Frequently Asked Questions

Today the options for restoring your teeth and jaw have become so diverse and extensive that it can be difficult to decide what the best material really is! At Happy Teeth we will always provide you with the most biocompatible, aesthetic and robust materials for you to choose from. These may range from simple resin tooth-coloured materials to full ceramic reinforced materials.

Jaw popping, clicking or difficulty in opening may be the first signs of temporomandibular (TMJ) jaw joint dysfunction. Even if no jaw pain is felt, it is important that we examine your jaw joints for possible pathology. Left untreated, a clicking or deviating jaw joint may lead to a ‘locked’ jaw or even more difficulty in chewing or eating.

A single tooth that has gone very dark is often associated with a dead nerve in it. When this happens it is important that you get your tooth seen to as soon as possible to prevent an abscess or more serious infection from occurring.

Tooth straightening can now be performed, both for children and adults. We take a unique and detailed approach to assessing of your teeth and jaws to understand what factors may have contributed to your teeth being crowded or crooked. Once this is done, the best options to straighten your teeth will be offered. This may include jaw realignment, jaw expansion (called orthopaedics) or bite correction. The actual treatment time to straighten teeth is often reduced and will be more successful long term when these other factors are considered.

Unfortunately, pain is not always a good indicator of your tooth’s health. A tooth can easily become infected or even abscessed with no pain at all! If you have regular checkups will significantly reduce the chances of this happening.

 

Yes, teeth discoloured by tea and coffee and be easily whitened by using a bleaching gel to breakdown the stains in them. Naturally, the less coffee and tea you consume, the more likely your teeth will return to their original colour. There are many other reasons why teeth can be discoloured. These include prolonged sickness or certain antibiotic use in the first six years of life, excessive fluoride consumption (white spots appear on teeth)or simply natural variation in tooth colour. We can determine the likely cause of your tooth discolouration and recommend the best ways to improve their appearance.

A common reason for bleeding gums is an incorrect brushing technique that leaves plaque on your teeth. This plaque makes the gums become inflamed and then bleed when brushed. Other factors that can make gums bleed include insufficient Vitamin C in your diet or hormonal fluctuations (especially during pregnancy for women). It can also be a sign of gum disease that, if left untreated, can lead to chronic gum infection and loose teeth.