|
A beautiful smile makes a person so much more appealing and increases his / her chances for career success. Without a doubt, a smile is a most important social asset.
If you have reservations about smiling because of the appearance of discoloured teeth, teeth-whitening may be your solution. However, there are many misconceptions about teeth-whitening. Dr Wilson Goh, Managing Director and Founder of Team GPA (rated the best dental service in Asia), clears up some of these common misconceptions.
MISCONCEPTION 1: All teeth-whitening are the same.
Natural teeth come in a wide range of colors, from off white to yellow to very dark brown or grey. The enamel can be thick, thin, cracked, rough, smooth and can be either porous or sealed. Hence, no two sets of teeth are the same.
There are hundreds of different products and many different methods of whitening. Many commercial over-the-counter whitening products differ in terms of the technology, including active ingredients, application, treatment time and price. There are tray-based whitening systems, strips, paint-ons, and whitening wands. Most of such kits take weeks, or even months, before you even see some results.
Whitening process should be designed for your teeth. Clinical technology and expertise are vital for optimum results. With proper technology and a dentist to oversee the process, better results can be achieved in lesser time. Certain clinics have advanced system and technology such as GPA’s Teeth-whitening System which can provide predictable results in one hour.
MISCONCEPTION 2: Teeth-whitening is painful and uncomfortable.
To ensure that discomfort is kept minimal, teeth-whitening should only be administered by dentists or certified dental therapists.
Ill-fitting mouth tray causes scrapping and may result in gum irritation or irreversible gum recession in worst cases. A proper assessment by a professional and experienced dentist is required to determine the ideal concentration of the peroxide for best results and to provide a mouth piece molded to fit your teeth perfectly to minimise discomfort.
MISCONCEPTION 3: Teeth-whitening is not safe and it will weaken my teeth.
Selecting a good dental clinic to ensure safety and the best results is important. A good dental clinic will have reliable equipment that is proven safe and effective. BriteSmile for example is certified in the US and is one of the leading brands for professional teeth-whitening used by dentists like Team GPA. Procedure that is not performed by a certified dental surgeon or therapist should be avoided.
In good dental clinics such as Team GPA, there is no laser, heat and scraping involved. Only two simple elements: gel and light.
The proprietary gel used in Team GPA’s whitening system contains only 15% peroxide and is buffered at a near-neutral pH value that is compatible with tooth enamel. To ensure further safety, the gel also contains other ingredients such as glycerin and highly purified water to prevent tooth dehydration.
The blue LED light is also clinically proven safe for tooth enamel as well as skin. There is virtually no heat and no harmful UV light.
MISCONCEPTION 4: Teeth-whitening is expensive. Only celebrities can afford to whiten their teeth.
With an increasing demand for teeth-whitening, prices are competitive. No longer are teeth-whitening procedures charged at sky-high prices. Good supplier relationship also enables dental clinics such as Team GPA to purchase products and supplies in large numbers to keep prices lower. The GPA teeth-whitening system is S$1500 and it includes the full treatment in one visit, in just an hour.
MISCONCEPTION 5: Teeth-whitening is suitable for everyone
The tooth’s nerve chamber is very large among children and adolescents. This may heighten discomfort or sensitivity. We do not recommend teeth-whitening to people below 18 years old. However, studies have shown that teenagers, aged 14 years old, who have had braces, are also able to undergo teeth-whitening.
Teeth-whitening is also unsuitable for people with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel, cavities or that are particularly sensitive. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers. Traces of chemical may pass through the placenta barrier and appear in breast milk.
Tooth-coloured crowns, caps or other dental work cannot be whitened. People with sensitive gums or other oral problems should always consult a professional to determine the method that is best for them.
MISCONCEPTION 6: Teeth-whitening lasts forever
How long the result lasts depends on how well you clean your teeth as well as your dietary patterns and lifestyle. Maintenance is key to help teeth stay whiter for longer.
Dentists should work with you to tailor a maintenance program that will help you keep your smile white. Our practise at GPA is to understand each individual’s lifestyle and help offer a program that is not intrusive of your lifestyle.
MISCONCEPTION 7: Teeth-whitening can lighten my teeth, fillings veneers, crowns and bridges.
Only teeth whiten. Whitening products do not affect or lighten crowns, bridges, veneers, bonding and fillings. With home teeth-whitening kit, you may end up with lighter teeth and darker restorations. For good results, always consult a dentist before commencing on teeth-whitening.
MISCONCEPTION 8: The degree of whitening is dependent on the individual
Not all patients who undergo teeth-whitening are satisfied with the treatment. With enough experience, Team GPA is able to assess and do a fairly accurate prediction of the degree of whiteness that will be achieved. Other procedures like veneers, crowns and reshaping of your teeth will also help patients avoid disappointment and satisfy them the best possible result.
Contributed by GPA Clinic.
GPA Centre For Dentistry
600 North Bridge Road #14-04/05,
Parkview Square
Singapore 188778
Telephone: (65) 6 732 1020
Go to Top
Q. What are braces?
Orthodontic braces are devices used by orthodontists to correct dental malalignment. They are used to engage a wire that will exert forces on the teeth and dental bone to enable teeth to move. Orthodontic braces are made of biologically compatible materials like stainless steel or ceramic.
Q. Why the need for braces?
Orthodontics have always been marketed as a means to achieve straight and beautiful teeth. There are many more benefits of straightening a set of crooked teeth than just aesthetics. Some benefits of straightening your set of teeth include easier brushing, more effective bite, better speech, improved lip position and for some, even a better facial profile.
Q. How do I know if I or my children need braces?
An orthodontic evaluation by an orthodontist will reveal if orthodontics is beneficial for you or your child. One easy way to assess is of course by just looking at the aesthetics of your or your child’s teeth. However, only a clinical and radiographic examination will reveal any teeth eruption or growth problems.
