why early dentofacial treatment in kids

Why Early Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Matters for Kids

by Uncategorized

Dentofacial Orthopedics is the treatment used in growing children to redirect jaw growth in a more favourable and aesthetic manner. It is important to start certain treatment in children as it helps in better outcomes. Dentofacial Orthopedics in children is a Dental Speciality practise done between ages 8-14.

What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?

Dentofacial orthopedics helps guide the growth of a child’s face and jaws. It is entirely different from braces treatment. This type of treatment is done in children between 8-14 years of age. It is basically used to improve jaw position, improve unaesthetic and improper bite and also improves facial aesthetics.

It is important to start early because

  • It is easier to fix jaw position when the child is in the growing phase.
  • The results are much faster and better
  • For certain children, it helps improve breathing and even speech.
  • It boosts your child’s confidence and helps them smile better
  • In certain children with protruding upper front teeth , it can definitely help in avoiding front tooth fracture and trauma.

Why Start Treatment Early?

Starting treatment early, ideally between ages 7 and 12, allows orthodontists to guide jaw growth while bones are still developing. This makes it easier to correct facial imbalances and can help avoid more complex treatments later. Early intervention also improves key functions like breathing, chewing, and speaking, and protects protruding front teeth from injury.

In addition to health benefits, early treatment can greatly boost a child’s confidence. A well-aligned smile not only looks better but also encourages good oral habits and self-esteem—giving your child a strong foundation for lifelong dental health.

Signs Your Child May Need Treatment

  • Mouth breathing or snoring: Breathing through the mouth is not a good sign unless a child has a cold or blocked nose. Nose or nasal breathing is the best way of breathing and it helps in proper jaw growth. 
  • Crooked jaw or bite problems: Certain children have teeth jutting out, buck teeth, or lower front teeth jutting out. These are signs of improper jaw growth.
  • Narrow dental arches: Certain children have narrow arches which can affect dental teeth alignment and bite. 
  • Such signs can even go unnoticed as parents mostly only see the front teeth . So It’s best to check around age 6–8.

What Happens During Treatment?

Gentle removable or fixed devices or appliances  are used to help guide jaw and teeth as your child grows. Treatment duration depends from 6 months to 1 year. Treatment is also done in phases. It is also a safe, comfortable, and kid-friendly treatment. The child has to be educated about the importance of the treatment. The parents also must understand the relevance and goals of the treatment. So the doctor, parent and child act as a team for the treatment. Patient cooperation is very important.

Why Choose Dr. Bobby’s Dental Clinic?

At Dr Bobby’s Orthodontics & Dental Specialty Care we have  a Specialized care for Dentofacial orthopedics in children. We mainly focus on age related malocclusions, dental habit correction, stage by stage correction of your child’s teeth problem. 

We have a professional and at the same time a friendly team to cater to your child’s dental problem with modern tools and equipment so that we can provide a customised and personalized treatment plan.

Early treatment can make a big difference for your child’s health and smile. We encourage parents to get a dental check-up early, preferably from the age of 5 when jaw growth, teeth eruption and dental habits like finger/ thumb sucking, mouth breathing are concerned.

Book your child’s visit with Dr. Bobby’s team today and we can guide for a better smile for the future

Dr. Bobby Blog-1 (1)

 What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

by Uncategorized

When I started my studies at a Dental college, I only knew Dentist was the doctor who treats teeth problems. Then as my studies progressed, I realised that Dentistry had 9 specialities.So in dentistry certain treatments are done by the Specialists who are trained for 3 years at the Postgraduate level. So they have a better knowledge about the current trends and updates of the treatments. Out of the 9 specialties, Orthodontics is one of them. Many people assume Dentists and Orthodontists are the same but they are not.Both dentists and orthodontists care for oral health, their roles are different.

Main Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist

Dentist: General oral health professional. They are trained to do basic treatments like dental fillings, dental scaling, dental extractions. In India the degree name is BDS ( Bachelor in Dental Surgery) or Dental Surgeon.

Orthodontist: Specialist who are trained to align and straighten teeth with braces and jaw alignment. In India the degree name is MDS in Orthodontics.

Orthodontist vs. Dentist : What You Need to Know

Dentist vs Orthodontist

Education and Training

 In order to obtain a dental degree, a person has to undergo 5 years of dental training including 1 year internship at a Dental College during which he/she is trained about the different aspects of Head, neck and teeth.After attaining a basic dental degree, the dentist has to undergo 3 years of postgraduate training to obtain a Master degree ( MDS in Orthdontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics).

Services They Provide

Dentist: Dentists provide the basic treatment services like dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, preventive care in children, and removable dentures.

Orthodontist: Orthodontists provide the Specialist treatment like Dental Braces, Clear aligners (like Invisalign), retainers and skeletal jaw correction in children above 12 years.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Specialist

When Human health is concerned, it is always imperative to know whom to get treatment advice regarding any form of ailments because better outcomes comes from targeted care. Likewise in Dentistry, for speciality treatment like orthodontic braces  or aligners, it is very important to consult an Orthodontist. It ensures there are no delays or unnecessary treatments. It helps boost our own confidence by seeing the right expert from the start. Dr Bobby’s Orthodontics & Dental Specialty Care provides advanced orthodontic services.

