Permanent teeth have a larger size than the baby teeth, suitable for developing jaw bone with age. During a child's tooth replacement (mixed tooth set), the position of teething teeth is not stable, there is a size disparity between the tooth and bone. This stage is often called the "ugly duckling" stage. To assess the extent of cosmetic and occlusal effects, children should be taken to dentist for a diagnosis and to determine the need for orthodontic treatment in the appropriate time.

You should have a dental check-up every 6 months to detect oral diseases early, allowing for more effective treatment in a shorter time. Dental scaling should also be done every 6–12 months.

Scaling (tartar removal) is a necessary treatment for everyone to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent periodontal diseases. It is also suitable for children from the age of 6 and above, when children tend to cooperate better with dental treatment and their diet at this age can lead to plaque mineralization, meaning it can no longer be fully removed at home with simple cleaning. The appropriate interval between scaling appointments is about every 6 months to 1 year. This guideline applies to adults and children aged 6 and above.

For spacing between teeth, treatment options include bonding (fillings), porcelain restorations, and orthodontics. - Bonding is currently the most common option with the lowest cost and fast treatment time. Aesthetic filling materials are used to close small gaps. However, the filling may discolor over time, durability is not very high, and it is suitable mainly for mild spacing cases. - Porcelain restorations (crowns/veneers) are chosen by many patients because the treatment time is relatively short, and they can close moderate to larger gaps. Porcelain offers high durability and aesthetics. However, it requires tooth reduction at an appropriate level. In cases where tooth position is incorrect or the tooth size becomes disproportionate after porcelain work, the result may look less natural on the face. - Orthodontics usually requires higher cost and a longer treatment time. However, it moves the teeth into the correct position and improves function, without damaging healthy tooth structure. Therefore, the best option depends on your oral condition as well as your budget and available time.

Yes. Orthodontics is not only for teenagers. In adults, orthodontic treatment can address spacing, crowding, misalignment, or more severe bite problems that may lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. In some cases, orthodontics is done before prosthetic treatment to reposition teeth properly prior to restoration. Regardless of age, it is never too late to improve your oral health, chewing function, and smile.

Mouth ulcers can appear for many reasons: benign causes (such as trauma, aphthous ulcers, viral infections, etc.) or they may be a sign of a malignant lesion. Benign ulcers are usually quite painful but typically heal within about 2 weeks with proper care and good oral hygiene. Malignant ulcers are often less painful or painless and may persist for months or even years. You should see a specialist doctor/dentist to identify the cause and receive treatment as early as possible.

Bleeding while brushing is a sign of gingivitis (gum inflammation). Inflamed gums are typically swollen, red, bleed easily, and may be painful during brushing or examination. The cause is plaque and tartar buildup, which creates an environment for bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface and invade the gum and periodontal tissues. If plaque and tartar are not removed, they can trigger prolonged gum inflammation. To treat gingivitis, you should visit a dentist for an examination and have regular scaling every 6–12 months.

Occasional bleeding during brushing can be caused by friction that injures soft tissues. However, frequent bleeding may be due to: - Poor or incorrect oral hygiene: brushing too hard or incorrectly allows bacteria to accumulate in plaque, leading to tooth decay and gum inflammation. - Gingivitis caused by cavities or tartar: the gums become inflamed and bleed easily. If gingivitis progresses without treatment, it can lead to irreversible periodontal tissue damage. - Nutritional factors. In this case, you should see a dentist for a check-up and gingivitis treatment, and at the same time adjust your oral hygiene technique for the best results.

Things to avoid after a tooth extraction: - Do not touch the extraction socket or the area where minor surgery was performed. - Avoid heavy work, vigorous head movements, or exercise for a few days after treatment. - Do not smoke or drink alcohol after the extraction. - Do not rinse with salt water within the first 24 hours after treatment. - Avoid hot foods or drinks until the numbness wears off. - Avoid actions such as spitting, sucking, or using a straw, or any action that may create pressure at the surgical site and dislodge the blood clot. - Do not ignore any pain or concerns after the extraction. Your dentist needs to know about any issues you experience to help you care for the wound properly.

Before extraction, the dentist may order necessary tests to evaluate the tooth that needs to be removed. You also need to provide detailed information about your medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, blood disorders, liver or kidney disease, etc., so the dentist can prepare appropriately and minimize risks. After extraction, pain, swelling, or bleeding may occur at the extraction site, but you should follow the post-extraction care instructions to ensure the best healing. If you follow the dentist’s instructions and advice, tooth extraction does not affect your overall health.

