FAQ’s

What are Active Aligners?

Dainfern Dental Studio offers the latest in Active Aligner technology. Active Aligners or clear aligner therapy as it is known in the dental industry, are custom made trays worn in sequence that move your teeth in stages. We, at Dainfern Dental Studio, like to refer to them as “invisible braces”.

How do they work?

Active Aligners work by gradually shifting teeth into their optimal position and ultimately making your teeth straighter for that perfect smile. The process is relatively simple and that perfect smile is achieved by wearing a series of aligners, each for 22 hours a day, 2 weeks at a time (one stage), which move the teeth up to 0.3mm per stage until their optimal alignment has been reached. Many people refer to Active Aligners as transparent braces, or clear braces, as they are made from transparent FDA Approved material. A benefit of this is that  you will be able to wear them without people noticing.

What materials are Active Aligners made of and what do they look like?

When it comes to those looking for professional dental treatment, especially for realignment of teeth then our Dainfern Dental Studio Active Aligner treatment is worth considering.  Our latest dental Active Aligners are made from clear, high-quality FDA Approved dental material. Our Active Aligners are also smooth, transparent, BPA and even gluten free. An advantage about our Active Aligners is that they are virtually undetectable. This ensures that you can maintain your confidence while the Active Aligners provide the required dental treatment to your teeth.

How long will my Active Aligner therapy be?

One of the frequently asked questions that we get is in regards to ‘How long will my Active Aligner therapy be’. After careful study we at Dainfern Dental Studio have concluded that the average treatment time is between 6 and 7 months. That said though, each Active Aligner case is different and treatment times may vary between 2 to 12 months depending on your specific dental requirements.

How does the process work?

Many of our customers ask us how the Active Aligners process works. The process is relatively simple and includes three easy steps.

1. Scan or impression: Visit Dainfern Dental Studio to have a 3D scan or impression of your mouth done.
2. Align: We recommend that you wear your Active Aligners for 22 hours a day until the end of your treatment.
3. Retain: At the end of your treatment, wear your retainers to maintain your straight new improved smile.

How old do I need to be to undergo Active Aligner treatment?

Many of our customers are unsure about the age requirement when it comes to the implementation or use of Active Aligners. By default, the minimum age for Active Aligners is 16 years, however, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis (young teens usually do not qualify until all their adult teeth have fully erupted). We suggest booking a consultation with Dainfern Dental Studio for a more accurate analysis.

Will I experience any pain or discomfort while using Active Aligners?

A big concern for many of our customers is with regards to pain and discomfort when applying the Active Aligners treatment. We always tell our customers that they  might experience temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is completely normal and is usually described as a feeling of pressure, rather than pain. This is a sign that the Active Aligners are working, moving and improving your teeth gradually, helping you to achieve the desired results. The discomfort has been known to go away after a couple of days.

Can I smoke while wearing my Active Aligners?

It is advised that those who smoke may find that their Active Aligners’ clear plastic might stain and therefore, smoking while wearing the Active Aligners is not recommended.

How many hours a day will I need to wear my Active Aligners?

We always get asked this question and it is an important one. For the best possible dental results you will need to wear your Active Aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day It is however recommended to remove your Active Aligners when eating and drinking.

How do I clean/care for my Active Aligners?

Dental hygiene is extremely important, thus, cleaning your Active Aligners will ensure a healthy smile all day long. We recommend cleaning your Active Aligners every morning and every night when you clean your teeth. It is also advised to make use of a soft bristle toothbrush with cold water and a small amount of soap. This will ensure that they remain clean and fresh.

 

With the rise incuriosity around dental implants in South Africa we have expanded on some of the vital information that you need to know about dental implants and how they can benefit your dental health.

What are dental implants?

One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘What are dental implants?’.  The answer is surprisingly simple. Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Our teeth are exposed to various elements that could lead to deterioration. When a single permanent tooth or multiple teeth are lost due to dental decay or gum disease, modern dental implants can replace them. Dental implants can last a lifetime and can improve your appearance, your confidence, and your ability to eat the foods that you like. They also restore confidence and help you  participate in an active lifestyle, without worrying about your teeth.

How are dental implants installed?

Dental implants are inserted into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that takes place at Dainfern Dental Studio. After the implant has been placed, a completely life-like porcelain tooth crown is attached.

How long do I have to wait?