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. So if you feel misaligned or crooked teeth to be corrected, it is important to consult a Specialist Orthodontist. A Specialist is also the right person who can say NO to a treatment because certain treatments can be useful for one person but may be harmful to another. Contact Dr. Bobby’s Dental Clinic to learn which provider is right for you.

Dental implant

Why More People Are Choosing Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

by Uncategorized

Do you have a missing tooth or teeth?. So the frequent questions are, How can I replace it? Can I get a fixed alternative for my lost tooth?. Yes, of course it is possible.Dental Implants for missing teeth are the best available fixed or permanent alternatives for your lost teeth. Missing teeth can affect your smile, speech, and ability to eat comfortably. So implants are what majority patients prefer, be it front or back teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a prosthesis that interfaces with the bone of the jaw to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture. Dental implants are anchored to bone and after it integrates with bone ( known as Osseointegration), it can help support the tooth crown and hence it replaces your lost natural tooth. When compared to other options. It does not need support from other teeth. Dental implants, once placed properly by an Implantologist after a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, can last a lifetime.

Key Benefits of Dental Implants

Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are placed in such a manner that it has a natural look and feel. The artificial look is very less compared to other options.

Durability and Longevity: Duration and longevity, mainly depends on proper diagnosis, treatment planning and proper placement. Even patient factors play a major role such as the patient has to take good care by properly brushing and keeping it neat and clean.

Prevention of Bone Loss: When a tooth is lost, usually bone supporting the tooth tends to reduce in thickness and volume over time. But when an implant is placed into the bone , the width and thickness of the bone is maintained. 

Improved Functionality: After placement of implant, the patient can confidently eat, chew any food he/she wants.

Enhanced Self-Confidence: If a patient loses his/her front teeth , it causes lack of confidence to smile. But when it is replaced, it greatly enhances confidence and self esteem.

Why People Are Choosing Dental Implants

People around the world prefer dental implants , mainly because

  •  It has high success rate ( if there is no other unfavourable medical history)
  • People are more aware of the importance of replacing missing teeth and improving their quality of life. 
  • Better use of technology and ease of replacing the tooth 

Dr. Bobby Dental Clinic offers personalized Dental Implant Care tailored to your dental needs.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

 In order to understand about selection criteria for candidates who are ideal to  get dental implants, I can put down the points of which conditions can cause failure of implants.

  • Before going ahead with the implant procedure, CBCT radiograph (3D radiograph) is taken to assess the bone volume and density. If the bone density and volume is unfavourable, the implants tend to fail.
  • Habits like smoking can cause implant failure.
  • Medical conditions like severe diabetes can cause implant failure.
  • Inorder to place an implant, the first sitting is a minor surgical procedure, so the patients who are unfit for a minor surgery is also unfit for implant procedure. 
  • Age is not at all a factor as long as the above conditions are favorable.

 

Dental implants are a reliable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. It is a favourable fixed solution to replace your natural looking teeth. It majorly helps in normalizing the speech, function and aesthetics. With expert care more people are choosing  Dr. Bobby Dental Clinic to provide personalized dental care. 

Tooth Sensitivity in children

How to Recognize and Treat Signs of Tooth Sensitivity in children

by Uncategorized

Teeth sensitivity is very common among adults as well as children. But the difference is children seldom realize the difference between sensitivity and pain. Sensitivity in layman terms can be described as a shock to teeth which is very uncomfortable when having cold or hot drinks or food items. Early detection and treatment as recommended by a dentist is very important.

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity in Children

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be described as a shock like pain which is very fast and can stay on for a few seconds. It creates an uneasiness while having cold or hot foods or drinks. Tooth layers are enamel, dentine and pulp. The dentin layer is a sensitive layer. And sensitivity actually occurs when the tooth decay or tooth wear reaches the dentin layer.

Why it’s Important to Address Tooth Sensitivity Early

Teeth sensitivity is an early sign of cavity or tooth decay or tooth wear. It is better treated at the earliest since if left untreated it can lead to pain. So whenever a child complains of sensitivity, it is better to be addressed at the earliest to prevent further complications by consulting a Pediatric dentist and if treatment is recommended.

Common Signs of Tooth Sensitivity in Children

  • Complaints of Pain or Discomfort
    Children do not know how to explain sensitivity. So the common signs are avoidance of food owing to fear that pain can occur and during brushing children tend to avoid brushing that area and also pain while having hot or cold foods.
  • Changes in Eating Habits
    Children tend to change eating habits when they have pain or sensitivity. The foods they have commonly will be refused or not eaten at all.
  • Complaints of Sensitivity to Temperature
    Tooth tends to be very sensitive to hot or cold foods. So children tend to avoid icecreams, sour candies,etc.
  • Increased Irritability or Distress
    It is very common that when children are asked to brush their teeth, the parents notice fussiness or irritation due to brushing and if they complain of tooth pain, it can be a sign of tooth sensitivity or pain.
  • Visible Signs of Tooth Damage
    Tooth damage also causes tooth sensitivity, signs of worn off teeth, eroded teeth can be positive indications of tooth sensitivity.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity in Children

