FAQ

What exactly is clear aligners?

Clear aligners are a clear, almost invisible plastic form of dental braces that help straighten the teeth.

 

What is the treatment procedure?

First, your dentist will discuss with you your treatment plan, expectation and goal. To understand your requirement and expectation. Then your dentist will take a scan of your teeth before sending it off for the aligners to be made. You will then receive multiple sets of aligners that you wear on a regular basis to help slowly guide your teeth into your desired alignment.

 

Is Invisalign invisible?

Not entirely. Even though it is made of a transparent plastic, it is still visible and noticeable.

 

How long is the treatment?

It depends on the severity of the case. A mild or relapse cases can finish within 6 months while a complicated case will take up to 1 and a half to 2 years. Sometimes, even more.

 

Is the treatment painful?

There will certainly be mild discomfort as your teeth are being shifted from its original position, however, the pain will fade after wearing a set for a few days.

 

What are the pros and cons of wearing clear aligners?

Pros: Less noticeable, Better hygiene, Almost no emergencies, Will not restrict your eating, Easier to maintain and commit to Faster treatment Cons: Requires diligence in wearing the aligners, easy to misplace.

 

How do I know if the treatment is suitable for me?

Currently, almost all cases are doable under Invisalign, your doctor will help you assess and discuss with you your treatment plans and goal. From there, you can decide whether you will opt for clear aligner or the usual metal braces.

 

What is the price range of the treatment (Invisalign) in Malaysia?

RM 13000 - RM 19000++

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a structure that replaces a missing tooth which is surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone. The fixtures are usually titanium base and the crown is ceramic-metal base.

 

What are the pros of a dental implant?

Dental implants behave just like your natural teeth and will not cause discomfort to you. They have the longest life span and help keep the adjacent teeth stable.

 

When should I not opt for a dental implant?

For the structure to be successfully implanted in a patient’s jawbone, they should have minimum sign of bone loss. This will prohibit the structure from successfully being embedded in your jaw. Your dentist can determine if you have bone loss via an x-ray and if necessary, your dentist can introduce an bone graft.

 

Which is better, a dental implant or a dental bridge?

A dental implant is typically preferred as it does not affect its adjacent teeth. To install a dental bridge, the teeth adjacent to it will require modification and should one of the teeth become damaged, the entire bridge structure would fail.

 

How do I ensure my dental implant can last for a long time?

By maintaining good oral hygiene, and regularly follow up with your dentist, your dental implant can last for a long time.

What is dental extraction?

Dental extraction is the procedure in which a tooth is removed.

 

When do I need to extract my teeth?

There are several reasons why tooth extraction would be necessary. They range from infection to receding gums or even for aesthetic procedures like braces.

 

What are the alternatives to extraction?

The alternatives to extraction in the situation of an infection is to do Root Canal Treatment (RCT) which is then followed up by crowning.

 

What is the side effects of extraction?

Some minor pain and bleeding is to be expected for a few days.

 

Do I need to take antibiotic or painkiller after the treatment?

For a normal extraction, no antibiotic is needed and painkiller should be used sparingly.

What is dental restoration/tooth filling?

Dental restoration is used to restore the function and strength of your missing tooth structure as a result of cavities or external trauma.

 

How long can a tooth filling last?

A tooth filling can last up to 10 years (?) However, this number can vary with factors that affect it such as size of cavity, eating habits and oral hygiene.

 

Why do I feel pain after tooth filling is done?

A tooth filling is a replacement of the tooth enamel layer that protects the nerve endings in the tooth. As such, some fillings may get close to the nerve endings in the tooth and cause slight pain. As the nerve heals, the pain will subside.  But if the pain persist, please look for your dentist as the nerve might have already been damaged before the treatment.

 

What is the filling material made of?

The filling can be made of two different materials, Composite or Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) Composite is comparable to the flexural strength of your natural tooth. It also comes in a variety of colours and the colour closest to your natural tooth colour will be chosen. GIC is a tooth coloured material used for deeper fillings that also excretes fluoride to strengthen the tooth and make it more resistant to decay.

What are self-ligating braces compared to conventional braces?

Self-ligating braces use a built in mechanism to hold the wire in place, this differs from conventional braces that require a rubber band over the brackets of the braces to hold the wire in place. As such, self-ligating braces require less visits, less cleaning and cause less discomfort or pain.

 

What are the best age to undergo orthodontic treatment?

The recommended age is around 13-16 years old as the treatment should end near to the end of growth spurt.

 

Do braces hurt?

