Aesthetic Dentistry
Is concerned with the improvement of the appearance of the teeth, gums and/or bite. It requires a holistic appreciation of color, position, shape, size, alignment and the overall smile appearance.
Teeth Whitening
The Problem
Tooth stains usually occur on the outer white surface of teeth, known as the enamel. Substances like coffee, tea, wine and even tobacco (smoking) can leave coloured residues, making the teeth appear yellow/ brown/ black, thereby masking their real beauty.
FAQs
The Solution – We recommend a combination of Air-polishing Prophyjet. In conjunction with either a Take-Home Kit or Chairside Whitening option to remove those pesky stains.
Admin matters:
Questions about the procedure:
Professional whitening commonly uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten tooth colour by breaking down stain molecules. When whitening is appropriately prescribed and used as directed, it is generally considered a conservative treatment; temporary sensitivity and gum irritation can occur.
Take-Home Kit
Pros:
- Allows gradual adjustment of the desired shade
- Can be carried out at home according to the prescribed instructions
Cons:
- May take longer than chairside whitening to produce a noticeable change
- Requires consistent use of the trays as directed
Chairside
Pros:
- Performed in the clinic, commonly over one or more sessions
- Gum protection and whitening application are carried out by the dental team
Cons:
- Requires time in the clinic
- Tooth sensitivity is a recognised side effect of whitening and is usually temporary. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth may help reduce discomfort.
- Gum irritation can occur if whitening material contacts the gums. Measures such as gum barriers for chairside whitening and appropriately fitted take-home trays are used to limit unnecessary contact.
The duration of a whitening result varies between individuals and is influenced by factors such as diet, smoking and consumption of staining drinks. Maintenance or repeat whitening may be considered where appropriate.
Why Dr Mike Teoh Dental Clinic?
- Whitening treatment is carried out with magnification where appropriate to support visual assessment and placement of protective measures.
- Dental whitening should be assessed and prescribed according to the condition of your teeth and gums. A dentist can discuss whether whitening is suitable, the type of staining present, possible side effects and alternative treatment options.
Clear Aligners
The Problem
- Mis-aligned teeth (refer to iDental page), some examples include (not exhaustive):
- Crowding
- Spacing
- ‘Buck Teeth’ (Excessive Overjet)
- Fixed metal braces are ugly and hard to clean around
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Buck Teeth
- Fixed metal braces are ugly and hard to clean around
FAQs
Clear aligners can be used to treat a range of tooth-alignment concerns. Suitability depends on the type and complexity of tooth movement required, and some cases may be better managed with fixed braces or other approaches. Because aligners are removable, they can also make routine brushing and flossing more convenient.
Admin matters:
Questions about the procedure:
Both fixed braces and removable aligners use a gentle force to gradually move teeth. While fixed braces exert more of a ‘pulling’ force, clear aligners exert a ‘push’ force. Aligners are even able to focus on moving just one tooth at a time when necessary.
Aligners can treat most cases, however for certain complex cases, we may recommend fixed braces over aligners. You will need to wear your aligners consistently for 22 hours a day (excluding meal times) to see the best results!
Generally speaking, at every aligner change there will be very mild discomfort (dull aching feeling that will go away within a few days), which is easily controlled with pain medication.
Whenever possible, we will certainly avoid extracting teeth, but in certain cases like those with severe crowding, extractions cannot be avoided. Do speak to us on the different options available.
Prior to starting, we are able to give you a simulation on how your teeth would look like after treatment* (do note that this is only a simulation and actual results may vary due to multiple factors).
All types of clear aligner treatments fundamentally use the same principles to straighten your teeth. The main differences apart from cost, are: Tray design/ materials/ thickness, resulting in differences of comfort and how noticeable the aligners are in a patient’s mouth.
These are known as attachments, think of them as ‘handlebars’ for the clear aligners to ‘push’ against. This allows for deliberate and direct forces to be applied on teeth in order to move them in a specific path.
Veneers
The Problem
You may be dissatisfied with the size, shape, color and alignment of your teeth, and want a quick and lasting solution
FAQs
Dental veneers are thin restorations placed over the front surface of teeth and may be considered for selected concerns involving tooth shape, colour, size or appearance. Suitability, material choice and the amount of tooth preparation required vary between patients.
Admin matters:
Questions about the procedure:
They are basically thin shells of either resin or ceramic adhered to teeth – Think something like a mask, or fake nails for the ladies.
Resin
Pros:
- Reversible
- Usually can be done in a single-visit
- Able to be repaired when damaged
- More economical option
Cons:
- Prone to staining and discoloration
- Not as durable as ceramic veneers
Ceramic
Pros:
- Resistant to staining and discoloration
- More durable than resin veneers
Cons:
- Irreversible, as the tooth would need to be given a ‘haircut’ to make space for the ceramic
- Requires at least 2 visits for fabrication
This really depends on your lifestyle habits/ diet. Generally, resin veneers would last anywhere from ~4-8 years and ceramic veneers about ~10-15 years. We recommend regular 6 monthly check-ups to ensure your veneers are in tip-top condition.
Why Dr Mike Teoh Dental Clinic?
- Digital smile-design tools may be used to assist with visualisation and treatment planning where appropriate.
- Veneer treatment requires assessment of aesthetic, biological, mechanical and material considerations. A dentist can discuss whether veneers are suitable and explain alternative options, limitations and maintenance requirements.