  • Enamel Erosion
    Soft or aerated drinks are the main causes of enamel erosion in children. After enamel gets worn out, the dentine layer gets exposed, which aggravates the tooth sensitivity.
  • Tooth Decay (Cavities)
    Due to sugary diet and improper tooth brushing, tooth cavities can occur in children which also mostly leads to tooth pain rather than sensitivity.
  • Teething and Gum Recession
    Teeth grinding is very common in some children. This is also a very common reason for wearing off the tooth. Such conditions must be addressed at the earliest.
  • Dental Trauma or Injury
    Dental trauma or injury if mild and leads to enamel chipping off then that can cause tooth sensitivity. 
  • Use of Incorrect Toothbrushes or Techniques
    Aggressive brushing can also cause tooth sensitivity. So utilising medium or soft brush twice daily is the optimal method to brush your teeth.and also your child’s teeth.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity in Children

  • Teach Good Oral Hygiene Habits
    As soon as the milk teeth erupts , tooth brushing must begin for a child. Teaching proper oral hygiene habits is very essential in avoiding dental problems like dental cavity, teeth sensitivity and teeth pain.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups 
    Regular dental checkups ( twice a year, preferable from the age of 4) by a Pediatric dentist is very essential  
  • Protecting Teeth from Injury
    During contact sports it is very essential to use mouthguards for children to avoid the risk of dental injury.
  • Healthy Eating Habits
    Always promote a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and calcium and Vitamin D rich foods like milk, cheese, paneer. It is always good to avoid sugary snacks.
  • Avoiding Abrasive Toothpastes or Brushing Too Hard
    It is not advisable to use tooth powder and never brush too aggressively. For children with milk teeth, it is always recommended to brush in circular motion on the sides of the teeth and linear motion while brushing the chewing tooth surfaces.

Always keep in mind Tooth Sensitivity is one of the first signs of tooth damage. If seen in children, the parents must be vigilant and consult a dentist. Early detection can help in treating the patient with ease and not much complications. Prevention is always better than Cure , so always take care of your teeth by following proper brushing, having a proper diet, and avoiding injuries. Proper dental care now can ensure better oral health in the future for your child. For any expert opinion, you can consult us at Dr. Bobby’s Dental Clinic

FAQ

  • How do you treat sensitive teeth in children?
    Depending on the condition appropriate treatment can be undertaken. Tooth cavities can be filled. Anti sensitive paste is not recommended for children unless it is very severe.

    If the cavity is very deep , Pediatric consultation must be undertaken for the appropriate treatment.

  • How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately?
    For emergency or severe situations, painkillers can help. If the sensitivity is due to any food or drink, completely avoid it unless the treatment is recommended. 

  • What is the difference between tooth pain and tooth sensitivity?
    Tooth pain is usually an aching type of pain and duration can be for long. Tooth sensitivity is a shock type of pain and mostly of very brief duration. Tooth pain can occur randomly but tooth sensitivity can occur when you have either cold foods or drinks.

  • How can I test my teeth sensitivity at home?
    If you suspect tooth sensitivity, the best home test is to take ice and place it on that tooth. Normal tooth will feel a mild sensitivity but a sensitive tooth will experience immediate shooting sensitivity.

Dental Braces treatment

Braces for Kids: Which Type is Right for Your Child?

by Child Dental Care

Dental braces or Orthodontic braces is a common trend amongst children, youngsters and middle aged people as well. Today’s blog is mainly on how can your child’s crooked teeth or teeth with gaps be corrected with braces and other related matters.

Many of my known contacts ask me “ What is the right age to start braces therapy?”. Actually age is not the right criteria rather it is if the right set of teeth are present. Likewise for each kind of treatment a certain set of teeth must be present for the treatment. Usually all permanent teeth except the wisdom teeth (third molars) must be present for commencing treatment.

How Does Braces Work ?

Braces mainly work by moving teeth. Normal conventional braces are present on your teeth 24*7 So continuous force is applied on your teeth which makes it move. Nowadays aligners are also used which must be in the mouth for at least 22 hours daily.

So basically the tooth moves from one position to a new position and the surrounding bone and gums remodel to adapt to the new position.

Types of Dental Braces for Kids

Here is a small description on the different types of Dental Braces, along with pros and cons of the different types listed below.

  • Metal Braces : Metal braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to straighten misaligned teeth. It consists of metal brackets attached to the teeth and a wire passes through the brackets to hold the braces together.
  • Ceramic Braces : Ceramic braces or clear braces serve as an alternative to traditional braces. They are less noticeable due to their tooth-coloured or clear appearance. This is a better option for people with metal allergies.
  • Self-Ligating Braces : Self ligating braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that holds the archwire using an internal mechanism instead of traditional elastic bands or metal ties. They only require a shorter treatment time and are more comfortable for patients.
  • Lingual Braces : Lingual braces, known as hidden braces, are a type of orthodontic treatment that works like traditional braces but are placed on the inside of the teeth, behind them. They are virtually invisible and can be customized based on your needs.
  • Clear Aligners : Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are transparent, removable dental appliances used to straighten teeth. They are made from clear, medical-grade plastic and can be customized to fit your teeth.
Types of Braces Pros Cons
Metal Braces (Fig1) Strength is high Unaesthetic
Self Ligating Braces (Fig3) Comfortable, less friction involved so some claim faster treatment Expensive than normal braces
Lingual Braces (Fig4) Aesthetic and invisible Speech can get affected as braces are placed on the tooth surface facing the tongue. Expensive compared to above.
Clear Aligners (Fig5) 1)Aesthetic, transparent and invisible.
2) No Diet restrictions compared to above 		1) As it is removable, patients must be very disciplined in its use and wear otherwise treatment results will be affected.
2) Expensive

What to Expect When Getting Braces for Kids?

