Category: Cosmetic Dentistry

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March 14, 2024 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Worn Teeth: Common Causes and Treatments

Is it normal for teeth to wear over time?

Worn teeth are a natural part of ageing. In fact, most people will experience some wear and tear to their teeth over their lifetime. It makes sense, considering we use our teeth to eat, bite, and tear food for our entire adult life.

While a small amount of wear shouldn’t affect your bite or the appearance of your smile, severely worn teeth can lead to problems with your teeth. Here’s how to know if the wear and tear of your teeth is normal or when to seek treatment.

What do worn teeth look like?

Our teeth are naturally protected by a hard outer layer called enamel. This shell protects our teeth from damage. It also protects our teeth from sensitivity when eating hot and cold foods.

Enamel is also what makes our teeth look white. Below this layer is the dentin – which is yellow. When the enamel starts to wear down it can change the shape and appearance of our teeth.

While a small amount of wear and tear isn’t usually noticeable, if you have more severe wear and tear, you may notice your teeth look very short, flat, sharp or uneven. They may also appear quite yellow from where the enamel has begun to wear away.

Worn teeth can also cause other symptoms like sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pain when you bite down or just the feeling that your bite is a bit ‘off.’

What is the cause of worn teeth?

While normal wear can happen over time from our upper and lower rows of teeth coming into contact with one another, more severe wear is usually caused by erosion or abrasion.

Abrasion

Abrasion is caused by grinding and clenching the teeth together. Over long periods of time, this can wear down the structure and cause teeth to look short and flat.

Bruxism

Severe or ongoing clenching and grinding of the teeth and jaw is called bruxism.

Brushing too hard

Brushing too aggressively, especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode tooth enamel over time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead.

Acidic food and drink

Drinking acidic foods such as fruit juice, sodas, energy drinks or eating citric fruit can erode tooth enamel over time. Drinking water after eating fruit and avoiding acidic drinks can help prevent tooth erosion.

Uneven teeth

If you have a crooked bite or uneven teeth, this can also cause wear on certain teeth.

Chewing on objects

There are some causes of worn teeth that can be avoided. Chewing on objects like pencils, toothpicks, fingernails or pen caps can wear down our teeth. Avoid using your teeth as a tool.

Can worn teeth cause dental problems?

Wear and tear can cause significant dental problems because of how susceptible to decay they are. If teeth get too worn, they can be hard to repair. With less tooth surface to work with, it can be hard to remove a cavity without damaging the remaining structure of the tooth.

Worn teeth can also lead to an uneven bite. This can make chewing uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. An uneven bite can even lead to headaches, neck and jaw pain.

Once tooth enamel wears down, it can’t be replaced. There are ways to fix worn teeth and prevent further erosion of the tooth structure or the surface enamel.

How to fix worn teeth?

There are several ways to fix worn teeth.

Dental crowns restore the functionality of a tooth especially if much of the existing structure is worn away.

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured composite to teeth to fix the worn edges of your teeth.
Flouride treatments can prevent further tooth enamel erosion.

What should you do if your teeth are showing signs of wear?

If you have a dental concern, see your dentist sooner than later. Regular dental appointments can help you keep on top of your oral health.

At Gentle Dental, we have four Wellington practices to choose from and a wide range of opening hours, including late nights and some Saturdays. Book an appointment now.

BlogsCosmetic Dentistry

March 5, 2024 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Veneers and Crowns: What is the Difference?

What is the difference between veneers and crowns?

Veneers and crowns are common procedures used to restore teeth. While they can both improve the appearance or function of your teeth, it can help to know the differences between each type of treatment. Here’s how to figure out which dental restoration method is right for you.

Veneers and crowns at a glance

While both treatments can be used to improve the look of your teeth, veneers and crowns are quite different.

A veneer is a layer of porcelain or ceramic applied to the front of the tooth. Veneers are about 1mm thick. During the process, a dentist will roughen the front of the tooth before attaching the veneer.

A dental crown is a bit thicker, at around 2mm, and covers the entire surface of the tooth. While veneers are a bit like a strong artificial nail for your teeth, a crown acts more like a protective cap. During the process, a dentist will shape the natural tooth below so that the crown fits snugly on top. More of the natural tooth’s structure is lost during a dental crown than with dental veneers.

