Expert Answers

Q.
Hello Dr. Lerner and Dr. Lemongello! I’m in my mid teenage years and need to have something done to my teeth; but, I do not want metal braces which is what my orthodontist insists on. Because I feel its an awkwardly late time to get braces, I’m hoping you could enlighten me with a different solution? I had my two canine teeth pulled in July (they’ve finally grown back in… smiling with missing teeth was imaginably not fun, especially when you’re not 7 years old). Since, my teeth have become more crooked. I have a minor open bite (compared to google image results its not bad) on the left side of my mouth. I love the idea of Invisalign and/or lingual. Invisalign corrects cross bites, but, does it also correct open bites?? I visited an orthodontist who said lingual would be too complicated because my teeth weren’t straight enough. Am I nuts for thinking that I should just get invisalign, straighten out my teeth, and if my open bite remains get lingual braces? Again, the idea of having metal braces at college interviews is a scary one that I’d very much like to never become a reality!!! Thank you so much for your time and advice, I REALLY appreciate it!

Q.
I had a filling replaced 3 weeks ago. 1 week after this was done I can’t open my mouth wide enough to eat food like a sandwich, etc. without having terrible jaw pain.
While the work was being done, I had very bad jaw pain while trying to keep my mouth open, but it stopped once he was done.
I’ve had this jaw pain now for almost 2 weeks. I can eat food as long as I don’t open my mouth wide. It doesn’t hurt to touch my jaw inside or out, I just can’t open very wide to eat without pain.
My dentist thinks that my jaw is sprained and I have inflammation. He gave my Tylenol #3 to take for a few days. I just want it to get better.

Thank you,

Q.
Hello Drs Lerner and Lemengello. Can you help me – I have four crowns which are front central and in the upper set of teeth. I have had 3 operations as regularly have abscesses that flair up and the gum has been cut open every time. I have been told it wouldn’t be a good idea to have implants because an abscess can occur anytime and the implants will need to be removed. I am very extremely worried and embarrassed about my implants and that they can move and fall out at any time. I am just wondering if you could give some advice? Many thanks 

Q.
Dear Drs Lerner and Lemengello. My daughter just had a Maryland bridge placed in last wk. The adjacent teeth have darkened after its placement due to the metal wings . Is there anything that can be done about it?. How difficult and painful is it to take the bridge off should I decide Im not comfortable with the way it looks?. Thank you. Are there any other alternatives to it? Thanks! and i hope you have a good day.

Q.
i am asking about dental implants. the sedation used for this procedure what effect does it take? will i be put to sleep or just out of it?

Q.
I have had my denture for around four years now and have had no problems before. Obviously it took time to get used to it but ever since then… Now it feels slightly loose and I am worried that it may fall out and break when I laugh or talk too enthusiastically. Is there anything that can be done to stop this?

Q.
what treatment is given by dentists for gingivitis and how long into the diagnosis should the treatment start

Q.
I know there are a lot of dental products on the market but is it not enough to just brush my teeth twice a day. Flossing seems like a lot of effort but I suppose mouthwash would not be too much hastle to add to my routine. Do I need to do more?

Q.
I have a crown which I have now had for a few years but I have noticed that the rest of my teeth are getting relatively discoloured. Teeth whitening is something I have heard bits and bobs about but I am not exactly sure what this would involve. Would I be able to get it done if I have a crown?

Q.
In your opinion would you say smoking about four times every two weeks could have a bad effect on teeth? This is quite minimal and I do clean my teeth morning and night so I hope not???