After getting braces, after care or home care is very important.

For normal braces, Diet restriction is a must. Patients must not have hard food items like nuts, hard snacks, chicken bones.Chances of gum or lip trauma can happen. Orthodontists will prescribe ulcer healing gel or orthodontic wax for added protection.Proper oral hygiene is a must during orthodontic treatment with orthodontic toothbrush, mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste.

To conclude, there are many options available for braces treatment nowadays. It is a collective decision taken by the Orthodontist, parent and child patient after assessing the patient photos, tooth models and radiographs. Proper treatment planning and discussion is a necessity. Choosing the Best Dental Clinic is crucial for ensuring that your child receives expert care and personalized treatment, making the entire braces process smoother and more effective.

FAQ

  • Are metal braces the only option for young kids?

No, many other options are available like ceramic braces and aligners which are also equally effective for kids.

  • Are braces painful for Kids?

Pain is the same for any age group. It also depends from patient to patient. Some don’t have any pain issue from day 1, some always have pain. Pain perception is a very important factor here.

  • Can braces change face shape?

Braces dont change face shape, in fact when treated properly it beautifies your looks and smile. Proper treatment planning is a must. Treatment involving removal of teeth can change the face profile.

  • Which type of braces are the best for kids?

It all depends on the patient’s comfort, ability to accept diet restriction, availability of the child for monthly checkups. Comfortable options include Clear Aligners. But always remember aligners must be worn 22 hours daily for its effective action.

  • How many years do braces take?

 Braces therapy depends on severity of the correction needed. It ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Treatment involving tooth removal usually takes 1.5 years to 2 years. Patient

cooperation is a must for finishing the treatment on time otherwise the treatment can prolong.

retainers vsclear aligners (1)

What Are The Differences Between Retainers And Clear Aligners?

by Child Dental Care

Clear aligner and Clear Retainers look very similar but the difference is in its purpose and its thickness. The purpose of Clear aligners is to align teeth while Clear retainers are for retaining or stabilising the corrected teeth. Clear retainers are thicker in material.

Retainers for teeth are worn mainly to “retain” the position of teeth as they are corrected after Orthodontic therapy or to prevent further proclination of teeth. The 2 basic designs are

1) With metal wire and plate (Hawley’s retainer: Fig 1), Begg retainer

 

 2) Clear retainers are transparent plastic retainers also known as Clear Essix retainers. 

 What are Retainers?

Retainers after braces work by holding the teeth in place. It is prescribed for the duration of the retention phase by your Orthodontist (depending on the type of  Orthodontic correction)

The other classification of retainers are:

  • Fixed or permanent retainers: Fixed retainers are wires bonded behind your front teeth( 4-6 teeth). They are called permanent because, in some conditions, they are permanently bonded to teeth. But there is nothing to worry about because they won’t cause any irritation or pain. 
  • Removable retainers: As the name suggests, these types of retainers can be removed. Removable retainers are Hawley’s retainer, Begg’s retainer, Clear retainer,etc.

For further clarification, feel free to visit Dr. Bobby’s Orthodontics & Dental Specialty Care for your orthodontist consultation.

If you ask me the best retainers after orthodontic therapy, I would say they are the removable retainers with plate and wires( Hawley’s retainer or Begg’s wrap-around retainers). It is mainly because they are more durable. Along with fixed retainers, you can wear them only at night.

Difference between Clear Aligners and Retainers

Clear aligners are invisible braces which help align your teeth, They are transparent( aesthetic), removable, and comfortable. Many people get confused between clear aligner and clear retainer. That is not very surprising because it looks very similar. But once you have a feel of it or wear it, you will realise the difference. As mentioned earlier, Clear retainers are very thick and hard whereas Clear aligners are thin and very flexible.

Maintenance or cleaning of aligners and retainers are similar. After removing it, clean it with a separate toothbrush and soap (some companies provide aligner cleaning foam). After cleaning it, wash it properly and wear it. Always remember to clean it daily.

I hope the common misconceptions regarding Clear retainers and aligners have been cleared. Mainly the material, thickness and flexibility are the major differences. Always consult the best dental clinic, so that you can get a better understanding of clear retainers and clear aligners. 

Commonly asked Questions

  • Can you straighten teeth with just a retainer?

Certain minor gaps(less than 1mm) can be corrected with removable retainers like Hawley’s retainer and it should be worn full time. Clear retainers cannot help correct minor gaps. Retainers cannot help straighten teeth as they are removable and a constant continuous force is required to correct malpositioned teeth which is not possible with retainers.

  • Is it compulsory to wear a retainer after treatment?

Yes, an old age rule or Newton’s Law applies here. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Our body tissues (like gums or bone) around teeth tend to go back to their old state and they pull the teeth back to that old position. This is exactly why we have to use retainers after orthodontic treatment. In our body any sort of cosmetic treatment also comes with measures to retain the cosmetic change. Likewise, Orthodontic therapy is also a cosmetic treatment and measures need to be taken to retain the correction obtained by it. Hence retainers are very important.

