Are teeth and genetics related?

Our genetic code, comprised of DNA sequences inherited from our parents, holds the blueprint for the development and maintenance of our teeth, gums, and other oral structures. Various genes regulate crucial processes such as tooth formation, enamel strength, saliva composition, and immune responses within the oral cavity. Genetic variations or mutations in these genes can lead to oral health outcomes, ranging from enhanced resilience to dental diseases to increased vulnerability.

Dental Caries:

Dental caries is the main concern for most individuals today. While oral hygiene and sugar consumption is a major factor in formation of dental caries, genetics can contribute to the individual’s susceptibility to teeth decay as well. Variation or changes in genes encoding enamel proteins, immune response, and microbial habitat of oral cavity can influence it.

Periodontal Diseases:

Periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are inflammatory responses to bacteria. Just like in dental caries, genetic factors can modulate the immune response. Inflammation and tissue modelling can impact the severity of the diseases. By identifying the genetic markers associated with gum health, researches can aim therapies for prevention and treatment.

Saliva:

Saliva plays a major role in maintaining oral health, by being a natural defence mechanism against bacteria. Genetic modulation can influence saliva production, variations in composition, antimicrobial properties, etc.

Teeth:

Due to any genetic modulation, tooth development, structure and growth can be hampered as well.  Some conditions like:

  1. Amelogenesis imperfecta: It means abnormality in formation of enamel, which can result in discoloured, pitted or prone of broken tooth formation.
  2. Dentinogenesis imperfecta: It means genetic disorder in formation of dentin (second layer of tooth). It results in tooth with are discoloured, transparent and prone to wear and tear.
  3. Hyperdontia: Aka supernumerary teeth, meaning, development of extra teeth in mouth, which is beyond the normal number.
  4. Hypodontia: It means absence of one or more tooth.
  5. Oligodontia: It means absence of multiple teeth.
  6. Regional odontodysplasia: It means formation of abnormally shaped tooth due to genetic abnormalities.

Genetic conditions can highlight a number of conditions in oral cavity, from tooth development to dental diseases, which can be identified by genetic markers and tests, if required. At Teeth Care Centre, Dr. Pankti Patel, the chief dentist of TCC, is the best oral diagnostic specialist of Ahmedabad. Dr. Pankti always guides and advises her patients about all the possible conditions in her diagnosis and recommends all her patients to get a routine oral health check-up always.

Snap-on-smile

Snap-On Smile is a custom-made, removable dental appliance crafted from a specialized dental resin. As the name suggests, it simply snaps over your existing teeth, instantly hiding imperfections and creating the appearance of a beautiful smile. Whether it is stains, gaps, crookedness, or missing teeth, it is a great alternative for people who do not wish to drill teeth and spend tons on veneers.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

  1. Non-invasive: Unlike traditional cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers or implants, Snap-On Smile requires no drilling, injections, or alterations to your natural teeth. It’s a pain-free and reversible option for those seeking a temporary smile enhancement.
  2. Customizable: Your Snap-On Smile is tailor-made to fit your unique dental structure and desired aesthetic. You’ll have input into the shape, size, and shade of your new smile, ensuring a personalized result that complements your facial features.
  3. Instant results: One of the most appealing aspects of Snap-On Smile is its immediate transformational effect. Once your appliance is ready, you can simply snap it into place.
  4. Cost-effective: In comparison to other cosmetic dental procedures, Snap-On Smile tends to be more budget-friendly. It provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking a temporary fix.

Cons:

  1. Limited aesthetic results
  2. Comfort issues
  3. Temporary solution
  4. Not ideal and suitable for all cases.

Procedure:

  1. Consultation: Visit with your cosmetic dentist or a dental professional trained in Snap-On Smile procedures. During this initial visit, you’ll discuss your smile goals, and impressions or digital scans of your teeth will be taken.
  2. Delivery: Using these impressions, your Snap-On Smile appliance will be custom-crafted in a dental laboratory. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to your dentist for a fitting. Your dentist will ensure that the appliance fits comfortably and securely, making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired look and comfort.

Snap-on-smile offers a convenient and unique solution for your smile needs. At Teeth Care Centre, Dr. Pankti Patel, the best cosmetologist dentist in Ahmedabad, advises you the best possible cosmetic treatment you need, making sure your smile concerns are addressed.

Dental X-rays

When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, a regular oral evaluation is must. During the complete oral evaluation, a dentist, to detect any underlying dental issues might take x-rays.

What is Dental X-ray?

Dental X-rays also known as radiographs, are diagnostic images taken of teeth, bones and surrounding tissues of mouth. They help to identify any dental conditions like cavities, bone health, gum diseases, etc.

Types:

  1. Bitewing X-rays: These x-rays show the upper and lower arch teeth crowns and help in identification and detection of cavities in between the teeth and assessment of bone level.
  2. Periapical X-rays: This type of x-rays capture the entire length of one or more teeth, from crown to root and adjacent bone. These are useful for diagnosing cavities, abscesses, bone loss, etc.
  3. Panaromic X-rays: This type of x-rays provide a broader view of the entire mouth, which includes all the teeth, jaw bones, sinuses, TMJ, etc. They are generally helpful for assessing wisdom teeth issues, jaw disorders, overall evaluation on the condition.
  4. Orthodontic x-rays: These types of x-rays (Cephalometric X-rays) are used in orthodontic cases, to assess the facial growth, bone structure, tooth positioning for further orthodontic planning.
  5. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT): This 3D x-rays are generally advised when the bone density and bone condition has to be assessed precisely. Generally advised for planning of dental implant, complicated tooth removal, jaw fracture surgeries, any pathologies, etc.

Advantages of X-rays:

  1. Precise Treatment Planing.
  2. Monitoring changes.
  3. Early detection of underlying issues.
  4. Accuracy in diagnosis.
  5. Customised treatment plan.
  6. Comprehensive assessment.

Disadvantages:

  1. False findings/ Artifact.
  2. Radiation exposure.
  3. Inconvenience.

X-rays are invaluable tools in dentistry, as they are useful in providing accurate diagnosis, comprehensive and customised treatment planning. Regular dental check-ups which include x-ray monitoring are needed to maintain optimal oral health. At Teeth Care Centre, Dr. Pankti Patel, the best oral radiologist in Ahmedabad, always uses the latest technology, and believes that patient safety is a top most priority. So, to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient as well as the doctors, we have the latest technology x-ray unit Carestream DC X-ray unit from USA that reduces radiation exposure up to 90% along with digital imaging system of Durr Vista Scan from Germany, which produces high resolution images, resulting in better diagnosis.