Dr Steven Soo

Surface tea and coffee stains are easily removed by simple scaling and polishing. In our clinic, we also use mild water-borne abrasion as it is very effective and can clean difficult to reach areas with no damage to the tooth enamel. Intrinsic or deeper yellow discolouration can be whitened with tooth whitening or bleaching procedures. In-clinic whitening and take-home kits are available and very good results that are safe for teeth can be achieved. You are recommended to consult your dentist for the most suitable method.

Here are two simple tips I give to all my patients with regards to caring for their dental bridge/crown: 1. Treat it as if it were your own natural tooth. Brush two times a day for at least two minutes each, floss at least once a day and visit a dentist two times a year. It is essential to continue with these oral care routine as a dental bridge/crown is equally susceptible to decay along the gum line. If you are unsure of how to floss effectively, ask your dentist so that he/she can guide you. 2. Try not to bite very hard things. For example: ice, nuts, crusty bread, dried fruit.

Gum disease is a separate issue from veneers but with all dental restorations, it is advisable to make sure the foundations are healthy before improving the appearance. A crown is like a house, and our gums are like the foundation. If the gums are not healthy, the foundation is not stable and it will not be ideal to build the “house” (crown) on it. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that all active gum disease is removed before having any cosmetic work done.