Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your Queries, Our Answers: Find Answers to Common Dental Questions
What causes my teeth to discolour and can I have them whitened?
What is involved in having my teeth whitened?
Do whitening toothpastes really work?
How do I know what toothpaste to buy? With so many varieties i.e. tartar control, whitening, baking soda, desensitizing etc., I don’t know what’s best for me.
I’ve heard that you aren’t supposed to have your teeth cleaned while pregnant. Is this true?
At what age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
I use mouthwash and it actually hurts my gums when gargling. Is this normal?
I’m quite a chain smoker and I am having an extraction. My dentist warned me not to smoke for at least 24 hours after the procedure, but I know I will. Is it really that bad? Will a few cigarettes cause problems?
What are veneers?
Veneers are a thin ‘shell’ of porcelain. They are cemented to the front surface of your tooth – much like a false fingernail would be, only permanently. The tooth requires minimal mechanical preparation and so very little tooth structure is removed. Veneers are excellent for:
- Changing the shape of teeth
- Changing the colour of teeth
- Closing gaps
- Creating the ‘Hollywood’ Smile
Veneers can also be formed out of a material called Composite Resin. This type of veneer is less expensive and also provides a great result. They are not considered ‘permanent’, and unlike their porcelain counterpart, will discolour over time and lose their lustre. They may however be a more reasonable option if you have budgetary constraints.
I knocked my front tooth years ago and I have noticed now it is starting to go black. Why would this happen and what can I do to make it white again?
What is an abscess and how did I get one?
Have a great day and Keep Smiling. A SMILE costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give it!!