On average, a filling lasts about 2–5 years, and its durability depends on many factors: - Tooth condition: if the damage is minor and does not affect the dental pulp, the filling tends to last longer than in severely damaged teeth. - Filling location: fillings in areas that تحمل stronger chewing forces may be less durable, for example molars with worn/fractured cusps or the incisal edges of front teeth. - Materials and instruments used: materials such as amalgam, glass ionomer (GIC), composite, etc., must be properly indicated for each case, along with suitable tools and techniques for preparation, isolation, placement, and polishing to ensure long-lasting results. - Dentist’s skill. - Oral hygiene habits: chewing hard foods, strongly colored foods, biting hard objects, improper cleaning, and skipping regular check-ups can cause fillings to chip, loosen, or discolor quickly.

Some wisdom teeth are recommended for extraction because they can cause complications that affect oral health. Upper wisdom teeth are related to the maxillary sinus, while lower wisdom teeth are close to the inferior alveolar nerve canal. In difficult cases, there is a risk that a tooth may be displaced into the sinus, or that the tooth roots may be very close to or surround the nerve. This can cause temporary numbness, burning sensation, or tingling of the tongue, lips, or cheeks. Rarely, it may be long-lasting or permanent due to injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. However, this nerve issue does not affect tongue movement, speech, does not cause facial deformity or swelling, and does not affect the brain. With modern supportive equipment and imaging, dentists can evaluate the tooth position, features, and nearby anatomical structures to perform wisdom tooth extraction safely and effectively.

Dental fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by cavities, wear, chips, or fractures, restoring lost tooth structure and re-establishing function and aesthetics. There are various filling materials: precious metals, amalgam, composite, and glass ionomer. Currently, precious metals (gold) and amalgam are no longer commonly used in routine filling practice. - Glass ionomer: used as a base/liner for large cavities and for filling cavities in children. - Composite: widely used today because it offers good aesthetics with multiple shades close to natural tooth color. It also bonds to the tooth, allowing a more conservative cavity preparation that preserves more tooth structure. Depending on the extent of tooth damage, the dentist will choose the most appropriate filling option.

Tooth decay often occurs early in pits, depressions, and grooves because they easily trap food and bacteria and are difficult to clean. Pit-and-fissure sealing involves applying a thin layer of sealant over the chewing surface and natural grooves to create a smoother surface that is easier to clean, actively preventing cavities. Sealants are commonly applied to: - Primary molars. - Premolars (teeth 4 and 5) and permanent molars (teeth 6 and 7) with deep grooves that are hard to clean. - People with weak enamel or high cavity risk, such as those with dry mouth, undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, etc.

Mechanical, physical, and chemical factors can cause tooth wear at different levels. The dentist will examine and identify the cause of tooth wear to address it, and treatment depends on the severity: - Mild wear: the teeth may be sensitive but without structural damage. Desensitizing toothpaste and varnish can be used, and spicy/sour/hot foods should be limited. - Wear that creates defects: fillings can be used to restore the missing areas. - Severe wear with large defects: fillings may not be sufficient, and more comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation may be needed to restore function and aesthetics.

Gum aesthetics (also called “pink aesthetics”) refers to the appearance of healthy pink gum tissue around the teeth. A beautiful smile is not only about white, strong teeth, but also about gums that are pink, firm, and healthy, supporting the teeth harmoniously. Bleeding gums indicate issues related to gum health and the periodontal tissues that support the teeth, and they should be treated as soon as possible. Prolonged inflammation can cause gums to become red, ulcerated, or recede. In addition, gums may become pigmented due to genetics or smoking, leading to a dull brown color that makes the smile look less bright. In such cases, more advanced solutions may be needed to ensure the best gum aesthetics and achieve a healthier, more radiant smile.

Currently, there are two main whitening methods: in-office whitening using plasma light technology, and at-home whitening with custom trays. Both methods work by breaking down pigmented protein chains on the tooth surface and generally have minimal impact on enamel. In-office whitening provides immediate results after about 45 minutes. At-home whitening requires patient cooperation, as the trays need to be worn for at least 4 hours per day for about 1–2 weeks. In older adults, dentin is thicker than in younger people, so teeth tend to appear more yellow and whitening results may be less noticeable. Therefore, for convenience and to achieve the desired outcome, in-office whitening is often more suitable for older patients.

Teeth whitening uses an oxidizing agent to trigger reactions that break down color molecules, making the teeth appear brighter. During dental treatment, whitening is best done when: - Before whitening, you should have tartar removed, periodontal conditions stabilized, and the gums healthy and firm. Any exposed neck/cervical areas should be restored, and sensitive teeth should be managed to reduce sensitivity. - Orthodontic treatment should be completed before whitening. - After whitening, the tooth shade typically stabilizes after about 2 months. Aesthetic restorations that need to match the new shade, such as porcelain restorations or fillings, should be done after the color has stabilized.

