Ask the Dentist: Can I benefit from orthodontic treatment?

 

Orthodontic treatment can help to:

1. straighten misaligned teeth that are less attractive and improve one's self-esteem

2. move significantly displaced teeth to make cleaning easier, and improve chewing, biting and speaking

3. align severe jaw discrepancies associated with sleep-disordered breathing to improve quality of life.

Orthodontic problems may not always be obvious, especially in young children. Even in children with straight teeth, there may be subtle problems with jaw growth and developing teeth that only an orthodontist can detect. Early diagnosis and treatment can simplify correction of the problem and improve the treatment outcome. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends getting a check-up with an orthodontic specialist when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. If your child is older than 7, it’s never too late for a check-up.

The orthodontic specialist will recommend you or your child the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate timing. If you see any of the problems in you or your child, please seek advice from an orthodontist:

• Jaws that shift to one side, are too far forward or backward

• Protruding teeth

• Deep bite – when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively

• Underbite – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth

• Crowded, misplaced teeth

• Spaced teeth

• Extra or missing teeth

• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth

• Teeth that don’t meet at all or meet in an abnormal way

• Difficulty chewing or biting

• Biting the cheek or gums at the roof of the mouth

• Thumb-sucking or other oral habits

• Inability to comfortably close the lips

There is no higher age limit to getting your teeth or jaws straightened. All adults and children deserve and can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Visit an orthodontist now for a consult.

Dr. Soh Shean Han is an orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from the University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA and is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh has a special interest in early orthodontic treatment in children and multi-disciplinary management of patients involving orthodontics.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Discover the great outdoors at CIS’s new kindergarten wing!

 

Outdoor play gives young children the opportunity to engage their senses as they explore the natural world around them. And Canadian International School (CIS)’s new state-of-the-art, purpose-built kindergarten wing and outdoor discovery centre, which opens in January 2023, definitely capitalises on this.

This new development emphasizes CIS’s focus on facilitating academic excellence in Kindergarten through play-based learning in environments that nurture creativity and exploration. The brand new 2,600 sq.m. outdoor discovery centre features an abundance of trees, a variety of gardens, water features that include still and moving water, natural tunnels, grassy hills, a play fort, a yoga and sound garden, a mud kitchen, adaptable creative play spaces, a bike and running track, and quiet areas intentionally designed to build minds and bodies, while nurturing strong connections with nature.

This new space offers young children the opportunity to engage in sights, sounds, tastes and textures unique to the outdoors. It is also designed to help children develop important social, gross motor, literacy, math, observation and science skills. Nursery teacher and grade level lead Samantha Mackie believes that the outdoors is perfect for nurturing every child’s curiosity and wonder.

“There’ll be a mud kitchen, sandpits and a yoga lawn, which will allow children to explore and connect with the natural environment through their senses,” she shares. “They say that classrooms are the third teacher. These facilities will definitely enhance the children’s learning opportunities.”

The Outdoor Discovery Centre connects to spacious ground-level classrooms and other facilities for all CIS students to enjoy. These include well-lit learning pods, an instructional bakery, a junior library, two new swimming pools, a junior competition sized gymnasium, black box theatre and more.

Learn more about what CIS’s new kindergarten wing has to offer.

Ask the Dentist: What is the best age to visit an Orthodontist?

A: The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child should see an orthodontist when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7.

A child would have sufficient permanent teeth then for the orthodontist to determine if a problem exists or is developing. While your child’s teeth may appear straight, there could be subtle problems with jaw growth and developing teeth that only an orthodontist can detect. Early detection allows for timely action to resolve the problem before they fully develop. 

There are three possible outcomes after your child sees an orthodontist namely:

1. No treatment needed

2. Regular monitoring for future treatment

3. Starting on early treatment

Besides achieving a nicer smile and better self-esteem, there can be other functional benefits to early orthodontic treatment:

1. Achieving alignment of the jaws 

2. Lowering risk of dental trauma to  protruded front teeth

3. Reducing damage to the gums from anomalies in the bite

4. Guiding adult teeth to emerge into more favourable positions

Some orthodontic problems are more effectively corrected at a young age when the jaws and teeth are still growing. This can minimize the need for more extensive and expensive treatment at a later age. 

