Treatment for a Cracked Tooth

If a tooth cracks right down the middle would it be better to get a dental post and crown or should the tooth just be extracted? A tooth can crack due to many factors such as biting overly hard objects, cavities and accidents.

Severity of the Cracked Tooth  

Whether a cracked tooth requires a dental post or a tooth extraction will depend on how severe the cracked tooth is. Therefore, it’s important to get a x-ray taken for diagnostic purposes.

1. How Deep is the Crack

If the crack is not deep and has not reached the pulp then it’s possible to restore the tooth with a filling.

2. The Crack has Reached the Dental Nerve

If the crack is deep and has already damaged the dental pulp and nerves. This is when root canal treatment is required. After root canal treatment whether a dental post is required will depend on the tooth situation or a dental crown will be fitted to the affected tooth.

If the tooth root is still in good condition then a dental crown will be placed directly onto the tooth. There are different materials for dental crowns such as metals, precious metal and all porcelain crowns. Which type of dental crown you choose will depend on the situation of your tooth and costs.

If a tooth root is too short then a dental crown cannot be placed. This is when a dental post is required to support the dental crown. Dental posts come in a range of materials which are ceramic, metal and fiber.  

3. Tooth Root has Cracked

If the crack has already reached the root of the tooth and after a x-ray it has been diagnosed that it’s hard to preserve then the tooth will be extracted. After the tooth has been extracted there is a choice between removable denture, fixed denture or a dental implant. 

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. 

Costs of Wieland Dental Crown at Shenzhen AKJ Dental Clinic

A lot of patients are now choosing the German brand Wieland dental crowns over domestic brands. Why? Although domestic brands and imported brands of porcelain ceramic crowns can still provide results a lot of patients still choose imported brands due to the quality.

How much does a Wieland dental crown cost?

The cost of Wieland porcelain dental crowns currently cost between 4,500 RMB to 5,000 RMB.

1. Different clinics and dental hospitals will have different prices. Private dental hospitals will charge more than public hospitals.

2. Depending on the region and which city the prices can also vary.

3. Costs will also be based on the condition of the patient’s teeth, for example some patients may require enamel removal before the dental crown can be fitted. Some patients may need root canal treatment and then a dental crown will need to be fitted. Therefore, the more treatment required the more expensive the costs.

Getting advice from a qualified dentist is vital, apart from choosing the right type of dental crown for you, the dentist will also have to design a treatment plan which can provide you with the best results aesthetically.

Overall it’s not fair to say that only German and American brands of dental crowns are best. Some domestic brands can still offer dental crowns that can give good results. However, imported brands of dental crowns from Germany and USA in terms of materials, durability and details are more well known.

Teeth Whitening for Intrinsic Teeth Stains

It is still possible to carry out teeth whitening treatment for intrinsic teeth stains. The treatment process will be slightly more complicated than whitening for extrinsic teeth staining. For extrinsic stains which are stains on the outer enamel of the teeth can usually be removed with a scale and polish. Whereas intrinsic stains discolorations and stains affect the teeth from the inside out. Therefore, whitening for intrinsic stains is more expensive.

What causes intrinsic teeth discoloration and staining?

Intrinsic staining is staining of the dentin, or the inner layer of teeth. It can be caused by an internal problem or from certain medications. For example the use of tetracycline, too much exposure to fluoride or trauma in a permanent tooth.

How much does teeth whitening for intrinsic stains cost?

1. For intrinsic stains that are mild with no damage and just slight discoloration and staining then patients can try cold-light whitening and bleaching. In some cases the results are very good and in some cases results are not so good. Therefore, results will depend on individual cases.

2. If bleaching is used then the price can range from over a 1,000 RMB to 3,000 RMB. The price is based on the whitening for the whole mouth. The treatment can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Results can last from 1 to 2 years and is the most cost effective treatment.

3. If there is already damage to the teeth and there is already enamel loss then the only options left are veneers or dental crowns. With veneers a thin layer of material will be fitted to the surface of the tooth to cover the natural tooth. Whereas a dental crown will cover the entire tooth. Both options provide good results, but will require enamel to be removed from the tooth.  

Costs for veneers will depend on the veneer material, composite veneers cost approximately 1,000 RMB whereas porcelain veneers are more expensive costing 3,000 RMB. Dental crown costs will also depend on the materials chosen, all porcelain crownS can cost 4,000 RMB. 

How to Fix a Broken Tooth

What methods of repair are available for a broken tooth? The most commonly used methods are composite resin, porcelain veneers and dental crowns. However, which method of repair is best will depend on how badly damaged your tooth is.

How can the tooth be fixed?

Whether or not a tooth can be repaired will depend on how deep the crack is, if the crack has reached below the gum line then there is the possibility that the tooth can’t be preserved. In these cases there is already no point in attempting to preserve the tooth. As for teeth that are chipped the dentist will advise which method of repair is most suitable.

Composite, veneer or dental crown?

1. If it’s only a minor chip then using composite resin is the best option and the shade of the composite resin can match that of you natural teeth color.

