Smile for Life Blog » cosmetic dentistry

What does gum contouring involve?

Dr Kailesh Solanki — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:12:55 +0000

Q.
My gums cover my front teeth too much in my opinion and I want to get this sorted out. I have been looking into gum controuing, but am worried about how painful the procedure will be. It doesn not sound a very nice procedure and was hoping you could enlighten me?

A.
Hi, many thanks for your email, there are many ways of doing gum contouring, the most traditional way would be to cut the unneccesary gum area with a scapal, then the underlying bone is also removed to maintain the biological width, which is basically the space between the gum and bone. The gum is then tacked back into place with very fine stitches and left to heal. The healing times are usually around 10-16 weeks for full maturation of the gums.

The second way would be to use a soft tissue laser to cut away the gums and a hard tissue laser to take away the bone. The procedure is less surgically based and sometimes does not require stitches. However, some of the more renowed periodontists still favour the more traditional method as it is more predictable.

Both treatments will require some healing time and soreness after, but will only generally last around 2-3 days. As long as you are ready for this then everything should be fine. Also, painkillers will make sure you remain comfortable.

Hope all this information is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

Is there an age limit to teeth whitening?

Dr Kailesh Solanki — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:11:47 +0000

Q.
My 13 year old daughter has said that she wants to get her teeth whitened, but I have told her no. Her teeth are a little discoloured and have always been so. Do you think there is an age limit in which a person should not have their teeth whitened?

A.
Hi many thanks for your email, i would say 13 is slighly too young for tooth whitening. My advice would be to maybe see a hygienist first to try to remove the staining. The youngest person i have ever done whitening for is 16, and i feel this should be the lower limit. Hope this is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

What options are available when a veneer is chipped?

Dr Kailesh Solanki — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:10:39 +0000

Q.
My veneer has chipped and looks quite horrible. I have had for quite some time now, but it only started to feel vulnerable after treatment I had on a tooth next to it last month. Is my only choice to just get another veneer put in?

A.
Hi, many thanks for your email, if your veneer has chipped then the best treatment option would be to have the veneer replaced. i hope this is helpful.

Dr Kailesh Solanki

What can I do to treat my flurosis?

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:56:39 +0000

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.

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

What treatment is available to fix gaps between front teeth?

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:47:12 +0000

Q.
Can you please inform me of the treatment options available to close the gap between the two front teeth. This has been the vain of my existence for as long as I can remember and I am desperate to get it sorted.

A.
There are 3 main treatment options to close the gap between your teeth, depending on the situation. They are Orthodontics (braces or Invisalign), composite bonding or porcelain veneers. All have advantages and disadvantages, so investigate them all prior to your final choice. Dr. Lemongello

Are teeth whitening home kits a good choice?

Dr George Kirtley — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:13:27 +0000

Q.
Would you please be able to recommend me a good teeth whitening home kit? I want one that is actually proven to have results, rather than just wasting my money.

A.
I would say that any product that is prescribed by a dentist is going to get you favorable results. The products that can be bought over the counter are usually not strong enough to gain good results.

What exactly is a smile makeover?

Dr George Kirtley — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:58:25 +0000

Q.
I am confused by what exactly a smile makeover is. Could you please give me an example of what kind of treatment would be able to be done in a smile makeover, and the average cost if possible?

A.
A smile makeover can consist of a number of treatments and it usually pertains to cosmetic treatment aimed at improving the appearance of one’s smile. This can include porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges or a combination of treatments. The purpose may also be to replace defective dental work or broken down teeth, but one of the benefits would be a more attractive smile. It would be difficult to give you an average cost because this would require a clinical evaluation.

Would I be able to eat snacks if I got lumineers?

Dr George Kirtley — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:52:35 +0000

Q.
If I were to have lumineers would I still be able to chew gum, and eat snack foods during the day like sweets and crisps?

A.
Yes to all the above….just use common sense in regards to the hardness of those products. Veneers are strong, but just like natural teeth they can break with injudicious care.

Are there any side-effects to teeth whitening?

Dr George Kirtley — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:26:39 +0000

Q.
Are there any side-effects to teeth whitening, such as more sensitive teeth, or is this just myth. Teeth whitening really appeals to me, having already gone to the effort of getting my teeth straightened I would love to improve their appearrance more. Is there one type of whitening system which is less likely to cause any problems?

A.
Teeth whitening can create some sensitivity in some patients. Sensitiviy is usually more prevelant in patients who have recession of their gum tissue and areas of untreated decay.

Most whitening systems offer different concentrations of bleaching gel which accomodate sensitivity issues.

How much does an implant retained on denture cost?

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:00:20 +0000

Q.
Hi Dr,i am loosing my lower teeth and i am looking at a cost of implant i like to know obaut clip on denture or clip on partial can you please give price for lower clip on denture .thank you.

A.
The fee for implant retained clip on dentures varies depending on the implant system used, whether the doctor performing the procedures is a qualified specialist and the type of denture made. It also varies depending on where you live. Because the fee can vary greatly I would do some research in your area to see what the approximate cost for this treatment would be. Dr. Lemongello