  • Can I use my aligner as a retainer?

 A very common doubt. It can be used for a brief period, but clear aligners tend to discolour after 14 days, whereas clear retainers do not discolour very easily and are more durable. So clear aligners cannot be used as a retainer for a long time.

  • Is a Clear retainer the same as Clear Aligner braces?  

Clear retainer is different from clear aligner. The purpose of Clear aligners is to align teeth while Clear retainers are for retaining or stabilising the corrected teeth. Clear retainers are thicker in material. Also Clear retainer cost around Rs 5000/- onwards, whereas Clear Aligners cost around Rs 60,000/- onwards ( depends on the lab and materials cost and treatment duration)

Teeth-Whitening-after-care-e1742900705434

Important Tips for Teeth Whitening Aftercare

by Child Dental Care

Teeth whitening is a common trend nowadays, primarily because we are more socially involved and we smile a lot. So we are all concerned about our tooth colour. In the previous blog we had mentioned in detail about the process of teeth whitening.

For a detailed look at all the benefits, please refer to our blog: “Everything You Should Know About Teeth Whitening: Benefits and Risks“

In this blog, I will highlight the after care of teeth whitening. What is the need for teeth whitening after care? If that is the doubt, it is mainly because Teeth whitening is not a permanent treatment, it is temporary and depending on your teeth texture, your teeth can get stained easily because of artificial colours in the foods and drinks we have nowadays. 

The First 24 Hours after teeth whitening

The first 24 hours are very crucial in aftercare for teeth whitening because the tooth is very sensitive to temperature and stains.

  • Immediately after the procedure, do not eat or drink anything for the next 3 hours. So always remember to feed yourself before the procedure.
  • Avoid too hot or too cold foods or drinks for 24 hours after the procedure.

Dos After the Teeth Whitening Treatment

Drink lots of water and always keep wetting your teeth with your tongue so that your teeth remain hydrated. Remember, tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening is mainly due to tooth dehydration. You can minimize tooth sensitivity by following these steps. If tooth sensitivity is still bothering you, the usage of anti-sensitive toothpaste is recommended. Teeth whitening along with Laser can help reduce sensitivity.

While brushing your teeth, you can use normal white Toothpaste (not coloured tooth gel). 

Electric toothbrushes can be used. Having teeth whitening treatment doesn’t prevent you from using electric brushes. After 6 months, you can do home teeth bleaching with a tooth whitening booster kit (which you can avail of from your dentist).

Products to Avoid

  • Avoid tobacco usage completely for a few weeks to avoid staining teeth
  • Coloured mouthwash must be avoided. Try using clear coloured mouthwashes (like Freshclor)
  • Tooth powder must be completely avoided as it damages enamel.
  • Items to avoid for 1 week are carbonated beverages, alcohol, tea or coffee without milk, any food with artificial colours, red chilly, turmeric, and red sauces.

Teeth Whitening Treatment can be of full effect if the aftercare is done with utmost care. Or there is a change for uneven results. Usually, the effects of teeth whitening can last for 6 months but without proper aftercare, this period can be reduced. 

Common Questions Regarding After care of Teeth Whitening

  • Will my teeth be sensitive after whitening treatment?

Yes, sometimes teeth can be sensitive but the reason is mainly due to tooth dehydration. Always keep wetting your teeth with your tongue so that your teeth remain hydrated and drink lots of water. If tooth sensitivity is still bothering you, the usage of anti-sensitive toothpaste is recommended.

  • How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally?

After 3 hours of the treatment, you can eat and drink avoiding stained food items and drinks. So always remember to feed yourself before the procedure.

  • Is oil pulling safe after whitening?

Yes, Oil pulling is safe after the teeth whitening treatment, But after the treatment should wait and resume it after 1 week. Also, You can use clear-coloured oil.

  • What to do if I notice uneven whitening?

After the treatment Uneven whitening does not occur. So it is unlikely you might notice an uneven colour. Before teeth whitening, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan must be done with the best dental clinic in Kochi, for proper and effective teeth whitening.

  • How much would it cost for teeth whitening treatment?

It is purely depending on the materials used and expertise, teeth whitening can cost around INR 10,000 onwards and upwards. Need to keep in mind the cost can also be affected depending on the patient’s teeth situation and colour gradient.

Teeth whitening benefits and risks

Everything You Should Know About Teeth Whitening: Benefits and Risks

by Clear Aligners

Teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is a dental treatment to whiten the human teeth. It is an aesthetic procedure. Many patients ask me 2 doubts

1) Whether dental cleaning or scaling is same as dental bleaching?
 Absolutely NO. Dental scaling is a procedure to remove teeth stains, plaque and calculus. It is done  to improve oral hygeine.

2) Can yellow teeth become white again?
Absolutely YES. Dental bleaching is the process to whiten your teeth. You can read on to know more about the teeth whitening benefits and risks.

The normal human teeth colour is yellowish white. But some patients feel that their teeth are extremely yellow. Such patients will find dental bleaching a very worthy and fruitful treatment. Extremely yellow teeth are mainly due to the inherent shade of one’s tooth just like skin colour. A point to note is that skin colour (mainly fair skinned) can cause your teeth to look relatively more yellowish. 