2. Veneers can also be considered for chipped teeth as it covers the complete surface of the damaged tooth and there is an option between composite veneers or porcelain veneers.

3. For a tooth which has a considerably larger part missing then using veneers will not give good results. Also the dentist will need to take into consideration that there is possible damage to the root of the tooth. In such cases a dental crown would be the best option. The dental crown is fitted over the natural tooth like a cap and provide overall protection to the tooth.

The three methods of repair mentioned are the most commonly used. However, with veneers and dental crowns enamel will have to be removed from the natural tooth so it is considered more invasive than composite resin repair. With both veneers and dental crowns once the enamel has been removed it can’t be undone so patients must be aware before making their decision.

Which Brand of Imported Dental Crowns is Best?

Imported brands of dental crowns are better than domestic brands? According to dental professionals imported dental crowns are better in particularly German and American dental crown brands which prove to be more popular. There are many brands to choose from so let’s take a look at the brands available.  

Choosing Between German or American Brands

The best German dental crown brands to choose from are Sirona CAD/CAM, Wieland and Cercon. As for the top American brand then 3M LAVA is currently the best choice. So when it comes down to the final decision of which type of crown to choose then which is best?

1. Price

For Sirona CAD/CAM and LAVA crowns both these brands come in at around 6,000 RMB to 7,000 RMB and can even reach over 8,000 RMB. As for Wieland and Cercon both these crowns cost from 3,000 RMB to 5,000 RMB which is more cost friendly than Sirona and LAVA.   

2. Other Options

There are other options available if you don’t want to choose imported brands, there is also domestic brands. The only downside is that compared to imported brands, domestic brands are not as durable as imported brands.

3. Get Advice From Dental Professionals

Getting advice from a qualified dentist is vital, apart from choosing the right type of dental crown for you, the dentist will also have to design a treatment plan which can provide you with the best results aesthetically.

Overall it’s not fair to say that only German and American brands of dental crowns are best. Some domestic brands can still offer dental crowns that can give good results. However, imported brands of dental crowns from Germany and USA in terms of materials, durability and details are more well known.

Costs of Cercon Ceramic Crowns

The current trend for dental crown is ceramic materials and there are several brands which offer ceramic crowns. However, the most commonly used all ceramic crown is the German brand Cercon.

All ceramic crowns are is where the entire crown is made of different types of ceramic and provides a more natural coloring for the tooth. All ceramic crowns don’t contain any metals and in terms of aesthetics ceramic crowns allows for light transmission unlike porcelain fused to metal crowns and can make the tooth brighter and more natural looking in appearance.

When choosing brands the majority of patients are focused on the price and often choose crowns that are middle priced and made of better ceramic materials. One of the best choices is Cercon which is a leading German ceramic crown brand.  Cercon™ Smart Ceramics is made of a highly stable oxide ceramic that delivers strength and fracture toughness which currently the best type of crown to choose for cost-effectiveness.

How much does a Cercon ceramic crown cost in Shenzhen?

Cercon cermic crowns costs approximately 4,000 RMB per crown. Compared to other ceramic crowns, Cercon crowns do not contain metals and will not cause sensitivity problems and the overall look is very natural. Even when used for back teeth repair it’s durability means it won’t affect chewing. Of course, different clinics and hospitals will have cost differences. Therefore, it’s best to enquire about prices during consultations.

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.

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. 

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.  

The Costs of Zirconia Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can come in a range of different materials but zirconia crowns are considered the one of the best options as it’s extremely strong and shades can be matched to existing teeth. However, the biggest consideration is price as zirconia crowns are more expensive.

Zirconia crowns are a type of porcelain dental crown and is known for its durability and its biocompatibility. Although zirconia dental crowns have its advantages most patients are focused on the price.  

What are Zirconia Dental Crowns?

Zirconia is made from biocompatible materials that have similar properties to those of titanium. This type of dental crown also has hypoallergenic properties meaning patients are much less likely to suffer from an allergic reaction to zirconia. More importantly zirconia crowns are metal-free so they won’t interfere in x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans. Another highlight of zirconia crowns is there strength, durability and resistance to temperatures.

Costs of Zirconia Dental Crowns

Normally, zirconia dental crown prices depend on the brand, the number of crowns being fitted and different regions.

1. The best known zirconia dental crown brands are 3M Lava, Cercon, Wieland and Sirona. Prices vary due to workmanship and brand. The price can range from about 3,000 Yuan to 10,000 Yuan.

2. In terms of quantity, the number of zirconia crowns fitted will directly affect the price. In most cases the price is based on per crown. However, this will obviously involve the specific situation of the teeth. For example if you patients were to consider a crown or a dental bridge, this would mean a decision of 1 crown or 3 crowns, this would directly affect the costs.

3. In different regions of China, the is a big difference in price when making comparisons with first and second tier cities with third and fourth tier cities. Price are comparatively cheaper in third and fourth tier cities. However, it’s best to consider the techniques and skills of the dentists.