Author Archives: leekong

Oral health Pt 1: Why is it so important?

Diagram of the palatine tonsils from U.S. Nati...

Structures of the oral cavity

Oral health is defined as the health of all oral structures and while the usual focus lies on teeth, it is important to not neglect other oral structures such as the lips, tongue, inside lining of the mouth, roof of mouth or palate, soft palate, throat, and tonsils. Periodontal health should also be taken into consideration, as they are the supporting structures of the teeth which is crucial for adequate retention of teeth. All these play an important role in the functioning of the mouth hence need to be maintained at a satisfactory level in order to prevent problems. Continue reading →

What happens after orthodontic braces treatment?

Maintaining straight teeth

There is a common misconception that orthodontic braces treatment is completed once it is removed. This is not true because like any other treatment, it requires maintenance. Just as how patients would care for their braces during treatment, they still need to carry that on after treatment. In fact, patients play the most important role in caring for their teeth after orthodontic braces due to ceased visits to their orthodontists.

Retention after braces

After the completion of orthodontic braces treatment, it is essential to follow it up with orthodontic retainers to ensure longevity and stability of the results. This is because during orthodontic treatment, crooked teeth are straightened by stretching and compressing the fibres around teeth. Continue reading →

All about tooth sensitivity: Part 2

Continued from ‘All about tooth sensitivity: Part 1‘

Is tooth sensitivity a problem?

Generally tooth sensitivity is not a serious dental problem and is fairly well tolerated by most people. In a subgroup of the population though, sensitive tooth can be severe, to the extent that even a gentle blow of air on those surfaces can be very uncomfortable and unbearable.

Tooth sensitivity is not uncommon and most people would have experienced it at some point of their lives. But usually our saliva, which by nature is filled with minerals; act as a protective mechanism by sealing the area of exposed dentine. This is done through laying down of mineral deposits over a period of time, which explains the reason behind sensitive tooth needing a couple of days before it settles down. Professional scale clean can inevitably remove this soft layer, allowing dentine to be exposed again, resulting to tooth sensitivity. But this does not usually cause a problem as normal saliva will recreate the seal in a matter of days, sometimes hours. Continue reading →

All about tooth sensitivity: Part 1

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental condition where the teeth becomes extremely sensitive to hot and cold, leading to tooth pain. It affects quite a number of adults, sometimes affecting their lifestyle where certain food with extreme temperatures such as ice-cream or hot coffee needs to be taken cautiously or in some cases, avoided completely.

Cause of tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs due to the exposure of dentinal tubules layer of the teeth which is usually protected by enamel. There are a range of factors that can contribute to dentine exposure, such as tooth grinding, broken tooth, tooth erosion, defective tooth filling, tooth whitening, tooth straightening, dental crown or bridge work and so forth. These are explained as followed: Continue reading →

Toothbrushes for Braces and Orthodontics

Orthodontic toothbrush

People with orthodontic braces require special and more detailed oral hygiene care as extra material or appliances fitted in the mouth acts as food and plaque trap. Although orthodontic appliances are extremely useful in straightening teeth, having braces will indefinitely make it harder to maintain standard oral hygiene care practices as extra effort is required to clean around the brackets and wire. Improper removal of plaque and food debris or poor oral hygiene care practices can make some people particularly susceptible to dental problems such as gingivitis and dental caries. Thus is it essential to use proper plaque removing agent such as a good orthodontic toothbrush to prevent plaque stagnation around tooth.

Continue reading →

Tooth dilaceration

Tooth dilaceration is a developmental problem which involves the malformation of tooth either at the crown or root portion. This results in altered morphology or shape of the tooth, commonly manifest as extreme bends or curves in an otherwise straight tooth.

Cause of tooth dilaceration

The usual cause behind tooth dilaceration is trauma to the tooth while it is still forming. This causes a distortion in position of the forming tooth, resulting in the remaining part to form at an angle. The extent and point of dilaceration, whether it affects the crown or the root, is determined by the trauma induced. Continue reading →

Your guide to home tooth whitening

Teeth Whitening

As in-office bleaching or professional tooth whitening costs increase, many people are turning to cheaper and more affordable alternatives to achieve a whiter smile. Though in-office tooth whitening have a higher success rate, many people swear by home tooth whitening and claim that it is just as effective in removing yellow stains.

Why choose home tooth whitening systems?

The main difference between home tooth whitening systems and professional tooth whitening besides the cost is the concentration of bleaching ingredient or tooth whitening product. In-office tooth whitening which are prescribed only by dentists such as the Zoom teeth whitening system generally have a higher concentration hence the more effective and results are attained quicker. Home tooth whitening products generally contain very low levels of bleach and in some cases the content might be negligible. Hence it is important for those who want to opt for home tooth whitening kits to look around for the best and most effect method or product to avoid wasting money unnecessarily. Continue reading →

Top tips to care for adult orthodontic braces

Adult orthodontic braces care

There is a common conception of adult orthodontic braces being used to straighten teeth but many of us do not actually understand the amount of care required in maintaining them. Adult orthodontic braces care is important as it is also a crucial part of treatment, as much as teeth straightening. Its importance is commonly undermined as orthodontic braces are usually associated with the orthodontist taking a more active determinant role in treatment, rather than the patient. But this is not true as adult orthodontic braces care is as, if not more important due to its responsibility being solely dependent on the patient. This will and can significantly alter or influence the outcome of orthodontic treatment. Continue reading →

Tooth straightening with invisible braces

Invisble braces

There are many of us, especially older teenagers and adults who are concerned with the way our teeth looked. And yet, we cannot really do much about those unsightly crooked teeth because we do not want to be seen wearing orthodontic braces at an old age. This can be said as one of the biggest factor hindering adults from seeking orthodontic treatment, simply because orthodontic braces can be more unpleasant looking than their existing crooked teeth. This has all come to a change with the development of invisible braces, also known as clear dental braces which are not only highly aesthetic, but also straightens teeth at the same time, increasing the demand for adult dental braces.

Lingual Braces

In the older days, aesthetic braces are done by fitting orthodontic metal braces on the inside surface of the teeth, facing the palate and the tongue. This is known as lingual braces. This method although is aesthetic, is not as effective compared with orthodontic braces placed on the front surface of teeth and can also be very traumatic to the tongue. Continue reading →

Does Zoom Teeth Whitening System actually works?

Zoom teeth whitening system

Zoom is a type of teeth whitening system made popular by the ABC network’s Extreme Makeover show. Zoom teeth whitening system is used to bleach teeth which are discolored, giving them a whiter appearance. It is generally done as an in-office bleaching procedure, or otherwise known as professional bleaching. In other words, this can only be done by your dentist as opposed to home teeth whitening kits due to the high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide involved and the need of extra measures to protect gums and other soft tissues.

How does the Zoom teeth whitening system work?

Teeth whitening systems such as Zoom and Britesmile, another highly popular brand, are commonly categorized under laser teeth whitening. Strictly speaking, they are actually light activated teeth whitening products where a blue-green spectrum light is utilized to catalyze bleaching reaction of tooth whitening gel applied on surfaces of teeth. The incorporation of light claims to not only activate the active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, it also allows further penetration into tooth structure, resulting in greater bleaching capacity.

To date, there are contraindicating reports regarding the efficacy of blue light in terms of activating bleaching products. Most pointed out that there is no significant evidence supporting such need, whilst others remained positive of its vital role in enhancing bleaching results. Continue reading →

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