Sensitivity after teeth whitening depends on each person’s sensitivity level and the concentration/type of whitening agent used. There are two common whitening options: - At-home whitening: uses a lower concentration (about 10–20%). Patients are often advised to use a desensitizing toothpaste during the whitening period. - In-office whitening: uses a higher concentration (over 30%). The dentist may combine whitening gel with anti-sensitivity agents and will adjust the concentration and treatment time to suit each patient.

Whitening results typically last from about 6 months up to 3 years, depending on enamel quality, individual factors, diet, and oral hygiene habits. To help maintain results, limit strongly colored foods and drinks (tea, coffee, red wine), avoid smoking, and maintain proper and consistent oral hygiene.

For early-stage tooth decay where the damage is still minimal, an aesthetic filling can be chosen to stop the progression of decay and protect the tooth from pulp involvement. In cases of large cavities or broken-down decayed teeth where there is very little healthy tooth structure left, a filling is no longer an ideal option because it may not be durable or retentive enough and the decay can recur more easily. In these situations, ceramic restorations such as inlays, onlays, or full crowns are excellent choices to restore chewing function and aesthetics.

Porcelain crowns are used to restore damaged teeth, replace missing tooth structure, or improve aesthetics. In principle, if crowns are properly indicated, designed with correct anatomy, and respect surrounding tissues, they should not cause any harm. However, poorly made or ill-fitting crowns that violate the biological width, are overly invasive, or create bite interference can lead to serious complications, such as: - Tooth sensitivity or discomfort, which may progress to irreversible pulp inflammation - Gingivitis or periodontal disease - Food impaction and difficulty cleaning - Bite interference and chewing problems, which may contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

With today’s minimally invasive approach and modern ceramic fabrication techniques, very thin ceramic layers can be made with a thickness of only about 0.5 mm. As a result, porcelain crowns are no longer as concerning for many people. The dentist only removes a thin layer of enamel and dentin just enough to avoid sensitivity and prevent damage to the pulp, while still ensuring the restoration has sufficient strength and excellent aesthetics.

First, it is important to identify the cause of gum inflammation after getting porcelain crowns in order to choose the appropriate treatment: - Poor or improper oral hygiene: Some people mistakenly believe that crowned teeth cannot get cavities or gum inflammation, so they neglect oral hygiene. Even with crowns, food debris can still accumulate, leading to decay and gum inflammation. - Biological width violation: The crown margin may invade the gum tissue space, triggering inflammation. - Poor crown design or fit: Incorrect anatomical contours, poor marginal fit, rough margins due to inadequate polishing, or excess cement left around the crown can irritate the gums. - Material allergy: This is often related to metal substructures in porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns that may oxidize over time in the oral environment.

Orthodontic treatment helps align the teeth properly to improve aesthetics and chewing function. Depending on your current dental condition, the dentist will determine whether braces are necessary, as not everyone needs orthodontic treatment. However, if your dentist recommends or mentions it, you should seriously consider undergoing treatment to achieve both a more attractive smile and better long-term oral health. If you notice that you have protruding teeth (overbite) or an underbite, orthodontic treatment is the safest and most effective way to correct these conditions. The difference before and after braces can be dramatic. In fact, many people are often mistaken for having undergone cosmetic surgery when comparing before-and-after photos. Orthodontics is often described as a “miracle” aesthetic treatment that delivers clear results with minimal impact on the body. Many celebrities worldwide have significantly improved their appearance thanks to orthodontic treatment, such as Tom Cruise, Emma Watson, and many Asian celebrities including Ruby Lin, Angelababy, Yang Mi, Fan Bingbing, as well as Vietnamese singers and actors like Thủy Tiên, Hồng Nhung, Minh Hằng, and Mai Phương Thúy. In addition, severe crowding makes oral hygiene difficult, which over time can lead to serious problems such as tooth decay, bone loss, and gum recession. Crowded and misaligned teeth are also common causes of muscle and jaw joint disorders affecting chewing. A beautiful smile must first be healthy; otherwise, beauty alone is meaningless. Orthodontics is a comprehensive solution and often the first choice to address all these issues. Today, many people choose porcelain crowns to correct protrusion, underbite, or mild crowding. However, this method is not always appropriate. To change tooth position using crowns, teeth must be heavily reduced, sometimes even requiring root canal treatment, which can negatively affect long-term oral health. In some cases, incorrect indications may be given by individuals who are not dental professionals, leading to unsafe treatment. Therefore, choosing a reputable dental clinic to “entrust your smile” is extremely important. Although orthodontics was introduced in Vietnam in the early 21st century, it has existed much longer in developed countries. In countries such as the United States and Western nations, orthodontic treatment is considered basic care and is often recommended for children during their growth phase. Early orthodontic treatment is viewed as preventive guidance to support proper jaw development from childhood to adulthood. Therefore, orthodontics should be regarded as a fundamental treatment to protect and enhance both aesthetics and chewing function.