This blog’s purpose is to provide expert-backed information on teeth whitening benefits and risks empowering patients to make informed decisions.

How does Teeth Whitening work?

Dental bleaching can be classified by three factors

I) Type of bleaching:

  • Chemical 
  • Laser 

II) Type of teeth 

  • Vital teeth 
  • Non-vital teeth 

III) Area of procedure 

  • In-office 
  • Home bleach 

Let’s look in to each of the above in simple words.

  • Chemical bleach: Just as in hair bleach, a chemical is used for the bleaching process The basic chemical used is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (varying in concentration used). It is applied on the teeth 2-3 times in one session and the entire procedure can take approximately 45 minutes.
  • Laser bleach: As the name suggests, Laser is used. But it also involves using the above said chemicals. Lasers are used to get faster and better results, The cost is also higher.
  • Vital bleach: The procedure is done in live or normal teeth.
  • Non Vital Bleach: In certain conditions, due to history of trauma to the teeth, the teeth can become grey in colour over the years which is indicating the tooth is becoming dead. Such teeth can also be whitened.
  • In-office bleach: The procedure is done at the dental clinic and is more effective.
  • Home bleach: The procedure can be done by self at home. The concentration of the bleaching agent is comparatively less when compared to in-office bleach. So it is less effective. Home bleach is usually used as touch ups after a few months of in-office bleach treatment inorder to maintain the whiteness obtained. 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is commonly recommended to people who are

  • Not confident to smile because of their tooth colour
  • Dissatisfied with his/her own teeth colour.
  • Media personnel: Professional who host TV shows, concerts
  • Models: For ads, TV commercials
  • Candidates attending an interview
  • To enhance cosmetic treatment.

Teeth whitening risks

There are no risks as such. Proper treatment planning is a must for dental bleaching. The patient must convey their expectations (the shade of white they are expecting) from the treatment. Such communications can help the dentist to plan and advise a proper bleaching procedure. 

Do you have doubts on what the patient should do after a teeth whitening session? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

After the procedure, the patient can expect teeth sensitivity (which is absolutely temporary). Such sensitivity can be reduced or avoided by continuously wetting your teeth with saliva by running one’s tongue over the treated teeth. Moreover, your dentist will advise an anti-sensitive paste. Avoiding hot or cold foods for 24 hours after the procedure can help too.

For a week, food items or drinks which must be avoided are carbonated beverages, alcohol, tea or coffee without milk, any food with artificial colours, turmeric.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening is a temporary process which  lasts for 4-6 months. But dental bleaching touch ups can be done at home itself to maintain the whiteness.

Importance of a Professional Approach in the Teeth Whitening Process

It is always advisable to go for a professional approach in the teeth whitening process. It is similar to colouring one’s own hair. Without a professional approach, colour can get uneven and also there are teeth conditions (broken teeth, abraded teeth, crowns) wherein teeth whitening is contraindicated and/or is ineffective. So always get dental bleaching done under supervision of a dentist. 

Home bleaching is useful for touch ups to maintain the whiteness after a 6 month period of professional bleaching.

To conclude, proper planning by the dentist can be done after a consultation, where the dentist can help clear your doubts regarding the procedure and its effectiveness.When executed properly, teeth whitening can definitely help boost your confidence and help you smile better.

So if you are a person who always wanted to whiten your teeth, I hope this blog helped solve your basic doubts. To know more, kindly do a dental consultation to get your teeth whitened and smile confidently.

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How To Choose Between A Clear Aligner And Braces?

by Clear Aligners

Do you want to get your teeth straightened without having the wires on your teeth? Before I go into the details, I want to tell you about a patient named AB. AB wanted to get her teeth straightened and after providing different treatment options, the patient went ahead with normal braces. After she had it put on, the patient reported back after a week saying she wanted to remove it and go for a more comfortable alternative. She just could not bear the poking wire and irritation caused due to the braces. She then opted for clear aligners, which is a more comfortable and aesthetic alternative.

 I am not trying to say that normal braces are harmful or irritating but I am just highlighting the fact that there are patients who cannot tolerate the initial discomfort of normal braces and there are others who want a more transparent (aesthetic) option. For these reasons, Clear Aligners are the best option.

Orthodontic therapy is the type of dental therapy done to straighten teeth.  Normal braces are the conventional type braces with brackets (attachments)  bonded to each tooth and wires are placed. At the same time Clear Aligners are removable plastic trays that are customized for each patient.

Many patients or friends regularly ask me which type of orthodontic therapy they should go for. This blog will help my readers compare the two options and decide what is right for them. 

What Are Clear Aligners? 

Clear Aligners are removable thermoplastic customized trays to correct your teeth alignment.  They come under different lab names like Invisalign, Flash Aligners, Clear Correct, etc.

The treatment process includes

  • Diagnosis: A proper diagnosis of the tooth problem is the most important factor before going ahead with your treatment. An orthodontist is the specialist who can help you with which appliance best works for you. Radiographs and photographs will have to be taken to confirm your treatment plan.
  • Impressions or 3D scans: Teeth impression or 3D scan is taken to record your teeth condition.
  • Treatment planning: Different treatment plans are made to discuss with the patient.
  • Manufacturing and delivery of Aligners: The concerned lab will start manufacturing your aligners once the treatment plan is finalised. 
  • Aligner fitting: When the aligners have arrived, it is tried on the patient to check its fitting.
  • Treatment: Then the treatment starts under the guidance of your Orthodontist.

