FAQ

Prosthetics

My crown doesn't feel right. Can it be adjusted?

Yes, if the crown feels too high when you bite, a simple bite adjustment can usually fix it, and this is typically resolved in a single visi

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Prosthetics

I have pain when chewing. Could it be from a poorly fitted crown?

Yes, if the height of the restoration is off, biting can cause pain, and this can usually be solved with a bite adjustment. However, the cau

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Prosthetics

Food keeps getting stuck between my crown and gums.

Food getting trapped between the crown and the gums is often caused by gum recession that has opened up a gap, or by a loose contact point w

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Prosthetics

Can crowns be placed without drilling the tooth?

Because a crown completely covers the tooth, the tooth must be reduced by about the thickness of the crown (typically 1 to 2 mm). If a crown

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Prosthetics

Can crowns be made and placed in a single day?

If a clinic has same-day restoration equipment (intraoral scanner and milling machine such as CEREC), the crown can be fabricated and placed

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Esthetic/Whitening

Does whitening cause tooth sensitivity?

You may experience temporary sensitivity after whitening, but it usually goes away within 1 to 2 days. This is caused by the whitening agent

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Esthetic/Whitening

Will whitening damage my teeth?

Professional whitening performed at a dental clinic uses approved-concentration agents under the supervision of a dentist, so it does not sh

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Esthetic/Whitening

How does whitening work?

Tooth whitening works by using hydrogen peroxide (or carbamide peroxide) in the whitening agent to oxidize and break down pigment molecules

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Esthetic/Whitening

How long do whitening results last?

The whitening effect varies with your eating habits but generally lasts about 6 months to 1 year. To extend the duration, it helps to 1) bru

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Esthetic/Whitening

My gums are pigmented. Can the gums also be whitened?

Yes, gums that have darkened due to melanin pigmentation can be improved with gum whitening (a procedure that removes the pigmented layer us

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Esthetic/Whitening

What's the difference between in-office and at-home whitening?

The biggest differences are the concentration of the whitening agent and the treatment period. Professional in-office whitening uses high-co

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Esthetic/Whitening

Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding?

We recommend postponing tooth whitening until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete. There is no proven harm to the fetus or baby f

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Esthetic/Whitening

Are there foods to avoid after whitening?

Yes, for the first 24 to 48 hours after whitening, the tooth surface is especially prone to staining, so you should avoid darkly colored foo

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Esthetic/Whitening

Can my teeth become stained again after whitening?

Yes, the whitening effect is not permanent, so if you continue to consume pigmented foods, the teeth can gradually darken again. It is commo

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Esthetic/Whitening

My crown looks stained. Can it be whitened?

Unfortunately, restorations such as composite resin, crowns, and laminates do not respond to whitening agents and cannot be brightened with

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Esthetic/Whitening

I naturally have yellower teeth than others. Will whitening still work?

Yes, teeth that are naturally yellowish can usually be expected to respond to whitening as well. Yellow and brown discolorations tend to res

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Esthetic/Whitening

Is it more effective to get scaling before whitening?

Yes, we recommend getting a scaling (professional cleaning) before whitening. If tartar and surface stains remain on your teeth, the whiteni

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Esthetic/Whitening

Are there side effects after veneers?

After laminate veneers, temporary sensitivity, fracture (chipping), or debonding can occur. Sensitivity for a few days right after the teeth

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Esthetic/Whitening

How long do veneers last?

Laminate veneers typically last about 7 to 10 years, and with good care they can last even longer. To extend their lifespan, it helps to 1)

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Esthetic/Whitening

What's the difference between veneers and crowns?

A laminate veneer involves lightly shaving only the front surface of the tooth by about 0.3-0.7mm and bonding a ceramic layer, while a crown

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