When are veneers used?

Veneers are primarily used for improving the look of your teeth. They are commonly used to treat:

Discolored teeth
Broken or chipped teeth
Overcrowding
Tooth gaps
Misshapen teeth

Veneers aren’t as invasive as dental crowns. The preparation leaves more of the tooth intact and because of this, they can easily be applied to multiple teeth. For a veneer to work, you’ll need to have enough natural enamel for the composite or porcelain to bond to. During the process your dentist will remove half a millimetre of natural tooth enamel before bonding the veneer to the tooth.

Composite veneers

There are two main types of veneers, composite and porcelain.

Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain. The process for a composite veneer can be faster and takes place over one appointment. A dentist can build veneers directly onto the surface of the tooth by applying layers of composite and hardening it with a curing light.

Composite is less durable and less stain-resistant than porcelain. They last between 3-5 years and will need to then be replaced.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years if well looked after. This is because they are more stain resistant and more durable. Porcelain veneers can take longer to complete and sometimes need to be completed in two visits.

During the first appointment the dentist will prepare your teeth for bonding. At the second appointment, the veneers are bonded to your teeth.

When are dental crowns used?

Dental crowns are suitable for treating misshapen or damaged teeth. If a tooth is cracked, broken, chipped or has had a root canal, a dental crown can act as a protective helmet while restoring the natural appearance of the tooth. Dental crowns also allow you to chew and bite without causing further damage that might result in a fracture resulting in a tooth extraction.

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including porcelain for its durability, zirconia for its strength and even gold which is a strong metal.

What are the similarities between veneers and crowns?

Veneers and crowns are both treatments that can be used to improve the appearance and function of a tooth. Veneers can be used to fix gaps, chipped or worn teeth or treat enamel erosion in the front of the mouth. Crowns are more suitable for fixing weak, cracked and broken teeth, particularly in the back of the mouth.
Both crowns and veneers are made to look like natural teeth and can be used to fix a discoloured tooth or teeth.
You can care for a crown or a veneer the same way with simple brushing, flossing and regular dental appointments.

What are the differences between veneers and crowns?

Veneers only cover the front of a tooth, while a crown covers the entire surface of the tooth.
Veneers require a natural tooth to bond to. A crown can be fixed over the top of a natural tooth or fixed to a dental implant.
Veneers are mostly used on front-facing teeth while crowns are usually used on molars and premolars.
Veneers don’t last as long as crowns and may need to be replaced every ten years or less.
Veneers are mainly used to improve the look of a tooth.

How much do veneers and crowns cost?

The price of veneers or a crown will differ depending on what materials they are made from. A porcelain veneer will cost more than a composite veneer and can last a lot longer.

Composite veneers are less expensive however easier to repair if they chip as you do not need to replace the entire porcelain veneer.

Dental crowns usually start at a higher price point than a single veneer but it’s important to remember that the two treatments aren’t always interchangeable. Some patients will also need a root canal or implant before a crown is fitted.

The best way to get an accurate price for a dental crown or veneers is to book an appointment Gentle Dental. Whether you want to improve the look of your smile or fix a broken tooth we can suggest the best treatment for your smile goals.

Cosmetic DentistryRestoration

September 13, 2023 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Smile Makeover or Smile Reconstruction: Which is Best for You?

Two popular options for creating a lovely smile are a ‘smile makeover’ and ‘smile reconstruction.’ Learn the difference between these two dental terms.

BlogsCosmetic Dentistry

October 11, 2022 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Do I Need Braces? 7 Signs You May Need Orthodontics

Dentists and orthodontists recommend orthodontics for many reasons. While there are some obvious signs a person might need braces, such as crooked teeth, an overbite or an underbite, there are other less common indicators that you may need orthodontic treatment. Having straight teeth can not only improve your confidence; they are also much easier to clean and floss between. An aligned bite can also make chewing more comfortable and fix some speech impediments. If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘do I need braces?’ here are some signs you might.

1. Your teeth are crooked or crowded

An obvious indicator that you need braces is if you have teeth that are crooked or crowded in your mouth. Crooked teeth can affect your self-confidence and make you feel embarrassed to smile. They are also harder to clean between which increases the risk of tooth decay.

