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Q. |
When would you consider
tooth
whitening?
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|
A. |
You would consider
tooth
whitening 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 whitening?
|
|
A. |
Every case is different,
but generally there is a two-shade improvement on your
teeth 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 whitening
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 tooth
whitening
products work?
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|
A. |
Some over-the-counter
tooth whitening 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. |
What is orthodontics?
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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?
|
|
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
TMJ.
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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,
dental 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.
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|
Q. |
How much does orthodontic treatment
cost?
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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?
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A.
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Digitized X-rays reduce
the exposure of radiation to the patient, and eliminate the film and
darkroom processing within the dental office.
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