During the treatment, each set of aligners ( upper and lower ) are worn for approximately 10 days and 22 hours per day. 

If you ask me “Can you eat with the aligners on?”, it is a NO. 

There are 2 reasons :

  1. you cannot chew with your aligners and it can fracture or crack if you bite on something hard.
  2. Food can get stuck on the aligner, you will find it difficult to clean it. So it is ideal to remove them before every meal and wear them immediately after your meals. Moreover, it will never affect your wear timings as you have to wear them 22 hours only.

Are aligners painful? While wearing your aligners, each new set will tend to cause tooth soreness as your teeth are moving but it will be only for a day or two.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

  • Aesthetics: Virtually invisible.
  • Comfort: Generally more comfortable and less painful than traditional braces
  • Removability: Eat and drink whatever you want, easier to clean your teeth.
  • Convenience: Fewer in-office visits. It is always good to visit your orthodontist every month to know if the treatment is on track. But due to location limitations or work-related travel, you can do a check-up in 2-3 months as long as you wear them properly as advised. I want to highlight this because many times patients (especially those who cannot consult the doctor on a regular basis) feel that wearing it will help in achieving the perfect result. This is not entirely true because there are occasions where the aligners fitting may not be proper and the patient will not be aware of the same and they keep progressing to the next aligners but the tooth will not move as planned. So it is imperative to do regular check ups with your orthodontist or an orthodontist assigned at a different location under the advice of your orthodontist.

What Are Traditional Braces? 

Traditional braces known as Dental braces in general have been in practice for a long time now. As time advanced, there were many advances in orthodontic materials. It basically has brackets bonded to your teeth and wires are placed for the tooth movement. The treatment process includes: 

  • Diagnosis  & Treatment Planning: Similar to clear aligner therapy, the Orthodontist must examine and may have to take models, radiographs, and photographs to confirm your treatment plan.
  •  Treatment: The treatment starts when the Orthodontist places your fixed braces on your teeth
  •  Appointment and follow ups: Monthly appointments are a must for traditional braces. If the patient does not properly follow the appointment, there will be a delay in treatment and it can get prolonged.   

Benefits of traditional braces:

  • Effectiveness: Traditional braces are still more effective in treating complex orthodontic cases as of date. When compared with normal braces, Clear Aligner are not so effective but can treat certain complex cases due to advances in research and development.
  • Cost: It is more affordable than Clear Aligners.
  • Treatment time: Treatment duration usually depends on many factors such as teeth condition, severity of the teeth malalignment, age, etc. Depending on the said factors, treatment duration ranges from 6 months to 2 years. 

How to decide between Clear Aligners or Traditional Braces?

Always remember Clear aligners or traditional braces are just means to achieve the treatment aim or they are just tools for orthodontic therapy. Given below are the criteria to decide between the two.

  • Comfort: Aligners are far more comfortable compared to traditional braces.
  •  Food diet: Traditional braces have limitations in diet. You cannot eat a hard diet as it can lead to breakages of the components of the braces. Even sticky food can be difficult to clean. Such issues will not occur with clear aligners as they are to be removed before meals.
  • Aesthetics: Clear Aligners are the most Aesthetic or Transparent orthodontic appliance till date.
  • Time bound: If you are time bound in completing your treatment, Clear aligner will be a better option as the treatment plan can exactly predict the treatment duration.
  •  Non Resident patient: Clear aligners only require checkup in 2-3 months. So if you are a non resident, clear aligner is the right choice.
  • Non compliance: If you feel you will not wear the aligners as per schedule or cannot be compliant with the treatment protocol, it is better to go ahead with normal fixed braces.
  • Age: As you age, patients tend to seek aesthetic appliances. So Clear aligners or Ceramic braces are good options.  

Dental problems that Clear aligners can treat

Aligners can treat the following cases

  1. Teeth spacing
  2. Crossbite
  3. Open bite
  4. Crowding
  5. Deep bite.
  6. Proclined teeth with the extraction of teeth.

Certain complex cases can also be treated by Clear aligner but always Normal braces stand in the forefront for such cases. It would be better to consult your Orthodontist to know if your teeth can be corrected by Clear Aligner.

Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces 

 

Braces

Clear Aligners

Treatment Length

6 months to 2 years ( depending case to case)

When compared to normal braces, Clear aligners are more time bound making treatment duration shorter for the same treatment.

Estimated Price Range

Rs 30,000 – 1,50,000/-

Rs 60,000 – 3,50,000/-

Removable

Fixed 

Removable

Maintenance

Difficult to clean and maintain

Easy to clean and maintain

Gum irritation

Chances of gum irritation is higher if oral hygiene is not maintained

Chances of gum irritation are almost nil

Food restrictions

Hard and sticky foods are restricted

No food restrictions

 

After a thorough examination and diagnosis, the Orthodontist and patient must sit together and discuss the patient’s intent of treatment, doubts regarding treatment, aims and objectives of the treatment, and budget so that a tailor-made treatment plan and appliance can be planned for the patient.  Whether it is Clear Aligner or Normal Braces, obtaining a positive and encouraging smile with ability for optimal teeth functioning must be the utmost aim.