Discomfort is expected as a side effect of wearing braces. This is due to the tooth moving and getting used to its new position. The discomfort should only last for 1-3 days after your dentist first places your braces or adjusts your wire.

 

How long does the treatment take?

Self-ligating braces: Around 1.5 years. Conventional braces (ceramic/metal) : Around 2 years. Clear aligners: Depends on the severity of the cases. It caries from 3 months to 2 years or more.

 

Do I have to have frequent follow up visits?

Yes, expect to have monthly follow up visits for your orthodontist to monitor your progress and adjust your braces, as necessary.

 

What are the alternatives to metal braces?

There are a few alternatives to metal braces, conventional ceramic braces or clear aligners. Clear Aligner/ Invisalign is common treatment nowadays as it brings multiple benefits as compare to the metal braces.

What is teeth whitening?

Tooth whitening is the process of bleaching the tooth enamel so that it appears whiter and more aesthetically pleasing.

 

Will teeth whitening have any side effects or damage my teeth?

Teeth whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity that will fade in a 2-3 days.

 

How much can my shade improve?

Shade improvement differs from person to person. However, it is safe to expect your shade to improve 4 to 5 shades.

 

How long will the whitening last?

Express whitening: 6 months Full treatment whitening: 1-1.5 years with proper maintenance.

Can I remove the stain on my teeth with scaling and polishing?

Yes, scaling and polishing can remove the surface level staining on your teeth.

 

Do my teeth become whiter after scaling and polishing?

Yes, your teeth do appear whiter after scaling and polishing. However, it will not drastically whitens your teeth but only be a minor improvement.

 

Is dental scaling harmful to my teeth?

No, Dental scaling is not harmful to the teeth. When in contact with plaque, the scaler will only break it down and detach it from the tooth surface without damaging the tooth itself.

What is minor oral surgery?

Minor oral surgery is the surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

 

When do I need to remove my wisdom teeth?

There are a number of scenarios where it is recommended that you remove your wisdom teeth. If the tooth is causing you pain due to it hitting the gum below, infection, pre-orthodontic treatment,  has cavities or is pushing on your other teeth and causing them to go out of alignment, the removal of the wisdom teeth is necessary.

 

Do I need to take an x ray before I remove my wisdom teeth?

Yes. Your dentist will need to take an X-Ray to identity if the tooth is hitting a nerve and whether it is safe to extract. It will also help your dentist identify how much bone they will have to remove in order to get your tooth out.

 

Is the procedure painful?

During the procedure, your dentist will inject local anaesthesia and that area of your mouth will be numb so you will not feel pain. However, after the anaesthesia wears off, you will feel pain which can be soothed with painkillers. The pain and swelling will fade in a few days.

 

Will I feel normal after the procedure?

After the procedure, you will feel a certain level of pain and swelling. Medication will be prescribed to reduce the pain and also to reduce the inflammation.

 

What are the side effects of Minor Oral Surgery?

Some pain and swelling after the surgery are to be expected. But there are measures you can take to reduce the pain and swelling.

 

What are the post-op complications I need to expect?

Though unlikely, there are a number of post-op complications you need to be aware of. One of which is dry socket, which is when the blood clot is dislodged and your tooth socket does not heal over. Food can get stuck and cause infections or there can be bone visible from the socket. Other complications include infections and damage to your other teeth, bone and sinuses.

 

Do I need to take antibiotic and painkiller after the procedure?

Yes. Both of which help the healing process to be as painless and smooth as possible so it is highly recommended that you take the antibiotics and painkiller if necessary prescribed by your dentist.

What is porcelain veneer?

A Porcelain veneer is a thin layer of material to cover over your original tooth structure to improve its shade and shape so that your teeth can look uniform and more aesthetically pleasing.

 

What are the pros and cons of porcelain veneer?

The main advantage of porcelain veneers are the clear visual improvements to your teeth. Your teeth will appear significantly whiter and more uniform. They will also be more stain resistant and the porcelain is able to resist cavities more effectively than your natural tooth enamel. The disadvantages of porcelain veneers is that they are permanent. They cannot be removed and you will not be able to return to your original tooth structure. Because your original tooth will have to be modified in order to be compatible to the veneer, in rare cases, it can cause tooth sensitivity.

 

How long can the porcelain veneer last?

If maintained well, the porcelain veneer can last up to 10 to 15 years. The most important part to is avoid biting on hard food and also keep your oral hygiene well.

 

What is the treatment procedure?

