What Causes Teeth to Crack?

When small fine cracks start to appear on teeth, most people do not know or pay little attention to this problem. It is usually during a scale and polish a dentist may spot the problem. Therefore, is treatment required for this?

Although teeth are the most amazing sensory organ of the body and has the hardest tissue of the body known as enamel. However, teeth can still be worn down and the appearance of cracks to some extent is considered normal. So do you have to treat teeth with small cracks?  

Some patients think that small cracks which are shallow and not obvious to the eye that does not cause any aesthetic issues does not require treatment. There are also patients who take this issue seriously and start protecting their teeth to prevent these crack from forming into larger cracks and start treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention is Better than Treatment

The reason for fine cracks to appear in teeth could be down to a number of reasons such as eating overly hard foods and damage to the tooth. If you don’t have any sensitivity to hot and cold, other symptoms or change in color of the tooth you currently don’t require any treatment. You should however pay more attention to oral hygiene and take extra care of the teeth.  

If you already have pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures you need to start using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or make an appointment with your dentist for Dental Desensitization Therapy using composite resin to repair the tooth. Extra care needs to be taken after with restrictions of eating hard foods if you continue the cracks in the teeth will get bigger and deeper and this could result in the need for root canal treatment and in more serious cases the eventual removal of the tooth. Therefore, we stress the importance of seeing a dentist as soon as you notice cracks in the teeth and a change in color. 

The Cost of Nanocomposite Fillings

What’s the difference between nanocomposite and ordinary composite resin, which is better? When speaking of composite resin most people know that there are different types and come in at different prices. For example nanocomposite, ordinary composite and SonicFill.

Nanocomposite is Better than Ordinary Composite?

In terms of materials, nanocomposite offers the best performance in comparison to ordinary composite. The main reason is that nanocomposite offers a good adhesive formula which means that its strong and durable and offers a natural finish which matches the shade of natural teeth.

So does that mean that nanocomposite is better than ordinary composite? This is not always the case, other factors that need to be considered is the skills and techniques of the dentist and the location of the damaged tooth. In most cases if the dentist has good techniques and skills using a ordinary composite can also give very good results. In more specific cases the use of nanocomposite is considered better.  

How Much is Nancomposite Fillings?

Nanocomposite filling costs are based on how many teeth that require fillings. Therefore, the more teeth that require fillings the more expensive. In comparison to ordinary composite fillings, extra durable nanocomposite fillings can start at a price of 800 Yuan per tooth.

Of course, prices will differ in different dental clinics, with some costing only 100 Yuan. However, we recommend that you visit a professional dentist and clinic for treatment as cheap fillings may not last and can also fall out meaning that you would have to fillings done again.

Pain Associated With Interproximal Reduction

Interproximal reduction is generally used to create space between teeth and prevent extraction of teeth for orthodontic treatment. The thought of interproximal reduction is quite nerve wracking, however it is just shaving a small amount of enamel from between the teeth. Though after the procedure some patients have expressed that they feel discomfort and tooth sensitivity, is this related to interproximal reduction?

The shaving of the enamel is restricted to the surface of the enamel layer, there are no nerves present on the enamel layer, therefore patients should not feel any pain during the interproximal reduction, general anesthetic is not required. In most cases, interproximal reduction is limited to 0.2mm – 0.5mm which is considered safe and will not do any harm to the teeth.  

Feeling Pain After Interproximal Reduction is Normal?

Interproximal reduction only involves removing enamel from the enamel layer and there is still quite a distance from the dentin. But you may still feel sensitivity to hot or cold and also some pain this is all considered normal. If you feel these symptoms on the long term then you need to make an appointment with your dentist.

A lot of patients ask if the pain is due to removing too much enamel and has caused damage to the dentin. The answer is this is not always the case as it’s only the surface enamel which has been removed and will not have got as deep to the dentin. There is also no need to file down to the dentin and usually after a interproximal reduction a scale and polish is done to make the teeth smoother and resistant to cavities.

Other things to look out for after interproximal reduction is bleeding gums, infection, swelling and bleeding, these are all considered normal. This means gum are not health and it require attention and treatment. Another issue to take into account is that interproximal reduction is only suitable for teeth that are slightly overcrowded, if teeth are very overcrowded then teeth will have to be extracted. 

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. 

Fluorosis can be Removed with Scale & Polish?

A lot of patients seem to think that a scale and polish can solve stains on teeth. A scale and polish is only a part of dental hygiene and cannot be viewed as a form of treatment or solution.  

Fluorosis is where the teeth are laced with white markings and slightly discolored. In more serious cases of fluorosis staining can range from yellow to dark brown. Aesthetically speaking for those who have fluorosis this is usually the biggest confidence let down. So can a scale and polish improve fluorosis?

Scale & Polish Can Fix Fluorosis?

There is often the misconception that any staining brushing can’t remove a scale and polish can sort it. However, this is not the case below are the reasons why.

A professional scale and polish can only remove stains and pigmentation on the surface of the teeth, stains usually caused by wine, tea or eating dark colored foods. Also dental calculus and plaque build-up which cause discoloration can be removed. In such cases a scale and polish coupled with dental sandblasting can restore the teeth to their natural color.  

It must be emphasized fluorosis is not an external stain but develops due to high levels of fluoride ingestion when teeth are developing. Therefore, a scale and polish are unable to remove fluorosis as it’s not a surface stain.  

Whitening Treatment for Fluorosis

If fluorosis is only slightly yellow on the teeth then you inquire about using bleaching methods to improve the shade, for example cold-light whitening.

If the teeth affected by fluorosis are damaged then cold-light whitening is not considered an option. This is when veneers are recommended which a choice between composite resin veneers, porcelain veneers or using crowns to cover the teeth.