Certain outcomes may be unachievable or less ideal if treatment is started after your child has stopped growing. 

Give your child the best opportunity at well-balanced jaws and a healthy, beautiful smile.  See an Orthodontist today to determine if your child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment.

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. Dr Soh is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh has a special interest in orthodontics and dental public health. 
http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

What makes an effective bilingual programme?

Find out at the CIS French Carnaval on 23 Nov!

Learning a second language can open up a world of opportunities. As parents, how can one choose a programme that successfully educates children in becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural global citizens? Dr Xiomara Cruz, Canadian International School’s (CIS) Primary Vice Principal and head of their French-English bilingual programme, shares her insights.

1. Speaking a language without understanding its cultural context has very 

little real-world value. When culture is integrated into learning, students can 

communicate from a place of understanding, not just say or repeat the words. For instance

on International Dot Day, our grade 6 students  learned about the spirit of kindness 

and French art history including the Pointillism technique, before describing a related artwork in French.

2. Purposeful learning experiences can help children better connect with and understand the language. Through hands-on activities like acting in plays, students get to learn beyond the classroom and apply real-world knowledge in authentic settings. One inquiry-based lesson saw grade 5 students read recipe 

instructions and communicate in French, while cooking up a storm at our learning kitchen!

3. Bilingual programmes can develop children holistically. At CIS, bilingual students experience true international education that not just develops their language skills, but also promotes their academic and social emotional development. Recently, our grade 5s produced audio postcards that introduced Singapore’s history and culture in French. They later exchanged the postcards with French-speaking students in France, Lebanon, and Tunisia, building on both their language skills and intercultural awareness.

Learn more about CIS’s bilingual programme at their French Carnaval on 23 November. You will meet Dr Xiomara and her expert team, and join French-inspired family-friendly activities run by their bilingual students, including a French café station and a crêpe tossing game!

Q: Braces vs. Aligners - Which is a better fit for you?

 A: If you would like straight teeth, we provide several options for our patients to choose from: brackets (traditional metal or ceramic) or aligners. Conventional brackets (braces) are glued onto your teeth and arch wires are used to adjust each tooth gradually into its desired position. Clear aligners are thin, removable trays custom-made to fit your teeth, and a series of aligners are required to move the teeth into the ideal positions. Aligners are typically worn for 20-22 hours per day and changed weekly, depending on case complexity. Each option has its pros and cons in terms of ease of maintenance, comfort, costs, appearance, diet and discipline required. 

Both aligners and braces are suitable for all ages, from children with “baby teeth” to teens to working adults to the elderly. As every patient is unique with his/her set of teeth and needs, your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable appliance for you.

Aligners Pros

    • More aesthetic
    • Less risk of ulcers from wires 
    • Fewer emergencies
    • Longer appointment intervals
    • Facilitates oral hygiene maintenance
    • Fewer dietary restrictions
    • Good for individuals active in contact sports

Aligners Cons

    • Motivation needed in wearing and taking care of aligners 

    • Complex cases may require a hybrid approach (braces on selected teeth)food and drinks

    • Can’t choose colours for different festive seasons!

Share your concerns with your orthodontist to better understand which option is best suited for you or your child! 

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. Dr Soh is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh has a special interest in orthodontics and dental public health.

http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

A community garden by students, for students at Canadian International School

Can you tell that this lush community garden at CIS used to be an empty rooftop? The amazing transformation is all thanks to the hard work of their secondary students, alongside staff and parent volunteers. In this outdoor learning space, students will get to explore and apply learning in a hands-on environment, while developing resilience and problem solving skills as they continue to grow the garden.

This project all began when a grade 8 team decided to make a positive change in the school community after learning about climate change during an interdisciplinary unit. Once their design was complete, other students volunteered their breaks to help realise their vision.

Under the guidance of teachers and a team of experts from Corridor Farmers, some put their new landscaping knowledge to work while others contributed their diverse skills. For instance, Annabel C, grade 11, leveraged her passion in carpentry and built a trough that made transporting soil more efficient.

Grade 8 student Mihika, who documented the garden’s progress as part of the media team, shared some challenges they faced; “Sometimes, it rains really hard and the plants get 

over-watered, and we have to cancel the sessions. Sometimes, it's so hot that it gets hard to work in the sun!”

