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.

How Often Do You Need a Dental Cleaning?

How often should you visit a dentist for a professional dental cleaning? If you are experiencing bad breath and bleeding gums you should make an appointment to see your dentist because you might need a deep cleaning to remove the dental calculus build-up.

Dental calculus is usually found at stuck to the teeth, gums and in between gaps of the teeth which are not easy to reach with brushing. Dental calculus can only be removed by dental professionals through scaling and polishing. Plaque to begin with is sticky colorless deposit at first and can be removed with brushing, but after a long period of time the plaque will harden and become dental calculus which is a thick crusty layer over the teeth and gums.

How much does it cost to remove dental calculus?

To remove dental calculus effectively a ultrasonic scaler is used which emits ultrasonic waves to remove the calculus. This is a rather standard procedure and costs will differ at different dental clinics. If there are also discoloration and stains then there is also the need for dental sandblasting.  Dental sandblasting is a harmless, non-invasive process that removes surface impurities that cannot be removed by brushing. A professional clean that includes dental sandblasting is more expensive so you could be expecting costs to start at over 300 RMB.

How often do you need your teeth cleaned professionally?

Generally speaking a 1 to 2 dental cleanings per year is sufficient for clients who have good dental hygiene. For those who suffer from gum disease then they can expect a dental cleaning every 3 to 6 months. Dental cleanings are affordable so make sure you at least see your dentist once a year for an appointment. Preventive measures are always better than having to go through treatment.

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 I Go To The Dentist When Pregnant?

During pregnancy can you get your teeth treated? Do you have to put up with the pain of a toothache because you’ve been told you can’t go to the dentist because you’re pregnant? The answer is you can still visit the dentist when pregnant but certain types of treatment cannot be carried out.

A lot of women during their pregnancy suffer from dental

problems but wait until they have given birth to visit the dentist because they are afraid of the harm it might do to their unborn child. Therefore, we suggest that prior to your pregnancy you should visit a dentist to sort out any dental problems.

Seeing a Dentist in Second Trimester of Pregnancy?

There’s a lot of articles online that state apart from the first trimester and third trimester it is safe to have some types of dental work done during the second trimester. The second trimester is considered the safest and most stable therefore getting simple dental work such as fillings and a scale and polish is allowed.

In most cases most pregnant patients put the safety of their unborn child first, so they usually choose traditional treatment which does not use medication and x-rays which will not affect their safety.

Therefore, during the second trimester it is safe to visit a dentist, but the dentist will likely advise that the expectant patient should hold off treatment until they have given birth. If it’s dental problems like wisdom teeth pericoronitis and infections the dentist will advise to treat the symptoms and hold off root canal therapy, tooth extraction or any other type of invasive surgery till after the birth of the child.

Tips: Visit a Dentist Before Getting Pregnant

To avoid the pain and discomfort of dental problems during pregnancy we highly recommend that you see a dentist before trying to conceive. Especially ladies with wisdom teeth problems, cavities, gum disease and periodontitis which need to be treated early on.  

Is it Worth Getting Veneers?

After getting veneers fitted many patients have different opinions after the procedure. One of the biggest advantages of veneers is that teeth will be instantly whiter but some patients say that they experience some soreness after enamel is removed to fit the veneer.

After having veneers fitted a lot of patients may experience the following after thoughts:

1. Once veneers have been fitted teeth will be whiter and you can have a great smile.

2. Veneers can cause occlusal problems and infection, so they don’t recommend getting veneers.

3. Regret getting composite resin veneers, their natural teeth looked better.

4. The first few days after getting porcelain veneers fitted it took time to get used to.

5. Since having veneers fitted patient’s teeth have gone from yellow to white, has given them some new found confidence.

6. Getting veneers fitted to repair diastema.

7. Want to whiten teeth but don’t want to damage teeth, composite resin veneers are a great option.

8. After the porcelain veneers patient was very happy, then the problems started. Would suggest getting cold-light whitening done instead.

With regards to veneers, patients should visit a professional clinic and dentist to carry out the procedure this way the possibilities of problems arising is greatly reduced. As for removing enamel to fit the veneers, in comparison to the removal of enamel for crowns it’s only the surface enamel which is removed for veneers.  

Tips: Before getting veneers it’s advised that you go through a consultation with your dentist and that you express your concerns and they can devise a treatment solution which is suitable for you.  

What You Need to Know About Braces & Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment isn’t simply just getting braces fitted, from the consultation stage to designing the treatment there are a lot of factors to consider. Getting braces is a nerve wracking experience for most people so here’s a simple guide so you know what to expect and can alleviate some of your anxiety.

1. Examination & Consultation

At your first appointment the orthodontist will take a look at your teeth and also take some x-rays and a mold of your teeth. They will then advise on a treatment plan designed just for you.

2. Treatment of Cavities & Gum Disease

Prior to orthodontic treatment if the patient has cavities or gum disease these need to be treated before any of the orthodontic treatment can begin.

3. Preparation for Braces

According to the treatment plan if your dentist advises that you need to have teeth removed this will need to be done over a few appointments, this includes removing wisdom teeth. If your teeth don’t need to be removed the orthodontist may carry out interproximal reduction where they remove enamel between the teeth.

4. Placing the Braces

Once the surface of the teeth have been conditioned and brackets are placed on the determined areas the wires will then be placed into the brackets. To begin with it will take time to adjust to braces, the teeth will feel pressure and discomfort. You may also find that sores or ulcers develop in the mouth this is normal.   

5. Appointments

Once the braces have been fitted you will need to go back to your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks. During the appointments the orthodontist will adjust the wires in order for the teeth to continue to move. The orthodontist will also advise about oral hygiene during appointments.

6. Removal of Braces & Retainer

Once your teeth have been straightened which can take between 1 or 2 years the braces can be removed. However, once the braces have been removed you need to wear a retainer. During the first 6 months to a year the teeth can still shift so you must wear your retainer to prevent this from happening.

For more information about getting braces you need to contact a professional orthodontist who can provide you a treatment plan that is tailor-made 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.

Getting a Porcelain Crown on Your Tooth

What to do if your tooth has cracked or broken? Is it best to get crown? This is a question that a lot of patients ask but before getting a crown you will have to have the enamel removed. In some cases you will need to get root canal treatment before fitting a crown.

After root canal treatment if you didn’t get a crown fitted this may result in the tooth being fragile and this can result in a cracked or broken tooth. Is it still possible to get a crown after the tooth has cracked or broken? Although it’s best to get a crown after root canal treatment but it’s still possible to get a crown after the tooth is broken.

How is a Crown Fitted?

Getting a crown fitted after root canal treatment can fully protect the tooth, using a porcelain crown instead of a traditional crown which aesthetically speaking is a lot more obvious. However, depending on the situation of the tooth different treatments will be done before the crown can be fitted.  

1. If it’s only a small area of the tooth that is broken or loose and no symptoms of pain when you bite down and it has been confirmed that there are no apical lesions. The area of damage can be removed and a porcelain crown can be fitted.

2. If the tooth has split into two parts and is loose accompanied with swelling, pain and the crack is deep then the pulp tissue has been damaged and possibly the root. After a examination and root canal treatment and fitting a crown can save the tooth.

3. If the tooth has split or right down the middle and the crack reaches the gum and it’s completely loose then the tooth might not be able to be preserved. If the tooth needs to be removed then the possibility of dentures will need to be considered.

Of course the treatment methods mentioned above are just suggestions and overall treatment and solutions can only be provided by a professional dentist with regards to the patient’s situation.