Can Orthodontics Reverse the Effects of Braces on Facial Structure?
Can braces help adjust a "braces face" back to normal? Hello, I have been undergoing orthodontic treatment for three years, and I have developed a noticeable "braces face" (sunken temples, protruding cheekbones, and hollow cheeks). During the treatment, I gain...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, regarding the repositioning of the zygomatic bone, this will not be affected during orthodontic treatment. The position of the zygomatic bone does not change; rather, it is the alignment of the teeth in the oral cavity that changes, leading to alterations in the occlusion ...[Read More] Can Orthodontics Reverse the Effects of Braces on Facial Structure?
Will Missing Teeth Affect the Height of Adjacent Teeth?
Missing teeth not replaced? Hello Doctor: I have a missing tooth. On the left side, there is a dental implant, and on the right side, there is a prosthetic tooth. Both of these adjacent teeth are occluding with the lower teeth on either side of the missing tooth. If the missing t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If the crowns of the teeth on both sides of a missing tooth are occluding with the corresponding lower teeth, the lower teeth not only become taller, but the missing tooth area can lead to a reduced ability to withstand opposing forces on the crowns during occlusion. It is advisa...[Read More] Will Missing Teeth Affect the Height of Adjacent Teeth?
Understanding Occasional Tooth Pain: Causes and Solutions
Occlusal soreness and tenderness? 1. There is a sensation of soreness, weakness, and slight pain when biting down, but there is no pain during normal activities. I have already seen a dentist twice, and X-rays and percussion tests did not reveal any issues. 2. However, the afor...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, based on the above situation, if percussion and X-rays have been performed, we should check for any periodontal issues and whether the opposing occlusion has also been examined. Additionally, we can assess if there is any pain when you open and close your mouth to rule out...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Tooth Pain: Causes and Solutions
Does Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Affect Gums After Dental Implants?
Will temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the gums after dental implants? Hello Dr. Huang, I have a problem with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis, which often causes headaches and ear pain. After getting dental implants, I feel that the joint in that area is seve...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unclear whether the dental implant procedure has been completed. If the dental crown for the implant has been finished, changes in occlusion may affect the condition of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). However, most cases improve aft...[Read More] Does Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Affect Gums After Dental Implants?
Can You Repair Jagged Front Teeth with Dental Fillings?
Can the jagged edges of incisors be repaired with dental restoration? One of my front teeth has worn down into a jagged edge, while the other one is slightly chipped at the corner. This makes my teeth look uneven and quite unattractive. Both of these teeth were filled a long time...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
One of the incisors has been worn down to a slanted, serrated edge, while another has a small chip missing. After being filled, it has gradually come loose. This may be due to the lower teeth shifting forward with the jaw during occlusion, causing them to contact the filled area....[Read More] Can You Repair Jagged Front Teeth with Dental Fillings?
Addressing Space Issues in Children's Tooth Development and Orthodontics
Children experiencing dental crowding during the eruption of their permanent teeth? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my nine-year-old child who has lost six teeth. Previously, two primary teeth were extracted to make way for the new teeth. During a recent routine check-up...
Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
1. Orthodontic treatment can begin. 2. There are palatal expanders available for correction. 3. Please visit the dental clinic for treatment, as a palatal expander needs to be custom-fitted using a dental mold. 4. Malocclusion can lead to tooth wear, but correction will imp...[Read More] Addressing Space Issues in Children's Tooth Development and Orthodontics
Can Braces Correct Misaligned Jaw and Bite Issues?
Can braces improve a misaligned bite with a left-shifted jaw? Hello, doctor! I have an issue with malocclusion, and my jaw is also shifted to the left. When I take pictures, my face looks noticeably uneven. I'm not sure if this is related to my habit of sleeping on my side. ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination and to assess whether orthodontic treatment with braces is necessary, as it may not improve malocclusion.[Read More] Can Braces Correct Misaligned Jaw and Bite Issues?
Understanding the Connection Between TMJ Disorders and Dental Health
Is there a connection between the temporomandibular joint and teeth? Last month, I suddenly fell ill, and the doctor (not a dentist) diagnosed me with right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. My symptoms mostly stem from staying up late, dietary issues, malocclusion, and be...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, based on the above situation, it appears that there has been long-term teeth grinding and malocclusion, which has resulted in muscle and joint pain. It is recommended that the patient visit a clinic to assess the joint issues and temporarily avoid staying up late. Regardin...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between TMJ Disorders and Dental Health
How to Differentiate Between Cavities and Stains on Your Teeth
Cavity issues If there are several small black spots on your teeth, how can you distinguish whether they are pigment deposits or cavities, especially since the dentist did not recommend fillings? If there are cavities between your teeth and the dentist says it's not serious,...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, 1. Pigmentation can gradually decrease with reduced consumption of coffee, tea, and tobacco, along with regular brushing. 2. An uneven gum line needs to be smoothed out, and a diagnosis should be made based on your occlusion. 3. If you wish to proceed with treatment, y...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Cavities and Stains on Your Teeth
Understanding Oral Mucosal Changes After Braces and Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Buccal mucosa? Hello, after I got braces, my mouth has been sore, but once it healed, there are large white patches. What could this be? Also, after having my wisdom teeth removed, there was a small painful and swollen area on the right side of my face, and now, a month later, it...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
1. After getting braces, mouth sores may occur, possibly due to the areas where teeth are missing or where there is dental enamel loss. The buccal mucosa may shift inward, causing ulcers on the buccal mucosa when biting down with the new braces. It is recommended to consult a den...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Changes After Braces and Wisdom Tooth Extraction
How to Stop Gum Bleeding: Tips for Healthy Gums After Dental Cleaning
Gum bleeding Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, I had a dental cleaning at a nearby clinic about a month ago. Since graduating from college, I have been experiencing ongoing gum issues, including redness, swelling, and bleeding. After visiting the dentist for a cleaning, I was i...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If gum bleeding is caused by misalignment of the upper teeth that easily bites into the lower gums, along with impacted wisdom teeth pressing against other teeth, it can lead to plaque accumulation in the interproximal spaces, making the gums more prone to bleeding. It may be nec...[Read More] How to Stop Gum Bleeding: Tips for Healthy Gums After Dental Cleaning
Understanding Oral Mucosal Abnormalities After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Oral mucosal abnormalities Hello Doctor, my wisdom tooth was extracted over a year ago, and now I have an unusual condition in my oral cavity that looks like a sore but is not painful. Please see the photo link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-qFs8OEr1x_eHlDLVZGZ0Q5YU0/v...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello: Based on the above situation, it is likely that prolonged occlusion has caused biting or friction on the buccal side of the oral cavity, leading to the aforementioned condition. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Kuan-Yu Chu, Attending Dentist, Taoyuan General Ho...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Abnormalities After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Should I Extract or Fill My Decayed Upper Second Molar?
