Common questions about dental care
Are mouth rinses a necessary part of dental care?
Mouth rinses are not essential and cannot substitute tooth brushing and flossing. However, there are dental conditions such as gum disease and dry mouth that can benefit from special formulations. Discuss your preferences with your dentist before introducing one into your daily routine!
follow a pretty strict dental care routine at home. Do I still need professional cleaning?
Yes, you do! Brushing and flossing may be effective, but they may not reach every surface. Routine professional cleaning removes mature plaque and calculus deposits, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. This reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. And as a bonus, routine check-ups reduce the risk of tooth pain and tooth loss by detecting problems early!
How effective are professional teeth whitening procedures?
Teeth whitening products at home are fairly effective for maintaining white teeth. But to address significant staining and discolouration, your dentist will need to investigate the underlying causes and narrow the appropriate options. Professional whitening and bleaching procedures are highly effective and safe when performed by a qualified dentist.
What are the benefits of cosmetic dental procedures?
Cosmetic dental procedures produce customised, long-lasting results that enhance a patient’s appearance. For many patients, this helps boost their confidence. But more importantly, these procedures often correct chronic dental issues that may have affected their quality of life and improve patients’ long-term dental health.
When should I consider a cosmetic dental procedure?
At the very least, consider a consultation if you have imperfections that affect your speech or chewing. Issues like overlapping (crowded or misaligned) teeth, gaps between teeth and receding gums may increase your risk of tooth and gum disease. For other patients, the priority may be to improve their general appearance. Whatever your concern, speak with a qualified cosmetic dentist before making a decision.
I have a chipped/broken tooth. Can it be treated?
Yes, it can! Your dentist’s recommendation will depend on the size of the break and which tooth is affected. The options for straightforward chipping are bonding, which is used to restore the appearance of a tooth and veneers for chipped front teeth. Dental crowns that enclose an entire tooth are recommended for more substantial breaks. In severe breaks, your dentist may recommend removing the whole tooth and inserting an implant. Whatever the recommended treatment, rest assured that your dentist will work with you to restore your appearance and function, without affecting your bite or your lifestyle.
