Frequently Asked Questions

general information

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws.


Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities.

Yes, teeth whitening treatments performed by a dentist or with dentist-approved products are safe and effective.


At-home whitening options include over-the-counter whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and custom trays provided by your dentist.


preventive care

A routine plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy and stop problems before they start. It includes:

  • Regular check-ups, tartar removal, and polishing
  • Fluoride applications when indicated
  • Sealants for cavity-prone teeth
  • Low-dose X-rays only when clinically needed
  • A tailored home routine: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste + floss/interdental brushes
  • Diet and habit counseling
  • Night/sports mouthguards when needed, and periodontal maintenance

Most adults should visit every 6 months. Your schedule may change based on your oral health:

  • Healthy adults: every 6 months
  • Gum issues, diabetes, smokers, many restorations/implants: every 3–4 months
  • Orthodontics (braces/aligners): usually 6 months (sometimes 3–4 months)
  • Pregnancy: at least once; additional checks if advised
  • Children: every 6 months; fluoride/sealants as recommended

Common signs: red/swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath or taste, gum tenderness, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, loose or shifting teeth, spaces opening between teeth, bite changes, pus around gums.
Early vs. advanced: Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage; untreated, it can progress to periodontitis (bone loss and tooth mobility).
Prevention:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (2 minutes)
  • Clean between teeth daily (floss or interdental brushes)
  • Professional check-up & cleaning every 3–6 months (as advised)
  • Quit smoking/vaping; manage diabetes & dry mouth
  • Balanced diet, limit frequent sugars; consider antiseptic mouthrinse
  • Use a soft toothbrush; replace every ~3 months; wear a nightguard if you grind
     See a dentist promptly if you notice bleeding, swelling, pain, or loosening teeth.
    Book now: 1713 1123

cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the look of your teeth and smile while maintaining oral health. Common treatments include:

  • Veneers (including no-prep options) & smile design
  • Teeth whitening (in-clinic or take-home)
  • Bonding & contouring to fix chips and shape
  • Crowns & bridges with natural color-match
  • Orthodontics (clear aligners/braces) for alignment
  • Gum reshaping for a balanced gumline
  • Implant restorations to replace missing teeth

Benefits: brighter color, better alignment/shape, closing gaps, and a more confident smile.
Is it right for me? Your dentist will assess teeth, gums, and bite, then tailor a plan to your goals.

Cosmetic dentistry enhances the look of your teeth while keeping them healthy. It can:

  • Whiten and brighten tooth color
  • Fix chips, cracks, and worn edges
  • Close gaps and improve symmetry
  • Straighten alignment and refine tooth shape/length
  • Balance the gumline (gum contouring)
  • Replace missing teeth with natural-looking restorations

Common options: veneers (including no-prep), whitening, bonding/contouring, clear aligners/braces, crowns/bridges, gum reshaping, and implant restorations.
Process: consultation → digital/design mock-up → treatment → aftercare.

A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance.

You might need a crown to:

  • Protect a cracked, worn, or heavily filled tooth
  • Restore a tooth after a root canal
  • Cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth
  • Replace a missing tooth as part of a dental implant or to support a bridge

Materials: porcelain/ceramic (natural look), zirconia (strong & aesthetic), metal/porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Steps: exam & prep → scan/impression → temporary crown → final crown fitting & bonding.
Care: brush/floss daily, avoid chewing hard objects, and attend regular check-ups.

restorative dentistry

Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces damaged or missing teeth to restore function, health, and appearance.

Common treatments: fillings, inlays/onlays, crowns, bridges, dental implants, dentures/partials, root canal therapy.
Benefits: comfortable chewing, stops decay progression, protects weak teeth, improves bite and smile.
Who needs it? Cavities, cracked/worn teeth, missing teeth, or failing old restorations.
Process: exam & X-rays → custom plan → treatment → aftercare and maintenance.

A dental filling is a material used to restore a tooth after decay or minor damage, bringing back its shape, strength, and function.

You may need a filling if you have:

  • Cavities (tooth decay)
  • Chips, worn edges, or small fractures
  • Sensitivity to sweets/cold, dark spots, or food trapping
  • A broken or leaking old filling

Common materials:

  • Tooth-colored composite (most common, aesthetic)
  • Glass ionomer (useful near gums/for kids)
  • Porcelain or lab-made inlay/onlay (strong, precise)
  • Amalgam (durable, less used for front teeth)

Steps: exam & X-ray → numbing → remove decay → disinfect → place & shape the filling → bite check & polish.
Aftercare: brush/floss daily; mild sensitivity for a few days can be normal—return if pain persists or the bite feels “high.”

  • Partial Dentures: replace some missing teeth while natural teeth remain.
    • How they stay: clasps or precision attachments to nearby teeth (often with a slim metal framework or flexible base).
    • Best for: gaps in one or both arches when several natural teeth are still healthy.
  • Full (Complete) Dentures: replace all teeth in an arch (upper or lower).
    • How they stay: suction/fit on gums; adhesive or implant support can improve stability.
    • Best for: complete tooth loss in an arch.

Materials: acrylic (common), metal framework for partials, flexible options.
Comfort & fit: expect an adaptation period and adjustments after delivery.
Care: clean daily, remove at night, store moist; regular check-ups.
Option: implant-supported dentures add retention and chewing power.


Good daily habits + regular check-ups will keep fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants in top shape:

  • Brush 2× daily (2 minutes) with fluoride toothpaste; use a soft brush.
  • Clean between teeth daily (floss or interdental brushes). Water flossers help—especially around bridges/implants.
  • Use alcohol-free mouthwash if recommended.
  • Avoid hard/sticky chewing (ice, hard nuts, toffees); cut hard foods into smaller pieces.
  • If you grind/clench, wear a nightguard.
  • For veneers/crowns: use non-abrasive toothpaste; don’t use teeth as tools.
  • For implants: clean the gumline carefully (superfloss/interdental brushes) and schedule periodontal maintenance as advised.
  • See us every 3–6 months (your dentist will set your interval).
  • Call if you notice pain, persistent sensitivity, loose/fractured work, or gum swelling.