The Dentist will first trim the patient’s teeth to prepare it to receive the customized veneer and after making a mould of their teeth, the doctor will send it to the dental lab to be made into veneers. After 2-4 weeks, the veneers will be done and the dentist can bond it onto the patient’s teeth. Thus, ending the treatment.

 

How do I ensure my porcelain veneers can last for a long time?

By maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth and smoking as well as being mindful of how you treat your teeth, the veneers can last for a long time.

What are dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic devices to help hold missing teeth in the mouth.

 

What are the types of dentures?

There are 3 types of dentures you can choose from. Elastic, Acrylic and Cobalt Chrome. Elastic dentures are the most aesthetically pleasing and comfortable ones as they have no metal pieces. The Cobalt Chrome denture is the most comfortable however, they are more expensive. Acrylic dentures are the cheapest but are lacking in comfort.

 

Can I wear dentures if I only have one missing tooth?

Yes. It is recommended that you choose the elastic dentures as they can accommodate for only one tooth unlike the others that require a full plate to hold one tooth and it will be much more comfortable for you.

 

Will full dentures/complete dentures be uncomfortable?

It will definitely be more uncomfortable for the first few weeks when you are wearing it as your gums are still not used to the dentures. However, over time your gums will adapt, and the discomfort will fade.

 

Is there an alternative to denture?

Yes. Dental Bridges and Dental Implants are alternatives to dentures if you have only a few missing teeth and have adjacent teeth to use as support for your bridge and have sufficient bone density.

What is dental crown and bridge?

Dental crown and bridge are fixed prosthetic devices that rest on the remaining tooth structure after root canal treatment or on two adjacent teeth to a missing tooth structure.

 

What are the types of material for crowns and bridges?

There are a variety of materials to choose from for crowns and bridges, each with properties suitable for diverse types of teeth. With options such as Zirconia, Porcelain, and Alloy Metal. Your dentist will introduce the options to you more in depth during your appointment.

 

When will a crown be necessary?

A crown will typically be necessary after Root Canal Treatment (RCT). After RCT, the nerve in your tooth will be severed and your tooth will lose some of its structural integrity. This is when a crown is necessary to strengthen your tooth and also give it some protection.

 

How long can a dental crown or bridge last?

With proper care and oral hygiene, a dental crown or bridge should be able to last up to 10 years or more.

 

What is PFM and Full Porcelain?

Porcelain Fused to Metal in short, PFM is half porcelain and half metal. This results in a more opaque crown as light cannot pass through the crown, making it look more pale in comparison to a full porcelain crown which is translucent, allowing light to pass through and is more aesthetically pleasing.

What is Dental X-Ray?

A Dental X-Ray is used as an investigation method to check and diagnose the internal structure of your jaw bone or tooth.

 

When do we have to take an X-Ray and why do we need to take an X-Ray?

An X-Ray is typically taken when there are abnormalities in the bones and teeth that cannot be seen from the surface. An X-Ray is most necessary during treatments such as the root canal treatment, dental implant, orthodontics as well as wisdom tooth extractions.

 

What are the types of Dental imaging?

There are 3 different types of Dental Imaging, Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT), usually knows as 3D xray, it is similar as a CT Scan but a smaller field of view. Panoramic X-Ray or known as Orthopantomogram, a wide view of your whole upper and lower jaw. Intra-Oral Periapical radiograph, a more micro radiograph commonly used for to examine the progress of the Root Canal Treatment.

 

What can the doctor see in the x ray?

The doctor can see the bone structure of the patient’s face, their teeth and their individual bone densities as well as the nerve endings in the face. With the X-ray, a doctor can determine any abnormalities or ireegularities.

What is RCT?

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is a procedure that helps fight an infection in the core of a tooth.

 

Is RCT painful?

Your dentist will inject a local anaesthesia to help numb the area so during the procedure, you will not feel any discomfort. However, mild discomfort after the treatment is expected for a few days.

 

When do I need to undergo the treatment?

When the infection has reached the nerve of the tooth, then the infected nerve will need to be removed in order to reduce the pain.

 

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

The only other alternative to this treatment is extraction. By removing the tooth, the infection is eliminated once and for all, however in most cases you will require dentures, a dental bridge or an implant to replace the missing tooth structure.

 

Do I have to crown my tooth after RCT?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you crown your tooth within 3 months after the Root Canal Treatment. After RCT, because your tooth is essentially dead with no nerve endings, it will become brittle and break easily. A crown can ensure that if you bite on something hard, your tooth will not break and will be protected.

 

After RCT treatment, does the tooth become weaker?

Yes, the tooth will be weaker and more brittle, which is why crowning the tooth is recommended to make it stronger.