With perseverance and teamwork, the students succeeded in bringing the garden to life. Even so, their journey has only just started. They will soon plan to harvest the fruits of their labour, collaborate with local organisations, and support the wider community beyond CIS.

If you would like to learn more about CIS’ curriculum and programmes, visit their website: www.cis.edu.sg

Canadian International School Music Students Contribute to Worldwide Exemplar

Using electronic synthesisers and traditional instruments, 6 grade 11 music students from the Canadian International School (CIS) created a unique composition piece in just 2 weeks. Their work was part of a larger collaborative composition, ‘A Postcard of 

Singapore’, which will be used as the worldwide exemplar for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) Music component ‘The Contemporary Music Maker’!

So how did this composition come to be? The students — Abby C, Xiaoyu J, Kiana K, Zijian L, Vivienne S, and Yuyao W — shared that it was a field trip to Chinatown that inspired them. As part of their research, they had interviewed an elderly shop owner, who shared how Chinatown has changed over the years. 

Realising that traditions seem to be fading away in modern society, the students decided to highlight the importance of keeping traditions alive by incorporating both traditional and modern elements into their musical piece. Their team spirit and creativity inspired them and they completed the piece in just over 2 weeks.

At a weekend workshop, students collaborated with fellow musicians from other IB schools to further refine their group pieces. The CIS student team provided an innovative contribution to the final creative exemplar, which will be shared with IB schools internationally.

Interested to learn more about CIS’s curriculum and programmes? Join their next Open House on 5 October. You will meet academic leaders, teachers and the experts behind innovative programmes, including STEAM and their award-winning bilingual Chinese-English programme. 

Register now to secure your spot. 

www.cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house

Ask the Dentist: Is there an age limit to braces?

 

Many adults tend to have a mindset that they are too old for braces or are afraid of the discomfort and embarrassment of wearing braces at their age. However, it is increasingly common to notice adults wearing braces to achieve a healthy and attractive smile.

While there is no age limit to having braces, it is generally recommended to be done during pre-teens to early teens as the jaws and teeth are growing and are more conducive to correction. Most patients have to wear full braces between 18 to 30 months. This may take longer if your orthodontic issue is more complex. Every patient’s orthodontic treatment is unique and customed to his/her condition.

There are no major notable differences between adults and kids. Both groups can benefit from more aesthetically attractive and/or comfortable options. Such options include fixed ceramic braces, invisible lingual braces (fixed), or invisible and removable “braces” (aligners) in addition to traditional metal braces.

The most memorable patient I had was a 68 year old man, who wanted to close the increasing gaps between his lower front teeth. He also had severely rotated front teeth (90 degrees), which were “sticking out” and not touching causing difficulty in biting with his front teeth. I managed his case with clear aligners, as being a public speaker, he had concerns about the visibility of traditional braces. This experience left a lasting impression on me that there is so much we can do for “older adults” to enhance their quality of life. The golden years are the period that these patients finally have time for themselves after caring for their kids, and they too deserve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Kickstart your journey by visiting an orthodontist for a consultation to see if braces or aligners can benefit you!

Dr Soh Shean Han is an orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh has a special interest in orthodontics and dental public health. 

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

CAS Hike at Sungei Buloh

Did you know that Sungei Buloh is Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park? On April 24, we met at the Wetland Centre for a Sunday morning stroll through the mangroves. We enjoyed getting to know each other as we walked the 40-minute loop on a flat trail through wetlands. We were treated to sightings of bats, monitor lizards, mudskippers, one sleepy croc, and loads of birds such as herons and kingfishers. 

If you haven't been out to Sungei Buloh recently, get yourself out there!  They've added an extension which includes a 

Visitor Centre, more parking and new trails that follow the coast. It's an easy stroll for kids too. You are so close to Malaysia that Singtel thinks you're actually there - so remember to turn off your data before your walk.  Wear comfy shoes and bring binoculars if you have some.  

For information on the  Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Click here.

Do you have other suggestions for other CAS weekend outdoor adventures? Email us! (info@canadians.org.sg) with your ideas!

Ask the Dentist: How can I treat my swollen gum?

