Can Crooked Canines Be Corrected? Understanding Dental Braces Options
Could you please provide more details or specify your question regarding orthodontics? I have a question about my left canine tooth and the teeth in front of it, which seem to be growing crooked. It appears that the front teeth are blocking the canine, causing it to grow in a mis...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear online friend, based on your description, it seems that your canine and anterior teeth are misaligned. I recommend that you consult an orthodontist to evaluate whether further treatment is necessary. Orthodontic treatment should take into account facial aesthetics and overal...[Read More] Can Crooked Canines Be Corrected? Understanding Dental Braces Options
Dealing with a Broken Front Tooth: Crown or Filling Options?
Fractured incisor? Hello, doctor. When I was a child, I had a broken front tooth and had it filled. However, the filling has come out recently. Should I get a crown, or is it sufficient to just refill it?
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear netizen, based on your description of a fractured front tooth with a filling that has fallen out, it is advisable to consult a dentist. The dentist can assess the size, depth, and occlusion of the fractured tooth to determine whether a filling or, if necessary, a crown (pros...[Read More] Dealing with a Broken Front Tooth: Crown or Filling Options?
Understanding the Impact of Occlusal Splints on TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint occlusal splint Hello, Doctor: I am a patient with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. I have been wearing an occlusal splint for over a year, and this is my second splint. The first one was replaced because I continued to experience joint pain and dis...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear Jenny: Hello, the occlusal splint typically used for general temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is a flat occlusal splint, which can be worn throughout the day without causing anterior open bite. It is important to consider whether there are any detrimental habits (su...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Occlusal Splints on TMJ Disorders
Understanding Dental Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Bite Issues
I've been experiencing discomfort in my bite for the past two weeks? Hello, doctor. At the end of June, I had my wisdom tooth cause a crack in my molar, which often results in cuts on my tongue, so I went to see a dentist. (Since the nerve in that molar was removed, I didn&#...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear Runrun, Hello. Wisdom teeth can easily cause issues due to their improper positioning, leading to food impaction that may result in cavities in the second molars. Under occlusion, they can cause tooth damage, and their sharp edges can injure the back of the tongue, leading ...[Read More] Understanding Dental Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Bite Issues
Bridge vs. Implant: Best Solution for Missing Teeth Next to Damaged Ones
When there are unhealthy teeth on both sides of a missing tooth, should one choose a dental bridge or dental implants? Recently, my upper second premolar (which had undergone treatment for cavities) broke while eating and had to be extracted. The two adjacent teeth have both been...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear Xiao Lulul: Hello, dental implants are a new option in dental care. The advantage is that it eliminates the need to grind down the adjacent healthy teeth. Traditional dental bridges also have their benefits, such as being less expensive, and they allow for the modification...[Read More] Bridge vs. Implant: Best Solution for Missing Teeth Next to Damaged Ones
Understanding TMJ Pain: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) I am currently experiencing pain in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and at times, I have difficulty opening my mouth. I had an X-ray taken, and there was no damage to the joint. The clinic mentioned that my deep bite combined with high stress level...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear Siqi, Hello. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are related to malocclusion. If pharmacological treatment is ineffective, we should start with functional occlusal therapy, such as a flat occlusal splint, and once the symptoms subside, we can evaluate whether to use som...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Pain: Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?
Understanding Gum Recession: Treatment Options and Considerations
Gum recession Gum recession has been observed, and the doctor mentioned it is caused by misaligned teeth. If left untreated, it may worsen. Some doctors suggest orthodontic treatment, while others say that due to my age, the effectiveness of orthodontics may be limited, and recom...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, malocclusion that causes severe occlusal interference and occlusal trauma can indeed lead to gum recession. Orthodontics is one treatment option, but it requires periodontal health and can take a year and a half or more. If occlusal adjustments can mitigate occlusal trauma...[Read More] Understanding Gum Recession: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Lip Swelling and Misalignment: Dental and Medical Insights
Lip and malocclusion issues? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask which specialty I should consult for lip issues. My lips have been persistently swollen, and there are many tiny yellowish bumps at the corners of my mouth. I also experience symptoms similar to dehydration and d...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Dear Maddog: Hello, individuals with a retruded mandible may be classified as having Class II malocclusion. As you described, difficulty in chewing is often accompanied by an anterior open bite issue, where the lower lip assists in cutting food. This can easily lead to injury o...[Read More] Understanding Lip Swelling and Misalignment: Dental and Medical Insights
Understanding Orthodontics: Your Questions on Braces, Implants, and More
Orthodontics I am currently 25 years old, and I have one crooked front tooth and one normal front tooth. I would like to ask about orthodontics: 1. My uncle had his teeth straightened around the age of 25, and now in his 40s, he can no longer bite into hard foods. Is this becau...
Dr. Cui Chongji Reply:
The question you posed is quite complex, involving the mechanics of dental implants, orthodontic aesthetics, and the science of occlusion, which encompasses three different aspects. Additionally, without photographs or X-ray evidence, there is a high risk of misdiagnosis due to p...[Read More] Understanding Orthodontics: Your Questions on Braces, Implants, and More
Understanding Oral Mucosa Issues: Healing Time and Concerns
Oral issues Hello, doctor. Last week, I noticed a spot on my buccal mucosa that is approximately 0.5 x 0.5 cm and appears red. Upon closer inspection, there are no obvious ulcerations or wounds, but the surface has marks resembling abrasions. It has not shown significant improvem...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Each individual's constitution and oral condition are different, leading to varying recovery times. Whether a condition is malignant requires clinical judgment by a physician. If a wound does not heal despite treatment, then suspicion may be warranted. Furthermore, oral and ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa Issues: Healing Time and Concerns
Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Concerns
There is a popping sound in the jaw when opening the mouth? Hello doctor, I would like to ask, while practicing my English pronunciation, sometimes after a long period, I hear a faint sound that resembles cracking bones coming from the area below my ears when I open my mouth wide...
