By Verne Maree
Issue 84 - July 2009

Ignore your teeth, and they’ll go away, as one wag put it. He was right, and the need for regular brushing and daily flossing remains as real today as it was when that wise old saw was first uttered decades ago.

Since then, however, dentistry and orthodontics have made almost incredible advances. Technology has developed space-age materials to replace the dubious mercury amalgams and other substances that were previously our only alternative. Computer wizardry enables dentists to immaculately perform complex root-canal operations that were previously the jealously guarded domain of the specialist endodontist.

Two perfect rows of white, regular teeth were previously the domain of the few who were naturally blessed with them, Hollywood stars – and most Americans, it must be said. But that has all changed. No longer are crooked teeth, gaps and discoloration regarded as something to be lived with. Instead, most of us have now come to regard the most visible of attributes – a beautiful smile – as our right, and so it should be.


The White Stuff

If you think that whitening your teeth at home is less effective than having it done in a dental clinic, think again. Although “in office” laser whitening has enjoyed great popularity in recent years, there is increasing scientific evidence to suggest that dentist-supervised home whitening techniques may provide better long-term results, says Dr Gareth Pearson of Dental Essence.

This dental centre offers Opalescence, a wide-ranging system of teeth-whitening products that includes in-office power bleaching, home whitening, and lower-concentration top-up kits.

Two common complaints of teeth-whitening are sensitivity and concerns that the tooth structure itself may be damaged by the process. Opalescence contains a desensitising agent, and fluoride to strengthen the tooth enamel, so your teeth will be not only whiter, but stronger, too.

Speak to a dentist who will help you decide which of the various whitening products are best for your particular needs.

Dental Essence, 127 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court. Call (+65) 6733 9434.

TOOTHY
Quotes


"My teeth are crooked,
my nose is broken.
I’ve never thought of
myself as beautiful."

Jessica Lange

"The first thing I do
in the morning is brush
my teeth and sharpen
my tongue."

Dorothy Parker

"She laughs
at everything you say.
Why? Because she has
fine teeth."

Benjamin Franklin

"She had so many
gold teeth, she used to
have to sleep with her
head in a safe."

W. C. Fields

Materially Different

Today’s alternatives to traditional dental amalgam are composite resins, ceramics, porcelain, glass ionomer cements and gold. Aesthete Smilestudio believes it has perfected the science and art of amalgam-free dentistry.

So-called “silver fillings” are misnamed: these amalgam fillings in fact comprise 50-percent mercury – the possible health risks of which are a highly controversial issue – and 50-percent of a metal alloy mixture of silver, tin, copper and trace metals such as zinc.

There are various reasons for choosing to have your amalgam fillings replaced, says genial Dr Thean Tsin Piao: you preserve the natural colour of your teeth; you increase tooth strength with modern dental adhesives that are used in composite resins, ceramics and porcelain; and you avoid any health problems that may be associated with having mercury and other metals in your mouth.

The procedures for safe amalgam removal include modified rubber dam techniques, and the removal of amalgam in large chunks using special sonic diamond drills and powerful vacuum suction. Replacing an old filling with modern nanotechnology composite resins and adhesives restores a tooth to its original strength and condition.

Of course, the best way to achieve amalgam-free teeth is to avoid cavities forming in the first place. Check out Aesthete Smilestudio’s Total Senses Concept and Dentalspa programme for preventive dental care to ensure healthy gums and teeth.

Aesthete Smilestudio, 24 Raffles Place Clifford Centre #02-04.

Visit www.aesthetesmilestudio.com or Call (+65) 6438 3811.

Guard Your Gums

Gum disease is closely linked with our general health. Numerous studies have linked gum disease to heart problems, diabetes and pre-term deliveries, to mention just a few.

Those suffering from gum disease may not be aware of the problem, as there is often no pain during the early stages. Telltale signs include bleeding, swollen gums and loose teeth. But these symptoms can creep up gradually and unnoticed. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is generally caused by poor oral hygiene and causes relatively little discomfort. Left untreated, it can advance into one of the many forms of periodontitis, where there is the danger of irrevocable tooth loss.

As diabetes is known to occur in families, says consultant periodontist Dr Helena Lee of the Specialist Dental Group, susceptible persons should take early steps to monitor their health. She strongly advises that professional care be sought early to prevent both diabetes and gum disease. Left unchecked, gum disease leads to bone loss around teeth. Teeth loosened in this way become increasingly dysfunctional and eventually have to be extracted.

Prevention is the practical, cost-effective and relatively easy way to keep your mouth and body healthy. Ensure good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to ensure that dental problems are addressed before any discomfort is felt.

Special Dental Group, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-08.

Visit www.specialistdentalgroup.comor Call (+65) 6734 9393.

Go Wireless

There is no doubt it’s worth enduring, but if you’ve ever spent a year or two in braces, you know it’s not easy. Apart from the maintenance – it’s impossible to bite through a chunky Kit-Kat, and spinach will get stuck in them! – many of us don’t like how they look or feel. And we all want to look our best, perhaps never more so than during those teen years.

Until recently, wires and brackets were the only option. But more and more, teen patients (and their parents) are asking for a less visible, less intrusive treatment option.

Invisalign Teen aligners are the clear alternative to conventional braces. They are clear, comfortable, removable, and – best of all – almost invisible. Being removable means they can be taken out before mealtimes to allow for normal eating, and you can brush and floss in the usual way. The absence of wires and sharp brackets avoids the constant irritation and inconvenience associated with metal braces.

Teen aligners are specially designed with compliance indicators that provide a visual cue of approximate patient wear. Although they look similar to Invisalign for adults, these aligners are designed to compensate for further eruption of teeth. For more about Invisalign, call Orchard Scotts Dental: straight teeth, no wires!

Orchard Scotts Dental, 501 Orchard Road Wheelock Place #05-08.

Visit www.singaporesmiles.com or Call (+65) 67329939.