 

A: It is essential to find out the cause of the gum swelling. Swollen gums can be caused by numerous reasons, such as gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), oral infection, and other health issues. Depending on the root cause, swollen gums can be treated with good oral care habits and dental procedures such as non-surgical or surgical gum treatment, root canal treatment, or surgical incision and drainage.

Gum disease

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums. At this stage, it may not necessarily be painful. It can be easily reversed with good oral hygiene habits like brushing two times a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting your gum specialist (periodontist) or dentist for professional teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing).

In more advanced stages of gum disease where gums are severely inflamed and detached from the teeth forming deep pockets (periodontitis), root planning treatment with a periodontist is required to remove the tartar (hardened plaque) that is deeply entrenched. Sometimes, surgical gum therapy may be indicated to further improve the health of the gums and the stability of the teeth. If left untreated, however, gum disease will continue to progress and lead to further bone loss, gum recession, and eventual loss of teeth.

Oral infection

If there is an infected tooth, a dental abscess (accumulation of pus) will form on one area of the gums. Most gum abscesses will heal quickly after the area is cleaned thoroughly, the pus is drained and the tooth infection is treated.

Yeast infections such as oral thrush may cause swelling too. Treatment methods include medications and ointment.

Other issues

Other possible causes of swollen gums include ill-fitting dentures, crowns, or other dental appliances, and side effects of medications.

If you find that the gum swelling lasts longer than 2 to 3 days, seek help from your periodontist or dentist promptly even if you do not experience any pain or fever to prevent the problem from worsening.

Dr Daylene Leong is Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery and dental implants.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Ask the Dentist: Q. When is the best time to remove my wisdom teeth?

A: Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth (third molars) to erupt into the mouth, and this usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 25 (the ages of wisdom, hence the term wisdom teeth).

It is generally recommended for teenagers or those in their early adulthood to remove their wisdom teeth as they are in the age group where they can recover faster. The bone is more elastic when young, and the tooth has shorter roots than in an older adult. With the right treatment and proper management, the procedure is smooth and seldom causes significant swelling and discomfort afterward.

Another reason would be that younger individuals also usually do not have too many commitments. Thus arranging their schedules will be easier than a working adult with a family. 

Researchers have also found that older patients aged 30 years and above may be at greater risk for gum disease in the tissues surrounding the wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth, eventually affecting one's general health if left untreated.

For those worried about the loss of wisdom teeth affecting their eating, there is no issue – losing your wisdom teeth will not affect your chewing ability.

If you are experiencing any discomfort from your wisdom teeth, do not only self-medicate. Visit a dental specialist or dentist for a thorough dental examination, and they will advise if there is a need to remove your wisdom teeth. 

Dr Ho Kok Sen is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group®. Dr Ho is a mentor, lecturer, and examiner to students in the Graduate Diploma in Dental Implantology course at the National University of Singapore.  Dr Ho is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Academy of Medicine Singapore. He has a special interest in dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting, and complex extractions. http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Canadian International School’s (CIS) new Kindergarten wing

Want a Kindergarten that has it all? A strong academic foundation, a warm environment that fosters curiosity with plenty of outdoor play every day.

Canadian International School's (CIS) new Kindergarten wing will be opening in January 2023. Designed to bring the outdoors in and support the school’s inquiry and play-based approach it will house the school's nursery to grade 1 student community and will have a spectacular new Outdoor Discovery Centre. The centre will be an enormous 2,600 square metre and connect with spacious and natural light-filled classrooms.

MUCH MORE THAN A PLAYGROUND

When children are outside they are quickly inspired to get active and run, jump and climb. These activities, in turn, spark brain development, sharpen social and gross motor skills and generate strong academic performance.

CIS students will get to play every day in the ODC which has some extra special features: a sound and art gardens to experiment in, a mud kitchen and Eco pond. Plus plenty of grassy hills, nature tunnels, a play fort and a yoga lawn.

Through playing with mud, water, sand and loose objects such as sticks, stones, mesh and rope, students will engage in imaginative and creative thinking while solving problems. They will learn to calculate, measure, invent, estimate, specify, analyse, hypothesise and test theories, thereby developing their thinking, communication and research skills.

