Archive for the ‘Dr Patel’s Answers’ Category

Will home teeth whitening help to improve colour of discoloured teeth?

Monday, March 15th, 2010
Q.
My old Dentist always commented that I have very strong, healthy teeth. The problem is they are very discolored. I unfortunately do not have insurance right now, as I am a recent college graduate unable to find employment. I do attribute many of my unemployment issues to my truly horrendous teeth. After extensive web research, I believe my teeth are discolored due to a mild/moderate case of fluorosis. All of my teeth are the same yellow/brownish color expect for the top front two. The top half of these two teeth never change in appearance. The bottom half, at times, change from yellow/brownish to pure white/ Though, there is a thin discolored strip running down (vertically) one of the teeth. I believe these two teeth change in appearance due to “dry mouth” or dehydration. It is especially noticeable after a night out at the bar, where drinking too much alcohol would cause the dehydration. If you agree with my assessment thus far, my question should be rather simple. Do you think attempting at home whitening, with a product such as crest whitestrips, would cause further damage? i.e. make things looks worse…Or do you think attempting to use this product may help lighten my overall smile a few shades at least? I don’t want to have to get veneers, as i am in no financial position to afford them. I cant find a job without a better smile, or afford a better smile without a job. Quite the Catch 22 I’d say! Thanks for you time and expertise, Sir.,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

Can I get the Inman Aligner if I have crowned teeth?

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Q.
I have crowns on my front teeth and wondered how easy it would be to use Inman aligners. I am 39 years old, and my dentist told me he would put an expander in 1st, what type of expander is he referrng to, and do all expenders seperate your front teeth ?,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

Is getting braces at 20 too old?

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Q.
hello would just like how long it will take to straighten teeth with braces, you think 20 is to old my bottom teeth are not that bad but my othondist said i need braces on them but i need to take more teeth out i already took 2 teeth out in my top teeth what you think i should stik to my top braces or go along with getting bottom brace as im 20 i think braces wouldnt look nice i thought about invasilign its to much out my budget,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

Would Lumineers be suitable treatment for snapped tooth?

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Q.
One of my front teeth snapped in half about 15 years ago. It was ‘glued’ back on and has lasted all that time. It has however now come off three times in the last two months. I figure I will need to get some sort of crown, etc. I have read about ‘lumineers’ and am very interested by this idea as has the least ammount of impact to the current tooth and also seems to last the longest. Is this something that you think would work/be appropriate for my situation?,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

How long will it be to fix overbite with retainer?

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Q.
Hi, i got retainers for overbite in August, and wore them everyday, day and night for about a month, then i stopped after they were tightened because it was too painful, but i decided that im going to wear them again. How long will i have to wear them for my overbite to be cured? Also, i have a gap in my front teeth, and there is no metal/brace on my retainer for that, so i think i am getting fixed braces after my overbite is cured. How long till the gap closes up? Thank you.,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

Been told that braces can not fix crooked teeth so what can?

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Q.
Hello. One of my two front teeth is severely crooked. It came out twisted just about 180 degrees turned. How can this be fixed? I’ve gone for an orthodontics consulation but was told that braces may not be able to completely straighten it, what options are there? Thanks,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

What is the best way to straighten out of place front tooth?

Monday, March 8th, 2010
Q.
One of my front tooth have been pushed forward and is taller than the other the gum on that tooth have receeded and there is a big gap between my teeth. i was told my dentist that i have periodontis disease. ihave been treating it but how do i get this tooth to go back in place? my dentist says i should brace it but idon’t have the money to do it. I live in Jamaica and the cost for braces is $5,000 US dollars. my gum is not bleeding anymore but the front tooth is loose what do i do,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

What can be done for gums that are soft and sometimes bleed?

Friday, February 26th, 2010
Q.
I have sensitive teeth and problem gums which are soft and sometimes bleed. Over the years I have regular visits to my dentist and use toothpastes and mouthwashes which help somewhat. I have read Vitamin E oil rubbed on the gums and also used as a mouthwash can help. Do you think it could and if not what would you suggest I do to try and harden my gums more.,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

Can I get implants for missing teeth due to baby teeth?

Friday, February 26th, 2010
Q.
My dentist tells me that i have still alot of baby teeth and this is the reason why i have lost several teeth in the past due to the fact they are not as robust as adult teeth, he gave the correct name for this problem but i cannot remember it! Any how i want implants to replace the teeth that i have lost and the two which are due to lose because they are on their last legs so to speak. Most of the missing teeth are back and upper molars, is this the best option and what is the correct name for the problem that i have,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel

Can I get teeth replaced on the NHS?

Friday, February 26th, 2010
Q.
hello there doctor can i have my front teeth replaced to suit me im missing three frontal teeth and although i wasent so kind to my smile years ago i have beeb trying to look after my teeth better these last few years also anyway i can be treated nearby strathclyde on the nhs thanks mate,

Dr Riten Patel The Mulberry 18 Ashley Road, Walton on Thames Surrey, KT12 1HS Web: www.mulberrydental.co.uk Tel: 01932 223 479 View My Profile Dr Patel