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Q. |
When would you consider tooth
bleaching?
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|
A. |
You
would consider tooth bleaching if your teeth have yellowed with age or are
stained from tobacco, tea, coffee or food.
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|
Q. |
What are the
practical expectations of tooth bleaching?
|
|
A. |
Every case is different, but
generally there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist’s
shade guide. The success rate relies on the types of stain involved,
your compliance, and the material and method
used.
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|
Q. |
How long does tooth bleaching
last?
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|
A. |
Depending on your personal habits such as smoking
and drinking coffee or tea, tooth whitening should last from one to
five years.
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|
Q. |
Do
over-the-counter bleaching products work?
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|
A. |
Some over-the-counter bleaching
products do whiten teeth, but many of the products can damage teeth
with extended use or misuse because they are too abrasive or use
ill-fitting trays. Some materials contain titanium dioxide that
actually put a temporary pigment coating on the teeth. Although
small doses of titanium dioxide are considered safe, the net effect
is to put a layer of "paint" on the teeth that is soon
lost.
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|
Q. |
|
|
A. |
Orthodontics, also known as malocclusion or
“bad bite”, is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis,
prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
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|
Q. |
What is an orthodontist?
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|
A. |
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone
specialized training to require the advanced qualifications and
specialized skills required to give their patients quality
treatment.
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|
Q. |
What causes
orthodontic
problems?
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|
A. |
Most orthodontic problems are inherited, but some
are acquired.
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|
Q. |
What is the importance of
orthodontic treatment?
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|
A. |
Orthodontic treatment is important because crooked
and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may lead to
conditions tooth decay, but eventually cause gum disease and tooth
loss. Malocclusion (bad bite) can also lead to pain associated with
TMD.
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|
Q. |
What does
orthodontic treatment involve?
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|
A. |
Orthodontic treatment usually
involves wearing braces prescribed and designed by the orthodontist.
You may feel some tenderness as the teeth start to move. By placing
a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces
can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new
desirable position.
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|
Q. |
How long does
orthodontic treatment take?
|
|
A. |
Generally, orthodontic
treatment time with braces ranges from 1 to 3 years. Early treatment
procedures may take only a few months. The actual time depends on
the growth of the patient’s mouth and face, the cooperation of the
patient and the how severe the problem is.
|
|
Q. |
How much does
orthodontic treatment cost?
|
|
A. |
The actual cost of treatment
relies very much on the individual case and depends largely on the
length and complexity of treatment.
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|
Q. |
What toothpaste
should your child use?
|
|
A. |
You should use a match-head
sized amount of toothpaste. The use of toothpaste should not begin
until 2 years of age.
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|
Q. |
When should you start taking
children to see a dentist?
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A. |
It is recommended that children see a dentist by age
one and definitely by 16 months of age.
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|
Q. |
How often should a child see a
dentist?
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A. |
It is recommended that the child be seen every six
months after the initial examination.
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|
Q. |
Why is it important to care for
primary or baby teeth?
|
|
A. |
It
is important to care for primary teeth because they are much more
susceptible to tooth decay than the permanent teeth. There are many other
reasons.
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|
Q. |
How are
digitized X-rays beneficial?
|
|
A.
|
Digitized X-rays reduce the
exposure of radiation to the patient, and eliminate the film and
darkroom processing within the dental office. |
