EXPERT
Dr. Max C. Lai, D.M.D.
Dentist
Dr. Max Lai is a Dentist practicing in Broomall, PA. Dr. Lai specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Max C. Lai, D.M.D.
- Broomall, PA
- Accepting new patients
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What can Invisalign fix?
Invisalign can straighten teeth that are crooked or tilted, and it can even close gaps between teeth. It can tilt and upright teeth, but trying an actually shift the position READ MORE
Invisalign can straighten teeth that are crooked or tilted, and it can even close gaps between teeth. It can tilt and upright teeth, but trying an actually shift the position of a back tooth (like a molar), is much more difficult. If your teeth do not bite together in the ideal fashion, sometimes braces are better for making these more difficult movements.
Sincerely,
Max C. Lai, DMD
Sincerely,
Max C. Lai, DMD
How long will a temporary dental crown last?
Depending on how paralled the tooth was cut under it, and what cement was used, and how you care for it, they should be able to last you at least a month, but sometimes people READ MORE
Depending on how paralled the tooth was cut under it, and what cement was used, and how you care for it, they should be able to last you at least a month, but sometimes people have them in for a year or 2. The less you chew on it, and the better it’s made, the longer it will last. Do not eat anything hard or sticky and it will last longer, provided that the temporary has a strong cement (which can be tricky, because you don’t’ want the cement to be so strong you can’t take the temporary crown off), and the tooth was not overcut into a conical shape. Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent ones, so they can break if you chew hard things. This doesn’t mean you can chew hard things on the other side. Hard food moves around in your mouth. You can’t pour liquid into one side of a cup.
Sincerely,
Max C. Lai, DMD
Sincerely,
Max C. Lai, DMD
Are dental implants better than dentures?
There are pros and cons to both, but overall, if someone can afford it, we prefer implants to dentures for most patients. It is like choosing BMW or a Yugo. The main reason to READ MORE
There are pros and cons to both, but overall, if someone can afford it, we prefer implants to dentures for most patients. It is like choosing BMW or a Yugo. The main reason to go with a denture over implants is the cost, but also because they are removable and easier to maintain. However, implants are actually fixed in the mouth, and thus will provide more stability, allow you to chew your food better, will not fall out (if done correctly), and also implants help you keep the level of bone in your jaws (if you clean them well). They will be more like having real teeth. If you cannot commit to cleaning your remaining teeth better, then implants are not for you. However, if you don’t want to lose more teeth, and will make the promise to yourself to floss and brush well, then implants are superior.
In addition, there are combinations where you can have dentures that stay in with a few implants, instead of clasping to your remaining teeth. This is a good compromise. A lot depends on your specific circumstances (are all 9 missing teeth in one jaw, or over both jaws? Which teeth are missing? Are they together or spread out?). There is a lot more to delve into, that I cannot answer the question better without more details. I hope, however, that this gives you some ideas where to start. The best thing would be to at least just get a consult with a dentist versed in implants.
Sincerely,
Max C. Lai, DMD
In addition, there are combinations where you can have dentures that stay in with a few implants, instead of clasping to your remaining teeth. This is a good compromise. A lot depends on your specific circumstances (are all 9 missing teeth in one jaw, or over both jaws? Which teeth are missing? Are they together or spread out?). There is a lot more to delve into, that I cannot answer the question better without more details. I hope, however, that this gives you some ideas where to start. The best thing would be to at least just get a consult with a dentist versed in implants.
Sincerely,
Max C. Lai, DMD