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, there is a meniscus (articular disc) located at the anterior part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When it dislocates anteriorly, it can produce a clicking sound during opening and closing of the mouth, a condition clinically diagnosed as temporomandibular joint disor...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Concerns
The Relationship Between Tooth Occlusion and Saliva Production
The relationship between dental occlusion and saliva secretion? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, when there is no food involved and only the upper and lower teeth are in occlusion, does this promote saliva secretion? Is there more saliva produced when the teeth are occluded co...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hello: Saliva secretion does not seem to have a direct relationship with whether the teeth are occluded.[Read More] The Relationship Between Tooth Occlusion and Saliva Production
Do I Really Need Orthodontic Treatment After Tooth Extraction?
Do I need to get orthodontic treatment? Hello Doctor: Last week, I had a fracture on the first molar on the upper left side due to eating (the fracture is on the inner side and accounts for about one-third of the tooth). I visited a dental clinic where the dentist removed the fra...
Dr. Cui Chongji Reply:
The purpose of corrective surgery is to achieve a banding effect, allowing braces to be worn for an extended period. However, as mentioned in the text, one could consider directly using resin to fill the gaps, providing a one-time solution to the problem.[Read More] Do I Really Need Orthodontic Treatment After Tooth Extraction?
Understanding Tooth Indentation: Causes and Solutions for Dental Concerns
Teeth are positioned inward? I previously noticed that my teeth seemed to be sinking inward when I rested my hand on my face while watching a movie. However, when I visited the doctor, they mentioned that unless there was a significant impact, it wouldn't cause the teeth to ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: If you notice that your posterior teeth appear to be sinking inward, it may be due to the alignment of the posterior teeth shifting towards the lingual side, or it could be a result of chronic gingival inflammation leading to a periodontal abscess. This can cause a feeling...[Read More] Understanding Tooth Indentation: Causes and Solutions for Dental Concerns
Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes and Treatments for TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) When eating, I experience pain near my ear on the right side. There is a slight pain when I press on it, and pressing on my ear also causes mild discomfort. There are no visible abnormalities. This has been going on for about a week. I saw a doctor w...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: Pain in front of the right ear when biting may indicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This could be caused by prolonged chewing of hard substances, leading to excessive stress on the joint capsule, or by wear and tear due to dental occlusion, resulting in a signi...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: Causes and Treatments for TMJ Disorders
Correcting Malocclusion: Can Dental Crowns Improve Your Smile?
Malocclusion and denture issues? I have a dental malocclusion where my upper teeth align directly with my lower teeth, instead of the upper teeth being positioned in front of the lower teeth. When I smile, it doesn't look bad, and it doesn't affect my ability to eat. Ho...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear netizen, Regarding your inquiry about creating an upper denture to alter the occlusion of your upper and lower teeth, it is essential to consider the current occlusal relationship of your teeth. Modifications to the occlusion should only be considered if they do not advers...[Read More] Correcting Malocclusion: Can Dental Crowns Improve Your Smile?
Understanding Oral Mucosa Injuries from Eating Hard Foods
Eating can easily cause cuts in the oral mucosa? Hello, I have recently noticed that when eating, if I have hard cookies, I easily accidentally injure the mucosa on the sides of my mouth, causing slight bleeding. However, it doesn't hurt much and usually heals on its own in ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: Eating hard cookies can easily cause injury and bleeding to the mucosa on the right side of the mouth, but it is usually not very painful and tends to resolve on its own within three to five days. This may be due to oral mucosal ulcers caused by biting hard objects. If the...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa Injuries from Eating Hard Foods
Choosing the Right Pacifier for Your Baby: Avoiding Dental Issues
Which type of pacifier should a baby choose to avoid developing an overbite or protruding teeth? Dear Doctor, my baby is now two months old and is using a pacifier. Since I live in Thailand, during the vaccination, the nurse kept saying that using a pacifier could lead to an over...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hello: I personally believe that pacifiers should not be used for too long. If they are weaned off before the age of one, the chances of developing dental issues such as protruding teeth or an open bite will be significantly lower. If weaning occurs too late, it can affect dental...[Read More] Choosing the Right Pacifier for Your Baby: Avoiding Dental Issues
Can You Cover Silver Dental Fillings with White Resin?
Dental filling material Doctor: Excuse me! I would like to ask a question, thank you!! Can a silver dental filling be covered with a white resin on the outer layer?
Dr. Huang Zhicheng Reply:
Hello, teeth are very sensitive to height. Covering silver fillings with resin will increase the height significantly, making it impossible to achieve proper occlusion, and the resin cannot adhere to the silver fillings. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Che...[Read More] Can You Cover Silver Dental Fillings with White Resin?
Is Orthodontic Treatment Suitable for Adults Aged 60 and Over?
Adult teeth Doctor: Is orthodontic treatment suitable for someone close to 60 years old? Thank you.
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
101: Not suitable. If there are occlusion issues, occlusal adjustment can be performed without the need for orthodontics. If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further. Answers found online should only be used as a reference; if ...[Read More] Is Orthodontic Treatment Suitable for Adults Aged 60 and Over?