Crowding happens to teeth when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for all of the adult teeth to grow. Dental crowding is also caused by:

having teeth that are larger than your jaw and don’t ‘fit’ correctly
losing an adult tooth early and having another adult tooth move into the empty space
wisdom teeth emerging and not having enough space to sit comfortably in the mouth
over-retention of baby teeth which prevents adult teeth from growing correctly

2. You breathe through your mouth

Our bodies are designed to breathe nasally. If you breathe through your mouth excessively, especially when you sleep, it could be because closing your mouth doesn’t feel comfortable. In a well-aligned mouth, the top row of teeth rests gently on the bottom row when the mouth is closed. For some, this doesn’t feel natural, which leads to breathing through the mouth rather than through the nose.

Breathing through the mouth excessively can change the way your face looks as you develop from adolescence into adulthood. Mouth breathing can lead to dry lips, bad breath and other health issues.

Fixing the alignment of your teeth will not only fix the way you breathe, it can also improve the appearance of the face.

3. Your teeth don’t align properly

Ideally, the top and bottom rows of your teeth should rest gently on one another when your mouth is closed. If you have an overbite your top row of teeth will protrude over the bottom row. If you have an underbite, the bottom teeth protrude out further than the upper teeth.

Underbites can make it difficult to chew properly and may make closing your mouth feel uncomfortable. Many people choose to get their overbites fixed for aesthetic reasons. Overbites can lead to:

Breathing difficulties
Pain or discomfort when chewing
Gum disease if bottom teeth aren’t brushed properly
Speech problems

4. You have a speech impediment

Having crooked or misaligned teeth can cause speech issues such as lisping, whistling or a lateral lisp. The alignment of your teeth affects where the tongue is placed when speaking. Crooked teeth can disrupt your ability to correctly form certain words. Overcrowded teeth can make it hard for the tongue to move as freely while large gaps between teeth can cause whistling sounds, especially on ‘s’ sounds.

When teeth are properly aligned, your tongue can produce the right sounds without obstruction.

5. You have trouble chewing

Misaligned teeth can cause problems with your jaw, making it harder to chew your food properly. If you experience clicking or pain in the jaw, you could also have problems with your temporomandibular (TMJ) joint. This joint connects the jawbone to your skull. Long term grinding of the teeth can also cause pain in the TMJ.

Your dentist will be able to tell you whether or not braces can fix any problems with your jaw that make chewing difficult. For some people, braces won’t be enough. Instead, they may need jaw surgery to fix problems with their TMJ.

6. You sucked your thumb past the age of five

If you sucked your thumb as a child past the age of five, you may need orthodontics to correct your teeth. Sucking your thumb for long periods of time, especially in childhood when your adult teeth are emerging, can push the front teeth forward into an overbite.

If your child is a thumb-sucker this doesn’t necessarily mean you should force them to stop. Most children grow out of the habit naturally. However, if your child is five or older there is a higher chance that their habit will change the way their teeth form and could lead to alignment issues.

7. You don’t like the look of your smile

You don’t have to experience problems with your teeth to have orthodontics. Plenty of people get braces for aesthetic reasons. Whether you have a gap between some of your teeth or one or two crooked teeth, no matter how small the aesthetic ‘problem’ braces can be a great solution.

Straight teeth can boost your confidence by fixing any issues that may stop you from wanting to smile. Straightening your teeth can also give a more harmonious look to the face and improve your jaw structure.

Orthodontics at Gentle Dental

At Gentle Dental we offer traditional braces, clear braces, lingual braces and Invisalign. Traditional braces are made from stainless steel to gently move your teeth into place. Clear braces are similar to traditional braces, but use ceramic brackets for a more discreet look. Lingual braces fit to the inside of the teeth and are better suited to adults than kids or teenagers. Invisalign are a great option for adults seeking orthodontic treatment. The trays are transparent, easy to use and are barely noticeable.

No matter what type of braces you choose, we focus on providing a gentle touch when it comes to fitting your orthodontics. While many orthodontists will remove teeth in order to create room in the mouth to align the teeth, we try to avoid removing teeth wherever possible.

If you are interested in orthodontics for you or your child, book a consultation with us today.

BlogsCosmetic DentistryRestorationTeeth Straightening

May 12, 2021 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Where Can I Go For Great Dental Care in Upper Hutt?

