Q.
Are some people just more probne to teeth staining? I drink one cup of coffee a day and don’t smoke, yet my teeth seem to be gettiong quite discoloured, so much so I am considering teeth whitening? Am I just unlucky?
A.
You would be a great candidate for bleaching. Some people are just a bit more prone to discoloration due to how their teeth were formed.
Q.
Would you say floss is essential to good healthy teeth and gums. I know it can obvisouly have benefits but I just can’t bring myself to be bothered doing it once a day never mind twice. It jsut seems like so much effort. So, what is so important about it that I should do it?
A.
It depends on your level of health. You don’ need you teeth to be healthy. If you have healthy gums and teeth then you don’t need to floss. If you don’t then I would recommend you do whatever you can to keep your teeth and gums healthy including flossing. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
From out nowhere I have just noticed that there are loads of bumps scatterred about on my tongue/ They do not hurt but do not look very nice. What could it be?
A.
Most likely they are enlarged taste buds. But, to be sure, see your dentists for diagnosis.
Q.
Is 6 month smile quite a similar treatment to invisalign?
A.
Both are forms of Orthodontic treatment. 6 Month Smiles uses traditional bands and brackets in an accelerated time frame. Invisalign uses clear invisible aligners or trays to move the teeth. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I see that there is bleach teeth whitening and also laser teeth whitening. Could you tell me what the ain differences are between the two differing treatments in terms of the benefits and disadvantages please?
A.
Laser whitening is a procedure done in the dental office requiring a certain type of system. Bleaching through the home method is much simpler but takes alot longer to attain.
Q.
Is a mouth guard the only option to prevent damage to teeth from grinding in my sleep? Is there no cure for this?
A.
There is no cure for bruxism. The only way to protect your teeth is with a night guard.
Q.
Hello Dr Kirtley. When I was fifteen I managed to chip my front tooth through an accident and had a filling to sort it out. It never really looked all that good and the tooth has become a darkened coour over time like it is dieing or something. Now the filling has fallen out and all that is left is the black that is my tooth. I am now 20 and have limited funds to be frank with you. Do you know if there are any fianacial options for someone like me please? Thank you for taking the time to read my question.
A.
It is important to have this treated as soon as you can or there is a liklihood of losing it. This would result in the need for more involved treatment and more costly treatment. There are ususally options for financing to aid you in getting your treatment done.
Q.
Three years ago I had a tooth knocked out when I fell flat on my face. I didn’t get it treated as I didn’t have the money and the gum has started to cover the area. What treatment can be used to replace this tooth and give me a better smile?
A.
There are multiple possibilities depending on the health of the adjacent teeth and the amount of gum and bone lost due to the loss of the tooth. The options are:
2. Bonded bridge.
3. Conventional fixed bridge
4. Removable partial denture to replace the missing tooth.
All of these have advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with a dentist. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I am sure that I read not long ago that when brushing teeth it is best not to rinse your mouth out too much and to try and leave some of the toothpaste on your teeth and that this will benefit them. Is there any truth to this or is this just something someone made up?
A.
If you are using a thorough technique you should not have to worry about it. The only value would be a lingering freshness created by the residual tooth paste in the mouth.
Q.
Do you know if many practices offer monthly payments for dental treatment? What about Invisalign?
A.
I would expect most practices to have some form of monthly payment plans. Invislalign is involved with a company offering payment plans called Care Credit. Ask your dentist what form of payment options are available. Dr. Lemongello
View My Profile
Dr Kirtley
