will be positioned far in front of the lower teeth. 

2. Environmental Factors

A prolonged thumb-sucking habit, bottle feeding or a habit of chewing on something can cause pressure on the front teeth. Over time this can cause the teeth to move.

Spacing or crowding can change the alignment of your front teeth and cause the appearance of buck teeth. Missing teeth allows your remaining teeth to shift over time, affecting the position of your front teeth.

Treatment for Buck Teeth

Depending on the cause of buck teeth there are different types of treatment plans are available. For buck teeth that are causes by environmental factors then the use of orthodontics should be sufficient to correct the problem. For example for which cases which are not complex then by extracting teeth and creating space and the use of orthodontics this can allow the teeth to move into the correct position.

However, in cases which are severe and complex then there will be the need for orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery to correct the overjet. In terms of complexity treating skeletal discrepancy buck teeth cases are more difficult than those caused by environmental factors.

Regardless whether the problem is linked to skeletal discrepancy or environmental factors you should see a professional orthodontist for a consultation. During a consultation x-rays will be taken so the orthodontist can diagnose the problem and offer a treatment plan.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Exactly how long does orthodontic treatment take to complete? Every orthodontic case is unique so depending on the treatment plan design and how severe the case is the overall treatment time will vary for different cases. Generally speaking orthodontic treatment takes between 1 to 2 years to complete.  

Orthodontic treatment is tailor-made for every patient and depends on how much correction is needed. The more complex the case is the longer it will take for the treatment to gradually move the teeth into the correct position.

1. 6 Months to 1 Year

This time frame is for simple correction cases for example gaps in teeth or more simple teenage cases.

2. 1 Year to 2 Years

This time scale is the most common and relates to most cases where teeth require moderate correcting and is not too complex. For example these cases often require extracting teeth and then fitting braces.

3. 2 Years to 3 Years

For cases that take 2 years to 3 years these are rather complex orthodontic cases which and in most cases is related to adults.

After the removal of braces patients will have to wear retainers regularly for at least 2 years (during the first year retainers need to be worn all day and in the second year they need to be worn every night).

Orthodontic treatment results don’t happen overnight so here at AKJ Dental Clinic we advise that during a orthodontic consultation that you communicate with your orthodontist about the treatment plan. Also after the removal of braces the importance of wearing a retainer must not be neglected if not the possibility of relapse means that you will need to go through orthodontic treatment again.

Start the New Year With a Whiter Smile

If your teeth are looking a little dull, why not consider getting a professional teeth whitening treatment? Giving your smile a little star treatment is the perfect way to get 2020 started! With new year just around the corner and you’re worried that you don’t have time to brighten your smile just in time for celebrations, check out the teeth whitening options that we offer here at Shenzhen AKJ Dental Clinic!

For extrinsic stains which are those only on the surface of the teeth which are a results of smoking, drinking, tea and consuming dark colored foods then a scale and polish will need to be done first and after the dentist will be able to see whether whitening treatment is required. For some patients who only want to remove surface stains then whitening treatment is not required but for patients who want to enhance the whiteness of their teeth then whitening treatment is required.  

For a whiter smile there is quite a few options. Depending on the situation of the teeth the following treatments can be considered:

1. Cold-light Whitening: 30 – 60 Minutes

Cold-light whitening is suitable for teeth that are slightly discolored and for teeth that are not damaged. This method uses whitening agent which is activated by light and is the quickest option for clients that are strapped for time.

2. Veneers: 7 – 14 Days

Veneers are thin shells of material fitted to the surface of your natural teeth and requires at least 2 appointments to make molds for the veneers to be made. The whole process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Veneers are suitable for clients who have damaged teeth which are discolored and not to severe.

3. Dental Crowns: 7 – 14 Days

Dental crowns are similar to veneers which cover your natural teeth, a dental crown covers your entire natural tooth so your natural tooth will have enamel removed for the dental crown to fit. This method can be completed in the same amount of time like veneers and is suitable for clients who have severely damaged teeth and discolored teeth. 

Dental Fillings Vs Dental Inlays

Is a dental inlay better than a ordinary dental filling? What’s the difference between a filling and inlay? In most cases where there is a cavity a filling used as the common dental restoration where the cavity is drilled out and filled with filling material. However, how does a dental filling compare with a dental inlay?

1. A dental filling is a rather simple procedure and is still the most popular choice for most patients when it comes to restoring a tooth. Dental inlays is set to become a popular trend in the future.

2. In terms of costs a dental filling is much more cost effective with a filling for one tooth only costs a few hundred RMB. In comparison to a dental inlay where costs start at over 1,000 RMB and depending on different materials is even more expensive.

3. A dental filling uses a composite resin mixture which is used to fill the cavity and is then cured by a light to set. Whereas a inlay is a premolded filling fitted to the area which requires restoration.

4. If a patient takes care of the teeth very well after a filling or inlay the results can last for a period of time. But with composite fillings the material can chip whereas a inlay can be more durable.  

As with all forms of dental restorations no method can match that of your own natural teeth. Like all other forms of restorations a dental inlay also has it’s disadvantages for example the difference in materials such as porcelain, gold, or composite resin. Some materials are durable but not aesthetically pleasing and vice versa. Also depending on materials will results in the overall costs and sometimes costs can reach 4,000 RMB to 5,000 RMB.

At professional clinic dental inlays do come with a repair guarantee so there is no need to worry. Therefore, whether you choose a dental filling or dental inlay it’s best to see a professional dentist for advice.