LEARNING PODS

Lakeside's unique learning pod design has been incorporated into the new wing. Grade level classrooms that house students in the English and Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes will feed into dedicated light-filled learning pods, providing exhibition spaces and fostering a strong sense of grade level community.

SPEIALIST SPACES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT

The CIS team have been creative with some of their new early years learning spaces. The new junior library will house a large selection of age-appropriate books, a gross motor room and a working instructional bakery.

NEW FACILITIES FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Students school-wide will enjoy the wing’s new full-sized gymnasium that will serve as an additional practice and tournament facility for older students, an indoor 25m swimming pool, dance studio and 200-seat black-box theatre.

Learn more at the CIS April open house, RSVP at www.cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house

Jams for Justice: Advocating Fair Representation Through Music

Combining a passion for music with advocacy for fair representation in the music industry, grade 12 students Kieran H and Neil V share their story behind Jams for Justice.

Grade 12 students Neil V and Kieran H created Jams for Justice, an initiative to showcase the rich diversity in music through a three-day Instagram live concert that featured a curated playlist celebrating musicians of colour. Neil and Kieran tell us what inspired them and why they felt compelled to stand up for fair representation in the music industry.

What was the inspiration behind Jams for Justice?

Kieran: We knew we wanted to do something surrounding music and racial justice for our CAS project. We are both musicians and come from countries — United States and South Africa — where the discussion of race is gaining more and more traction. We thought about it a lot and felt that this angle was where we could inspire the most change in our community.

Neil: We considered that representation in music was somewhere we could actually make a difference, even if on a small scale. The fundraising route wouldn’t be as hands-on and we might be detached from the results, so the Jams for Justice concept came to us as somewhere we really think we could incite change, and be close enough to witness it.

What are your thoughts about the current state of representation in the music industry?

Neil: I think historically music has been among the more diverse areas of society — we have seen representation of many cultures and ethnicities even within the western music industry which is great. Most people don’t just listen to music from artists of one race. However, I think that most people don’t recognise the influences behind music. For example, we celebrate an artist like Ed Sheeran, without recognising that a lot of his current music is drawn from Latin styles like reggaeton. Can we really say that has nothing to do with the disenfranchisement of Latin artists?

How do you hope to inspire other CIS students through this project?

Kieran: Jams for Justice was a project that we came up with to show how talented the often unknown and overlooked musicians of colour are. Putting on a show that gives a taste of what lies within this super diverse community of musicians. We feel like there is a lot of cool music that just flies under the radar as a result of a lack of representation, and we wanted to make as much of a difference as we could, even if it wasn’t on a super big world stage.

Within the world of social media, we have access to an audience, and if we can organise our arguments, present them well and use the tools at our disposal, I believe we are all capable of making a difference

If any students at CIS were to take anything away from this little project, it should be that you shouldn’t worry about the magnitude of your potential impact, just care about the fact that you’re passionate enough to try and make a difference in the world.

Take a look at the Jams for Justice account.

Ask the Dentist: Q. My child has a loose tooth. Should I DIY the extraction at home?

Losing the first baby tooth is an exciting milestone for many families! This may happen around 6 years old, with the lower central incisors generally the first to make the transition. Did you know that permanent teeth begin in the jaws as early as at birth! As these teeth gradually move from within the bone up to the surface, they cause the roots of baby teeth to dissolve resulting in a wobbly baby tooth.

At this juncture, many parents are tempted to pull the tooth out at home. DIY extractions have been performed in many homes but may risk excessive bleeding, damage to gums or infection. It is worth mentioning that not all loose teeth can be easily removed – leading to a potentially painful situation after a failed attempt at extraction.

Some parents believe that extracting loose baby teeth will help aid in better alignment of the incoming adult teeth. This is a myth. Instead, factors like genetics, teeth and jaw sizes or habits like thumb-sucking play a more important role in determining the final position of the teeth.

Loose baby teeth often fall out naturally without intervention if given sufficient time. This can take between 4-6 months on average. Using a clean finger to wiggle the shaky baby tooth daily can help hasten the process. Here are some scenarios where a dental extraction may be required:

1. Over-retained baby tooth. When an adult tooth is well erupted and the corresponding baby tooth remains quite firm in the jaw, a dentist may need to remove the over-retained baby tooth.