Gentle Dental have been offering gentle, professional dentistry to Wellington patients since 1992. As one of Wellington’s largest privately-owned dental practices, we are pleased to be expanding our dental practice with the opening of our new location in Upper Hutt.

As a large group practice, now working out of three locations, we have a team of highly qualified experts that can help with everything from wisdom teeth removal, to braces, and even dental surgery including wisdom teeth removal. Create your perfect smile at Gentle Dental Upper Hutt by booking an appointment today.

Choose the gentlest dentists in Upper Hutt

Gentle Dental have been offering dental care in Wellington for nearly thirty years. With two locations in the Wellington CBD — one on Ghuznee Street and one on Lambton Quay — we thought it was about time we brought our brand of friendly, professional, and gentle, dental services to patients in the Hutt Valley.

Our newest Gentle Dental practice is located at 22 Royal Street, Upper Hutt. Whether you are experience toothache, or dental pain, are due for a dental examination, or would just like to find a dentist closer to you, our practice is open and taking on new patients. Whatever your needs, the friendly Gentle Dental team can help!

The Gentle Dental difference

Our vision has always been to provide professional, exceptional care that treats people how we would like to be treated. That’s why we’re so excited to be extending our practice into Upper Hutt. When you book with us, you’ll experience the Gentle Dental difference.

Firstly, we’re a service focused team, and your comfort is our top priority. We focus on supporting you through each visit and our bedside manner is second to none. If you’re anxious, apprehensive or worried our team are here to help. We’re also happy to explain each step of the process as we go along.

When you book in with us, you’ll meet with one of our team of experienced professionals. Our dentists have 125 years of combined experience, so you know you’re in good hands.

It’s not just our staff that takes a gentle approach to dental care. From digital x-rays to cameras that help us diagnose decay, we utilise the best state-of-the-art dental technology to make your appointment quicker, and more comfortable. Our intra-oral cameras also allow you to see what’s going on in your own mouth. If you’d rather zone out while you’re in the chair, you can watch movies or listen to music, to feel more at ease.

Booking a preventative dental appointment is the easiest way to keep your smile in good health. That’s why we like to make sure you’re comfortable while in our care. Book in your appointment with Gentle Dental today and experience our difference.

We make getting a dental appointment easy

We know how hard it can be to book in an appointment with a dentist. That’s why we’re open longer than many other clinics. Can’t find the time to visit us between work and family commitments? Our Upper Hutt dental clinic is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday.

We’re also open late on Tuesdays until 8:00pm. Need a weekend appointment? No worries! Pop in on Saturday and we’ll get you sorted.

While we know the importance of preventative dental care, we also know that accidents happen. If you’re experiencing toothache or pain, or have a dental emergency – like losing a tooth — we try our best to get you in for a same-day emergency appointment.

No matter what type of dental service you require, we make accessing dental care easy. Call our friendly receptionists today to book in an upcoming appointment at any one of our three clinics.

Get the dental care you require

As a locally owned dentist practice, we’re here to make sure Upper Hutt residents have access to the best dental care in Wellington, without having to drive into the city for something as simple as a check-up.

While our Upper Hutt dental centre is slightly smaller than our Wellington practices, you’ll still get the benefit of being part of the Gentle Dental family. With three locations, our team of dentists have expertise in most aspects of dentistry. This includes wisdom teeth removal, surgery and even full mouth rehabilitation and enables us to treat most cases in-house without having to refer you to a specialist.

For our Upper Hutt clients, this means if you require a more specific service or surgery, we can still handle it at one of our city clinics.

Whether you need an emergency appointment, preventative care, orthodontics, restorative or cosmetic treatment you can get it all at Gentle Dental.

Become a new dental patient at our Upper Hutt practice

At Gentle Dental, our technology, expertise and gentle approach allows us to produce top quality results in all aspects of dentistry. With longer opening hours, same-day emergency appointments and weekend appointments, our Upper Hutt clinic is open and ready to help! Book your dental appointment in now and keep your mouth smiling.

Cosmetic Dentistry

May 1, 2020 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

What Are The Differences Between Invisalign® And Braces?

Measles can be prevented by vaccination with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is effective at preventing three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine…

Children's Dental HealthCosmetic DentistryPreventionTeeth Straightening

March 12, 2020 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Six Things You May Not Know About Braces

Braces are one of the most common methods of straightening teeth.