Q: My teeth are well arranged and not forwardly placed. But when I smile the teeth look large and broad. I have no confidence in smiling especially on camera. I am 24 years old and is planning to get married in a couple of month’s time. Is there any way to improve this?

A: Teeth size and shape should be proportional to each other and to the face. The harmonious display of teeth & gums in relation to the lips should be designed in accordance with individual facial characteristics. The art of smile designing with gingival and dental contouring can help you achieve a better smile in a very short span of time.

Q: I have White spots on teeth (some have become brown too). These were present since my childhood but after putting braces it has increased. Is this due to calcium deficiency? How can we correct it and stop this from happening?

A: White chalky spots on teeth may be a developmental defect of the enamel called as enamel hypoplasia. These will be present from the eruption of teeth and can be corrected by veneering or by nano-ceramic fillings. The white patches that are increased during the orthodontic treatment may be from decalcification around the braces. These defects could be remineralised by application of remineralising mousse and larger defects should be treated with fillings. Proper oral hygiene with fluoridated tooth paste and reduced intake of acidic foods can reduce further decalcification.

Q: My Son is 9 years old and his lower teeth are in front when compared to the upper teeth. The jaw is also forwardly placed. Can this be corrected? At what age shall we start the treatment?

A: Your child has cross bite or the lower jaw growth is more than the upper jaw. This condition should be treated as early as possible as the results will be better if we can start the treatment before the growth spurt.  If you delay till the growth is completed the only choice will be a surgical correction. The results achieved by interceptive orthodontics will be better than surgical methods.

Q: I am 48 years old and I have all the teeth. Since 2 months whenever I chew on fibrous food on the left side the food gets in between the teeth. When I use tooth pick it started to bleed. Sometimes I get pain in that area. I have stopped chewing on that side now. Is there a permanent solution for the problem?

This problem is known as food impaction. This can be due to various reasons. If there is any cavity between teeth the cavity can be filled and then the problem could be solved. If there are no cavities and if the teeth have drifted from each other, we need to put joint crowns and correct the same. So please consult a dentist and get the problem treated before it worsens into a gum disease or infections. Do not use toothpicks or pins to take out the food rather use a thread or Dental floss.

Q: My daughter is 3 years old. All her upper front teeth are decayed since it erupted.  Her other teeth are fine. Why is it like this? Does this cause any problem for the permanent teeth?

A: The front upper teeth are prone to caries in the younger ages if they are fed during the night. This condition is called as nursing bottle caries. The upper teeth will be immersed in milk when the child is asleep and then it can cause decay. It is very important to brush a child’s teeth with fluoridated tooth paste from the time the teeth starts erupting. The carious front teeth generally will  not affect the permanent teeth eruption or formation.