When aiming for a beautiful smile, many people hesitate between braces and porcelain crowns. So what are the pros and cons of orthodontic treatment? Orthodontics preserves maximum natural tooth structure without grinding the teeth. It effectively addresses the major drawbacks of porcelain restorations in cases of crowding and misalignment. While porcelain crowns may last over 10 years with good care, orthodontic results can last a lifetime, provided that you maintain good oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s retention instructions. In terms of cost, orthodontic treatment is generally more economical than full-mouth or even half-mouth porcelain restorations. Although the initial cost of braces may seem high, it is still significantly lower than extensive crown treatment. Paying more only to end up with an artificial-looking smile raises the question: which option would you choose? Many patients worry about tooth extraction during orthodontic treatment. In the early 20th century, non-extraction orthodontics was popular, but in some cases it failed to achieve optimal aesthetic and functional results. Today, depending on the degree of crowding and the relationship between teeth and jawbone, the dentist will determine whether extractions are necessary. If extraction is recommended, think of it as removing excess teeth to create a healthier, more functional smile. In cases of missing teeth or gaps, orthodontics can sometimes close spaces as an alternative to dental implants, though this only applies to selected cases and must be carefully evaluated by the dentist. With advances in technology, Invisalign clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment. They allow treatment for most orthodontic cases while remaining nearly invisible. No one will notice you are wearing braces, and your smile gradually improves day by day. Orthodontics today can truly be described as “invisible treatment with visible results.” Despite its many benefits, orthodontics does have some drawbacks. Treatment duration is relatively long, typically 1.5–3 years, which can feel exhausting for some patients. There may also be temporary discomfort from having appliances in the mouth, but this sensation usually fades over time. Interestingly, some patients even feel attached to their braces and hesitate to remove them after treatment. Pain is often the biggest fear associated with braces, but it is usually mild, temporary, and manageable. Most orthodontic patients continue to eat normally and do not experience weight loss. After all, becoming more attractive is worth a little discomfort, isn’t it?

Currently, there are two main orthodontic treatment options: braces with brackets and orthodontic treatment without brackets. Traditional braces use brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire. Brackets may be made of metal or ceramic, resulting in different costs. Patients usually experience discomfort during the first two weeks, then gradually adapt. Hard or sticky foods may cause brackets to detach, and wires or brackets may occasionally irritate the lips, cheeks, or tongue. However, traditional braces offer excellent tooth movement control and remain the most effective orthodontic method to date. Brackets can be placed on the outer surface of the teeth or on the inner (lingual) side. Lingual braces are less common due to greater discomfort and limited indications. Bracket-free orthodontics, commonly known as Invisalign, is the most advanced orthodontic method today. It uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to move teeth gradually. Invisalign aligners are removable, comfortable, easy to clean, and highly aesthetic. Although the cost is higher due to complex fabrication and overseas production, the comfort and aesthetics far exceed expectations, making Invisalign a top choice for many patients.

Invisalign orthodontic treatment uses clear plastic aligners to apply gentle forces that move teeth into the desired position. One of its main advantages is that the aligners can be easily removed, allowing comfortable eating and effective oral hygiene, which helps reduce plaque buildup and gum inflammation.

Early orthodontic treatment is performed before full braces, usually between the ages of 7 and 10. When a child turns 7, parents should take them to an orthodontist to detect dental issues early and ensure timely intervention. Benefits include: - Identifying and preventing harmful habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing that affect jaw development. - Preventing long-term consequences: without intervention, misaligned primary teeth can impair chewing and speech development and make oral hygiene difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. - Correcting bite problems such as deep bite, crossbite, open bite, narrow jaws, and space deficiency while the jaw is still growing and adaptable. - Reducing the complexity, cost, and need for surgical treatment in the future. - Improving facial appearance and self-confidence in children.

During orthodontic treatment, braces may feel bulky and can rub against soft tissues such as the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue. You can use orthodontic wax to cover areas that cause irritation. If discomfort persists, visit your orthodontist to check for loose wires or detached brackets.