Q. Who can get braces? Are there any specific age groups?
Orthodontic treatment is not restricted to children and teenagers. The number of adults seeking orthodontic care has been increasing meteorically the past few years. Advances in orthodontic technology have made orthodontic treatment less painful and more invisible, hence, translating into less lifestyle restrictions for adults during treatment.
Q. Do braces hurt? Can I still eat with braces on?
The new braces and technology have made orthodontic treatment much more comfortable and have made treatment time faster. Patients can expect some degree of discomfort during the first few days after the first placement of braces; however, this discomfort will gradually ease off after that initial phase. A soft diet is usually advocated during this initial phase of discomfort. Overall, there is no demand for a change in lifestyle after commencement of orthodontic treatment; in fact braces should complement it.
Q. How long do I need to wear braces for?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies according to the difficulty of the presenting malocclusion. Simple cases can be completed in less than a year, whereas the more complicated ones can last up to two years or more. Good oral care and maintaining regular orthodontic appointments, i.e. every four to six weeks will play a part in ensuring the smooth and short process or orthodontic treatment.
Q. Can I get braces from any dentist? Why do I need to see an orthodontist?
Orthodontists are specialised dentists to correct dental and facial irregularities. They go through additional training from dental school to focus in the field of orthodontics.
Because treating crooked teeth and maligned jaws is their focus, you can be assured that you are in an expert’s hands.
Q. What options of braces do I have?
Conventional orthodontics involves the placement of braces on the teeth surface and insertion of a wire across the braces to align the teeth. Many new developments in orthodontics focus on making braces as aesthetically pleasing as possible e.g. Ceramic brackets. InvisalignR is a type of orthodontic appliance, which is both invisible and removable. It comprises of a series of clear aligners to assist in tooth movement.
In children, some may require removable plastic plates to move specific teeth. Extra-oral appliances may also be indicated to correct growth problems.
The duration of orthodontic treatment ranges from six months to two years, depending on the type and degree of the presenting problem.
Q. How much do traditional braces cost on average?
The cost of orthodontic braces is dependent on the complexity of the malocclusion and the choice of material for the braces. The ceramic braces are the braces of choice for the more conscious adults and are more aesthetically pleasing. Self legating braces remove the need for colourful rubber bands and reduces the discomfort of wearing braces.
Q. How often do patients need to switch aligners?
A new aligner will be issued every two weeks depending on patient’s compliance with the aligner wear.
Please feel free to contact Dr VicPearly Wong, T32 Dental Clinic if you need additional information.
T32 Dental Centre Pte Ltd
1 Orchard Boulevard
#17-00
Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
Tel: (65) 6733 1388
Go to Top
Q. What is a dental laser?
When a laser is structured and used for dentistry purposes either for hard or soft tissue, it is considered a dental laser.
Q. Are lasers new to dentistry?
Laser has been explored for use in dentistry since about 30 years ago. It was a very promising development then but had some problems such as heat transmission and wavelengths being only useful for specific tissues. The first commercialized dental laser was the argon laser. Later, diode, Nd-YAG and CO2 laser became popular for soft tissue uses like for gum and cheeks area, while the Erbium - YAG laser was promising for the hard tissues like bone and teeth. The latest Waterlase MD that we are using seemed to have hit home by using the YSGG- YAG laser that is very useful for both hard and soft tissues, while being able to overcome issues like heat transmission and unwanted tissue destruction.
Q. How does laser dentistry reduce and eliminate pain?
Laser can produce 'numbing' effect on both gum and teeth when used in certain lower power. The theory is that the specific power setting resonates with the target tissues and blocks pain fibres transmission, thereby reducing pain. It is called laser anaesthesia. It reduces heat transmission and vibration associated with the dental drill. Procedures are specific and precise target with the laser. There is less destruction of tooth or gum - more conservative and precise work. Combining laser with water and air, the technology of Waterlase MD gives a cooling and soothing effect. It aids better and faster healing after the procedures and reduces post procedure and healing discomfort. Also, laser reduces scar formation.
Q. What types of procedures can the laser do?
Laser is suitable for a number of procedures:
Conservative caries elimination and preparation of tooth cavity. Also very useful for laser etching of tooth cavity to optimize bonding of materials to tooth. It means less chance of your fillings, restorations and crowns falling out.
Soft tissue uses like gum recontouring, tongue -tie elimination, frenectomy, growths and tumours excision, surgery flaps etc.
Ulcers and sores. Immediate relief and faster healing.
Hard tissue work like tooth extraction, bone recontouring, wisdom tooth surgery, implant surgery etc.
Root canal treatment, for ensuring elimination of bacteria to give more assured results.
Gum treatment like deep root planting, deep tartar elimination and bacteria elimination, crown lengthening.
Possible for crown and bridge work, veneers etc.
Teeth whitening.
Q. Does it take special training to use a dental laser?
Yes, training and licensing is mandatory for dental surgeons who want to use a dental laser. The equipments and certifications have to be registered with the Health sciences Authority in Singapore. We at GPA had to put all dentists in the team through both local and overseas training and to ensure all are licensed with the relevant authorities.
Q. How will I know if laser dentistry is for me?
As the use of laser in dentistry is very wide and new uses are constantly being discovered, laser dentistry is virtually for everyone, young and old. To put it simply, laser has allowed dentists to work efficiently and patients are able to have the option of faster, and less painful dentistry which means less drilling, less injections and less use of the scalpels in many procedures.
Please feel free to contact Dr Wilson Goh, GPA clinic if you need additional information.
GPA Centre For Dentistry
600 North Bridge Road #14-04/05,
Parkview Square
Singapore 188778
Telephone: (65) 6 732 1020
Go to Top
|
|