When it comes to dental implants there are usually two scenarios. One being that the implant needs to fuse with the bone for several months before it is permanently crowned. In other cases, you can have new, but temporary teeth the same day as your implants are placed.

How long does the surgery usually  take?

Is the dental implant process time consuming? As with any surgical operation, this answer depends on the complexity of the case but usually a single implant can be placed in approximately an hour. This will depend on the amount of additional work required in terms of any bone grafting or work required on your gum.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

We frequently get asked this question, and there are three options. Customers looking for dental implants can choose to either replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all of their teeth with dental implants. Furthermore, you don’t need one implant for every missing tooth replacement. As few as two implants can support a removable lower denture, while as few as four implants can provide a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

This is a big one for customers as many worry if the dental implant surgery is painful. The fact of the matter is that most people actually find dental implant surgery very easy to tolerate. The procedure is relatively straightforward and can usually be done under local anesthetic. In most cases,  post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen pain-relievers.

What do dental implants cost?

Are dental implants expensive? That’s the question that usually follows the pain question. Our answer to this question is this; at the outset, implants are indeed more expensive than other tooth-replacement methods such as dentures or bridgework, however,  dental implants tend to last many years longer and in fact should never need replacing. Dental implants offer the best, most cost-effective option when viewed as a long-term investment for your dental health.

Are dental implants easy to maintain?

When it comes to the caring and cleaning of your dental implants the process is fairly similar to natural teeth. We at Dainfern Dental Studio recommend daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups and professional cleaning when required. While implant teeth won’t decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected in the absence of good oral hygiene. Properly cared-for dental implants should last a lifetime.

What is the success rate for dental implants?

Many people seeking dental implants tend to worry about the success rate of the surgery. They also worry whether or not their bodies will accept the implants. The facts are that the implants can’t be rejected by the body because they contain no living cells. The titanium of which they are made is completely biocompatible, and allergies are extremely rare. That said though, an implant can fail to integrate with the jawbone if an infection develops in the absence of good oral hygiene, or if it is subjected to biting forces too soon.

Will modern dental implants work for me?

There’s a good chance that they will, but this can only be determined after a complete oral examination by the team at Dainfern Dental Studio. This process usually includes x-rays of your jaws. Please schedule a consultation to begin the exciting process of restoring your smile with dental implants. You can contact us here.

 

What is Zoom Teeth Whitening?

Zoom teeth whitening is a dental procedure that restores the natural colour of your teeth to a lighter, brighter, more youthful looking shade. This technique combines a special bleaching gel with a specific wavelength of light to cause activated oxygen molecules to be released. This activated oxygen is able to penetrate deep into the tooth enamel and break down the underlying pigments that are causing tooth discoloration, resulting in your teeth having a much brighter shade.

Is Zoom Whitening Painful or Unpleasant?

Zoom teeth whitening is not a painful procedure, however there may occasionally be minor discomfort due to tooth sensitivity in some patients afterward the procedure. If present, this tooth sensitivity is typically remedied within a day of undergoing our unique Zoom teeth whitening procedure. It is however important to make us aware of any preexisting tooth sensitivity that you may be experiencing before you come in for your Zoom teeth whitening treatment.

Are There Any Restrictions After Receiving Zoom Whitening?

During the whitening process, your teeth tend to lose a small amount of moisture. After the bleaching process they can intensely absorb moisture for up to 48 hours. It is strongly suggested that Zoom teeth whitening patients try to completely avoid things that can stain their teeth, specifically: coffee, tea, soda, red wine, soy sauce, red sauces, tomato sauce, and especially any tobacco products. The first few days following your Zoom treatments are crucial in achieving maximum results from Zoom teeth whitening.

How Long Do Zoom Whitening Results Last?

Most Zoom patients’ results last for quite some time, however, results are incredibly dependent upon each individual’s diet and oral hygiene practises. If good oral hygiene is maintained, and things such as coffee and red wine kept to a minimum, Zoom teeth whitening results can last be extended.

Who Should Not Use The Zoom Teeth Whitening System?

Zoom teeth whitening is considered perfectly safe for most people. The only people who are not recommended to receive the Zoom treatment are: pregnant or lactating women, children under the age of 14, people with an increased sensitivity to light, or patients who are undergoing any type of photochemotherapy. Additionally, patients with melanoma or any other type of skin cancer should not receive Zoom.

Do I need to have my teeth cleaned prior to ZOOM teeth whitening?