2. Some children are bothered by wobbly teeth. They may eat poorly or refuse to brush their teeth. Removal of the wobbly teeth will return them to comfort again.

If in doubt, please bring your child in for a dental check-up. Your child’s dental specialist or dentist will examine the teeth and recommend accordingly.

Dr Tabitha Chng is a Dental Specialist in Paedodontics (Children’s Dentistry) with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Paedodontics from University of Toronto, Canada. She is currently the only Paediatric dentist to be dually certified by both the American Board of Paediatric Dentistry and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr Chng loves to see children smile and constantly strives to create a safe and relaxed environment for kids to enjoy their visits. Besides fighting cavities, she has a special interest in paediatric sleep medicine (eg. tooth grinding, snoring) and early management of crooked teeth without braces.

(65) 6733 7883 | www.specialistdentalgroup.com

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

Ask the Dentist: Q: How much whiter will my teeth be after teeth whitening?

 A: It is possible to whiten your teeth by a few shades when you get a professional in-clinic teeth whitening treatment. Nonetheless, it is important to understand that teeth whitening treatments produce different results for different people.

One of the main factors that affect the results would be the permeability of enamel. Enamel that is more permeable tends to whiten more easily (however, there isn’t a test that can be done beforehand to assess that).

Another factor would be the tooth’s natural colour. Teeth naturally discolour with age as the tooth enamel wears off to reveal more of dentine, which is yellow in nature. Some people have darker dentine than the others, and in such cases, teeth whitening may not be effective as teeth whitening treatment is designed to whiten the enamel and not the dentine.

Finally, it also depends on the type of stains present. In-clinic teeth whitening treatment is effective in removing deep as well as surface stains, however is not as effective in treating grey stains.

During the consultation, your dental specialist/dentist will examine your oral condition and help set realistic expectations.

In order to achieve further whitening and better results, it is generally recommended to follow up with the take home whitening kit. As you can adjust the amount of contact time between the whitening gel and your teeth, you can achieve the degree of whitening desired. For instance, if you want your teeth to be even whiter, wear the whitening trays at home for a few more days.

Another thing to note is that if you have any pre-existing crowns and white fillings, these would not change its shade even after teeth whitening. Therefore, if you would like to replace a crown or white filling, it is advised for the replacement to be done two weeks after your whitening treatment.

Dr Steven Soo is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group^®. He was formerly a Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute and Clinical Teacher at the GKT Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

The benefits of purposeful play

CIS Lakeside primary school principal, Dr Colleen Drisner, shares how the right kindergarten programme sets the foundation for learning. A child’s early development is undoubtedly one of the most important stages of their learning journey. It not only sets the foundation for honing their cognitive skills but also supports them in learning key competencies such as critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

What makes a great kindergarten?

Learning becomes a social endeavour. The foundation for success lies in the development of a student’s personal, social and emotional wellbeing. To foster a child’s academic abilities, you have to be able to “see” the whole child.

Helping children ‘learn how to learn’. We go about this by guiding students to develop their own voice and interest in learning. This helps to support the development of positive attitudes, habits and learning styles, which in turn develops strong foundational skills such as numeracy and literacy.

Purposeful play and the inquiry-based learning approach engages children and triggers their curiosity. This allows them to hone their critical thinking skills, excel at collaborative work and be able to solve problems creatively. For example, exploring concepts through interactive activities such as water play means you really can learn all about volume and capacity through the hands-on process.

Learning is fun and stimulating. The one thing that you should not see in a supportive kindergarten programme is a worksheet-heavy curriculum. It discourages group work, curiosity and exploration while emphasising only one correct way of completing or answering a task or question.

The physical setup of a kindergarten will have a huge impact on how children learn and communicate with the world around them. At CIS, we have a dedicated kindergarten wing where classrooms spill out into large and open learning pods. These are spaces where students can participate in hands-on activities or interact with their peers at exhibitions and celebrations. Some of our kindergarten classrooms also connect directly to the school’s Outdoor Discovery Centre, a layout that allows our students to easily engage and learn from the environment around them.

Join a Kindergarten open house at CIS on 24 & 25 February to see their learning approach in action and meet their teachers.