The dental implant procedure is performed under local or regional anesthesia at the treatment area. The anesthetic remains effective throughout the procedure, so you will not feel pain during the treatment. After the anesthetic wears off, depending on each individual, there may be a strange or heavy sensation around the implant area, but actual pain is usually minimal. Removable dentures have the advantage of being less invasive. However, they require time for the wearer to adapt, especially when eating and speaking. In addition, dentures must be removed regularly for cleaning after meals and every night before sleeping. Their aesthetic result is also relatively limited and not as natural-looking as other treatment options.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that is increasingly chosen today thanks to their many advantages. Currently, there are various implant systems manufactured in countries such as the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and South Korea. Each manufacturer has its own design and technology, but in general, they all ensure good biocompatibility and osseointegration, providing effective results for implant treatment. Moreover, the success of a dental implant depends on many factors. Therefore, the choice of implant should be based on suitability to the patient’s bone condition, soft tissue at the implant site, the implantation technique, overall health status, and the patient’s financial capacity.

Tooth sensitivity is a sign that the protective tooth enamel has been worn away, exposing the underlying dentin layer. This makes the teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, or even to cold air. The causes may be congenital (defects during tooth development), mechanical wear (brushing incorrectly, teeth grinding), or chemical erosion (frequent consumption of sour foods, soft drinks, acidic foods, or acid reflux from the stomach). To prevent sensitivity, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and treat areas where enamel has worn away or dentin is exposed as early as possible (such as fillings, crowns, or porcelain veneers). In addition, keep a healthy diet and overall health, and treat stomach problems (such as gastritis or reflux) if present.

First, it is necessary to identify the cause of tooth sensitivity. In cases involving tooth structure defects (such as cervical abrasion) or gum tissue defects (gum recession exposing the tooth root), treatment may include cervical fillings or gum grafting/tissue regeneration to cover the exposed root, depending on the underlying cause. In addition, supportive care may include using desensitizing toothpaste or applying dental varnish. You should visit a dentist for an examination to determine the cause and receive the most appropriate treatment.

What happens when you lose a tooth and do not replace it? Immediate effects: - Difficulty chewing: The loss of any tooth (except impacted/misaligned teeth that do not function in chewing) can reduce chewing efficiency and make biting and grinding food more difficult. - Aesthetic impact: Especially when front teeth are missing. - Speech impact: Missing certain teeth can affect pronunciation and cause unclear speech. Long-term effects: - Alveolar bone loss: Existing teeth help the surrounding alveolar bone maintain itself through continuous stimulation and remodeling. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation leads to bone resorption in three dimensions. Bone width may decrease by about 25% during the first year after tooth loss, and bone height may reduce by around 4 mm over the following years. The longer it is left untreated, the more difficult it becomes to restore the missing tooth later. - Premature aging: After long-term tooth loss, the jawbone may continue to resorb beyond the alveolar bone. The lower face can collapse, the chin may rotate forward and upward, cheeks may become sunken, the skin can sag, and wrinkles may appear around the mouth, making the face look older. Excessive bone loss may also increase the risk of bone fracture from impact. - Effects on remaining teeth and bite: Nearby teeth tend to drift into the gap, the opposing tooth may over-erupt, and adjacent teeth may tilt. Besides making the remaining teeth more vulnerable to cavities and periodontal disease, this can also disturb the bite and chewing function, potentially leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue, and teeth grinding.

Professional oral cleaning at the clinic (scaling) is performed using ultrasonic instruments, which remove tartar by breaking its attachment to the enamel surface. The vibration energy of the ultrasonic scaler is sufficient to disrupt tartar but does not damage tooth structure. Therefore, having a dental check-up and scaling every 6 months helps keep the mouth clean and prevents periodontal diseases. Importantly, this treatment should be performed by trained healthcare professionals or dentists.

A temporary tooth/crown helps keep the prepared tooth clean, prevents plaque buildup, reduces sensitivity, prevents nearby teeth from shifting toward the treated tooth, and also guides and shapes the gum margin. Therefore, if your temporary tooth/crown falls off while you are waiting for the permanent ceramic crown to be placed, please contact your dentist for assistance and re-cementation. Your dentist will provide instructions depending on your specific situation.

Currently, there are two methods: - Tooth gem placement with drilling: This method typically uses natural diamond/gemstones with a pointed back. The dentist drills a very small hole in the tooth and bonds the gem. This usually does not cause pain or discomfort, but the drilled hole will need to be filled if you decide to remove the gem later. - Tooth gem placement without drilling: For gems with a flat back, the dentist simply bonds the gem onto the tooth surface. This does not harm the tooth or affect your health.