Children-Oral-Health-1600x900

Tips for Children’s Oral Health

by Uncategorized

Oral Health like any other part of our body has to be taken care of with utmost care and from an early age. Children at an early age should be educated on the importance of oral health and ways to keep it clean. Neglecting oral health can lead to effects like tooth decay , teeth pain, bad mouth odour, inability to eat food properly and gum infections. So it is very important that children start taking care of their teeth and teaching kids to brush teeth from a very early age and dental check ups every 6 months at the best dental clinic for preventing cavities in children. Let’s have an idea about best practices for kids dental hygiene.

Establishing a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

How to take care of kids’ teeth?

For a baby without teeth , cleaning the gums with a sterile cotton cloth or gauze dipped in normal water in the morning and night will suffice. But as soon as teeth erupt, it is very important to teach a child how to brush. A parent can start off with finger cap brushes as the bristles are softer and if a child bites, the parent’s finger does not get injured. It is advisable to guide your child until the age of 6 to clean every tooth (back and front) and inform them to look into the mirror while brushing otherwise certain areas of the mouth will be neglected. 

After the age of 6, children should be able to clean their teeth independently with constant reminders about the importance of keeping their teeth healthy. Then as the child ages the length of the brush can be modified as per the child’s convenience and dexterity. 

If a parent’s question or doubt is “How to get my toddler to brush their teeth” , the key factor is to start at an early age with details as mentioned above because the earlier the brushing habit is taught to the child , they will develop it as a routine daily procedure rather than a forced procedure.

Kids dental care tips

  • Brushing Techniques

Considering the method of brushing , circular motion works best for children as it is very effective in cleaning. Always remember it is the method of brushing and NOT the type of brush or paste that matters to keep your teeth healthy. 

Soft or medium brush is better and fluoridated paste can help in giving a tooth an extra protection for your tooth. But many food items or drinking water can help with regards to fluoride nourishment. Get in touch with a nutritionist for more details.
So the best toothbrush for kids will be a soft or medium bristles brush and a handle which the child can hold properly. Never cover the head of the brush during storage unless it is properly dry.

  • Flossing

Flossing is a very important habit and method to remove plaque and food particles especially in between teeth. If spaces are present between teeth , interdental brushes are available and are useful for children’s oral health.

  • Mouthwash

I would never recommend mouthwash for children unless prescribed by a dentist, since proper brushing and rinsing of mouth after every meal can prevent usage of mouthwash.

Healthy Dietary Habits for Strong Teeth

When considering healthy dietary habits for children for maintaining strong teeth , always give priority to fresh fruits and vegetables. Also milk, diary products like cheese, paneer and fish are useful supplements. A Balanced Diet is very important for keeping healthy teeth. Vitamin D and calcium are very good for bones and also for your teeth. Avoiding sugary / fizzy drinks is advised as these have acidic content and regular use of such drinks can compromise the strength of children’ s as well as adult teeth.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits:

Prevention is better than Cure is apt for every aspect of health care. Likewise it applies for dental health as well. Regular dental check up every year from the age of 3 is recommended . Before the age of 3, parents can themselves monitor the child’s teeth on a regular basis and can do a checkup if they suspect any abnormality. From the age of 3, dental check ups every 6 months can prevent many future dental ailments like tooth cavities, unerupting teeth.

So ideally First dental visit for kids should be at least when the child turns 3

Common Oral Health Issues in Children

Tooth Decay:

  • Signs of tooth decay in children are usually black or brown lines or dots during early stages and in advanced stages it usually presents as a cavity. It may get confused with bacterial stains( commonly found in children). Cause of tooth decay or caries are usually as explained before improper brushing habits, having sugary snacks ( like chocolates, candy ,etc) just before bed. 
  • Treatment options for such tooth caries are teeth fillings.

Gum Disease:

  • Good oral hygiene is very important in preventing gum disease as well. But gum diseases are very rare in children considering age and better healing capacity of children compared to adults unless and until the child has a very poor oral hygiene. Major gum problems in children are directly related to tooth infections like pus 
  • Other gum related symptoms are bleeding gums, red or swollen gums

Tooth Injuries:

  • Tooth injuries and fractures are a common occurrence amongst children as they are always involved in some physical activities. The children who are majorly affected are those who have proclined upper front teeth. 
  • Such children can be treated at an early age by seeking treatment from an orthodontist or pedodontist to prevent further teeth trauma or injuries.
  •  

How to prepare your Kid for a Dental Check-up?

Before the dental visit, explain to your child the reason for your dental visit. Never scare the child with details like “ doctor will inject if you do not listen” ,etc which will cause unwanted fear in the child’s mind. But otherwise if a child is already scared, the dentist can well handle the situation. During the initial visit, only a check up is done to check the dental condition of the child. Procedures are usually not undertaken until an emergency arises.

Conclusion

So always remember taking care of oral health is equally important like any other body part. Brushing is equally important like bathing your body. From an early age,  proper and effective brushing is the key to good oral health. Parents must consider it their responsibility for initial care of their children’s teeth. Proper education about the importance and value of good oral health plays a crucial role in the child’s overall growth and development.