HEALTH & FITNESSJULY 2019 149#7
“What’s the best way to
whiten my teeth?”
It really depends on the individual’s expectations
and lifestyle choices, says dentist DR DAPHNE
CHUA of Aesthete Smilestudio.
“For people who desire Hollywood-white
teeth, in-office and at-home whitening solutions
are unlikely to achieve the desired results.
Procedures such as veneers and crowns would
be more suitable to dramatically alter the colour
of teeth to achieve a bright white appearance,”
she says. “For people who are looking for a
more natural white appearance, in-office and
home whitening solutions would be suitable;
both options are conservative and non-invasive
methods of naturally brightening the colour of
one’s teeth.”
For patients who want instant results, Dr
Chua suggests in-office whitening because it’s
possible for teeth to be whitened after a 60-to-
90-minute dental visit.
For patients who have severe teeth
hypersensitivity, home whitening may be more
suitable, she says, because the concentration is
lower and patients can adjust their whitening
routines according to the severity of their
sensitivities. However, the downside of home
whitening is that it takes longer to work; it
usually takes about two weeks before the teeth
are white, according to Dr Chua.
Aesthete Smilestudio
#02-04 Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place
6438 3811 | aesthetesmilestudio.com#8
“I have crowded teeth; can they be
treated without any extraction?”
“Yes, it’s possible in some cases,” says dentist DR CINDY HO
of Aesthete Smilestudio. “There are many types of treatments
now that beautify the smile without extractions.” This includes
certain orthodontic treatments, as well as restorative work such
as veneers, crowns or bridges, for instance.
“Recent advancements in orthodontics, as well as the
availability of clear aligners such as Invisalign, have enabled teeth
alignment to be corrected without extractions,” says Dr Ho. This
can be achieved by expansion of the dental arch to provide the
space needed to realign crowded teeth, for example. While some
removal of the teeth structure is sometimes needed, extractions
can be avoided.
Restorative work, she says, does not involve repositioning of
the teeth, but rather correcting the shape and colour of the teeth
to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result.
“This is a very good option for very mild crowding of teeth,
especially if patients don’t want the time commitment required for
orthodontic treatments,” says Dr Ho. “Teeth shape and colour can
also be improved to the patient’s expectations. However, if severe
crowding is present, the teeth affected may need to be shaved
down to accommodate a new crown in the aesthetic alignment.”
Dr Ho adds, “It’s best to consult an aesthetic doctor to discuss
which treatment option is best suited for the individual patient’s
needs and expectations before starting the treatment.”