The simple answer is ‘yes’ you do. The plaque, tartar or debris will cause a build-up on your teeth that may not allow the teeth to whiten in certain areas, resulting in uneven colouring on your teeth. However, you do not want your teeth cleaned and whitened on the same day as they will be very sensitive. For best possible results with Zoom teeth whitening, have it done within a week of your cleaning. Book your session now.

 

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are thin durable shells made of tooth coloured materials that are bonded to the surface of the tooth to enhance its appearance. Dental veneers are a great solution for people with discoloured, worn down, chipped, misaligned, spaced, uneven or irregularly shaped front teeth. 

What is involved in getting a dental veneer?

When it comes to getting a porcelain veneer it is usually a multi-step process. The first step is to get a consultation with the team at Dainfern Dental Studio.  At this visit, you can outline your goals and concerns, and a prosthodontist will explain how veneers will work for you. X-rays or impressions of your teeth may also be needed. The second step is to prepare the tooth for the veneer which includes a small amount of tooth structure to be removed and an impression is made. Our dental specialist will then place temporary veneers. At the next appointment, temporaries are removed, and the final veneer is bonded to your tooth. 

Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

If you have stained or chipped your teeth, you might be interested in veneers as they will cover up your existing teeth.They are also a popular treatment for smile makeovers or for individuals who want their dream smile.

What are the advantages of dental veneers?

We have seen how veneers improve lives for many people. The veneer improves the appearance of your teeth, and gum tissues tend to respond well to dental veneers.  The colour can be custom selected, and in the case of porcelain veneers they are stain resistant.

How long do dental veneers last?

A veneer lasts approximately 5-10 years. They do not require any special care other than regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the Dainfern Dental Studio. If they are properly cared for then they can even last much longer. Professional cleanings every 6 months are highly recommended.

What can I eat and what foods should I avoid?

You can eat most foods but each patient has a different bite. Therefore, we recommend eating softer foods the first few days until the patient gets used to the new bite position. After several weeks there is no limitation unless your case has specific needs. The most common foods to avoid are: ice, hard biscuits, hard candy, caramel apples, hard nuts, pumpkin seeds, and popcorn.

What habits should I avoid or stop?

Stop all bad teeth habits immediately, such as nail biting, straw chewing, fork nibbling, opening bags with teeth, pulling on clothing or gloves with teeth, and anything that will put undue stress on the veneers.

 

What exactly is gum reshaping?

Gum reshaping or contouring as it is also known is a form of cosmetic procedure designed to correct uneven gum lines. This process not only helps to improve the self-confidence of our clients when they smile, but reshaping is also a popular option for fixing and improving your smile.

How does the gum reshaping process work?

Gum reshaping is actually rather straightforward and surprisingly not time consuming. You will not have to be in our dental chair all day. Our team at Dainfern Dental Studio make use of one of two methods to contour your gums: scalpels or lasers. We use these tools to remove excessive gum tissue and expose more of your teeth’s enamel. Our professional team at Dainfern Dental Studio knows how to work quickly, we can address the issue, and guarantee as short a recovery time as possible. Contact us for more information

 Does gum reshaping hurt?

Some customers do tend to experience discomfort or pain when it comes to the gum reshaping procedure. That said, as with any other invasive dental procedure, we use numbing agents. We may even medicate you during the procedure to reduce your pain level. Generally, gum contouring takes about 1 to 2 hours. Ultimately, gum reshaping’s pain level varies by how much gum tissue we need to cut or shape. Most patients experience a small degree of discomfort or pain during the procedure, followed by a slightly more painful recovery period. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to relieve the pain.

Why do I need gum reshaping?

There are several causes of uneven gums. Genetics tend to play a significant role in most of our patients. Studies have also shown that aggressive brushing, gum disease, and other dental ailments can cause the gums to recede or grow too large. For instance, patients with advanced periodontitis witness their gumline slowly recede, which exposes too much of their teeth. Gum contouring is a good option for these patients because it addresses the cosmetic cost of gum disease while treating their periodontal illness.

How long will the results of reshaping last?

This is a very popular question, however, this answer varies depending on the specific client. If we remove bone during gum reshaping, then the results can be permanent. However, there is always a risk of the overgrowth or pigmentation issues returning, depending on what caused them. We can provide more information when we meet with you, so book a consultation at Dainfern Dental Studio now. Contact us here.