Cavity in the second molar? Doctor, I have a cavity in my upper left second molar, and that tooth is misaligned. The molar behind it and my lower wisdom tooth have both been extracted. The dentist I visited said that the tooth does not occlude properly, so it would be fine to ext...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In the above situation, if you want to preserve the second molar, it is recommended to first fill the cavity and then use orthodontic treatment to align the teeth properly, so as not to affect the occlusion. You should consult a dentist to evaluate whether this treatment is feasi...[Read More] Should I Extract or Fill My Decayed Upper Second Molar?
Why Does My Dental Filling Keep Falling Out? Common Causes Explained
The dental filling keeps falling out? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last year, I had a cavity on the outer side of my upper right last molar. I went for a filling, but just a few days later, the filling came out. The dentist mentioned that it was a deep cavity and difficult to wor...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear user, based on your description, the filling on your upper right molar has recently fallen out. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up appointment so that your dentist can examine and treat the area. Depending on the size, depth, and location of the cavity, an app...[Read More] Why Does My Dental Filling Keep Falling Out? Common Causes Explained
Addressing Tooth Loss: Options for Dental Implants and Bridges
Tooth loss issues I have a missing upper right third molar, and the three posterior teeth are replaced with a dental bridge. The lower right side is missing the second and third molars. The upper left side is missing the first to third molars, and the lower left side is missing t...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, the first molar is the center of occlusion, so placing an implant in the upper left first molar should be sufficient for the functional relationship between the upper and lower first molars, unless your dentist has specific considerations. Please consult regarding cleaning...[Read More] Addressing Tooth Loss: Options for Dental Implants and Bridges
Can Crooked Teeth Be Fixed? Solutions for Facial Asymmetry After Tooth Extraction
Is there any treatment for facial asymmetry caused by dental issues? I have been experiencing malocclusion for nearly two years. After having a tooth extracted, my face became asymmetrical. Is there any hope for improvement? I am still in the process of treatment, but it has been...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If you feel that your face is still asymmetrical, it may be because your dental alignment has not yet been corrected. This could be due to pregnancy, which can prolong the treatment duration. During the orthodontic period, it is important to have regular follow-up appointments fo...[Read More] Can Crooked Teeth Be Fixed? Solutions for Facial Asymmetry After Tooth Extraction
Post-Root Canal Treatment Concerns: What You Need to Know
Post-Root Canal Treatment Issues Hello, about five years ago, I had a root canal treatment on one of my lower molars (the first two molars). It had a slight fracture once, so I later used silver powder to fill it. At that time, the doctor mentioned that my jaw was still developin...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello: The molars are the focal point of occlusion and should be protected with crowns; otherwise, over time, the tooth structure can easily fracture. If the fracture extends too deep below the gum line, it may become irreparable. The conditions for wisdom teeth are not ideal, an...[Read More] Post-Root Canal Treatment Concerns: What You Need to Know
Can You Get Dentures for Broken Front Teeth? A Dental Guide
Can front teeth be replaced with dentures? Hello, when I was in middle school, I had a car accident that broke my front teeth. At that time, I was really afraid of the dentist, so I never went for treatment. My two right front teeth were broken down to the gum line, and the two o...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In the above situation, it appears that the extent of the crown fracture is significant, and if the teeth are misaligned and the occlusion is incorrect, even with a prosthesis, the results may not be satisfactory. It is advisable to seek a second opinion from another dentist to e...[Read More] Can You Get Dentures for Broken Front Teeth? A Dental Guide
Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Root canal treatment Hello Doctor: I had a root canal treatment on my lower right molar over a decade ago, and after filling it with silver amalgam, everything was fine. A few months ago, during a dental cleaning, a dentist found some decay and removed the silver filling to refil...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello: A tooth with a long-dead nerve is often associated with chronic inflammation around the root apex and the root canal, which typically presents no clinical symptoms and has normal occlusion. However, when the pulp chamber is reopened, the balance is disrupted, leading to an...[Read More] Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pain After Dental Filling: Causes and Solutions
Sometimes, biting down on hard objects can cause pain in a filled tooth? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my experience after getting my upper premolar filled at the hospital. I returned the same day because it felt too high, and I went back the next day for an adjustment...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
In the above situation, it is possible that the original cavity was extensive. Although the cavity has been filled, the dental nerve may still be very sensitive. It is recommended that if the pain persists, you should return to the dentist for further examination and to assess wh...[Read More] Understanding Pain After Dental Filling: Causes and Solutions