Q.
My dentist has informed me that I may have a case of flurosis, but that he will need to have a further look on my next appointment. Could you please tell me exactly what this is and how I can prevent it? My dentist did not seem too worried by it.
A.
Fluorosis is a benign condition where too much fluoride has been taken up into the tooth during its development and the enamel of the tooth is affected. There is no way for you to prevent it once the teeth have formed. It usually results in discoloration of the tooth. Other than a cosmetic issue it is not a problem.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
My teeth are too tightly packed together for dental floss to work. Are there any special floss’ available on the market for such cases?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. There is dental floss which is like a piece of string or there are also dental tapes. Try both to see which will work best. The other thing to mention is it is unusual to not be able to floss as the teeth are too tight but you can if needed use interdental brushes to make sure the areas inbetween your teeth are cleaned throughly.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I have a complete upper denture and have had this for quite some time now. However, their colour has gotten darker over time and they are not looking quite so good at the moment. Is it possible to get dentures whitened, or are there any other alternative options?
A.
It is not possible to whiten your existing denture. Is that what you really want? As the denture material ages it starts to look artificial and collects bacteria that cannot be removed. The teeth start to wear and it gives an aged appearance. You may be surprised to hear that dentures should be replaced or relined every five years. The only way to improve it is to have a new one made. With today’s new denture materials and smile design techniques we can create beautiful, natural looking smiles with dentures.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
My dentist has informed me that my teeth have weak enamel and that this could lead to further problems unless I take better care of my teeth. Are there any toothpaste of mouthwas which are particularly good for upholding tooth enamel?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. The toothpaste which springs to mind is pronamel by sensodyne, which has been proved to help strengthen enamel. Also, a fluoridated mouthwash will also help keep teeth healthy and strong. But, remember, dental decay is more down to frequency of sugar intake. Try to limit your main sugar consumption to the three main meals of the day. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I am now into my late 20s and have a problem where my front teeth slightly protrude. Are braces able to fix this easily enough, or is another treatment a better option? Hope to hear from you soon.
A.
Braces are an option for most alignment issues. Treatment time can be lengthy and wearing braces can be uncomfortable. Porcelain veneers are also an option, and can be done in just a few appointments. A porcelain veneer is a thin porcelain covering on the face of the tooth that can change the shape, position and color of a tooth.
Q.
If
wisdom teeth come through and begin to mess with the straightness of other surrounding teeth then is it just best to get them removed? Or are they necessary to the functioning of the mouth?
A.
If wisdom teeth are causing a problem they should be removed. In most cases they are not necessary for function.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I was given four crowns to replace some missing teeth but have noticed that they have got slightly discoloured. Is it possible to get the colour of these brightened to that of my normal teeth without the need to get new ones altogether?
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. Unfortunately crowns can not be whitened so the only option would be to have them redone. Hope this is helpful.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Q.
I have what I would consider as relatively good teeth, though I do have a problem with my two front teeth being slightly crooked. I would like to get this treated, but do not like the idea of braces. Would you be able to advise me on an effective yet cheap method to get this done?
A.
The teeth could be re-aligned by placing porcelain veneers on the face of the teeth. This is done by removing the portion of the tooth that is protruding and replacing the face of the tooth with a porcelain covering. You may need to treat more than just the two teeth to achieve balance in your smile design.
Q.
My gums seem to be receeding, and this is making both my teeth and gums quite sensitive. I think I may be a little too forecful when brushing my teeth – could this be the cause? Would you be able to advise me on the necessary treatment?
A.
There are many causes of gum recession. It may be over aggressive brushing with a hard brush. Other causes are genetic, position of the tooth if the teeth are crowded and grinding of the teeth (bruxism). All of these would need to be evaluated and addressed before advice on your treatment can be given. Treatment may be as simple as a switching to a soft tooth brush and being less aggressive. Other treatment may involve straightening your teeth and adjusting your bite. Still, further treatment may be gum grafting to replace what is lost. I would recommend you see a Periodontist and let him evaluate the situation. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Hi Dr Solanki. Would you happen to be in the know as to whether you can get your gums lightned, similar to that of teeth hiwtening? I have heard about this starting in America but nothing here. I would really like to get this done as my gums are a nasty dark colour after too much smoking.
A.
Hi, many thanks for your email. At the moment there is no clinic that i am aware of in england thats is offering this type of treatment.
Dr Kailesh Solanki
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