Q What is gum disease?
A. 70% of Australians have some kind of gum disease.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes gums to become inflamed.
Studies have found that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. That is why it is important to regularly visits to the dentist.
Q At what age should children visit a dentist?
It is recommended that they visit a dentist at around three years of age. Our practice does not charge parents for this visit.
Q. I would like to have my teeth whitened. There are so many products and ads for whiteners that it is hard to decide which is best. Are they safe?
A You are correct. There are many products and techniques available. The various over the counter products give the least predictable results. To get a really great result you should probably use one of the products sold through dental offices which utilise custom made trays for home application of a bleaching gel or the in-house whitening systems. We recommend Brite Smile
Teeth Whitening because it is safe, effective, offers a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied and it takes about one hour to do under the supervision of a dentist..
Q. There are so many different toothbrushes on the market today. How do I know which one is the right one for me?
A This is a good question, which we hear daily. The brand of the toothbrush is not nearly as critical as the type of bristle, the size and shape of the head and how frequently you replace your brush.
We recommend a soft bristled brush with a small head. The soft bristles are most important for the health of your gums. A small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums. You should also replace your
toothbrush at least every three months.
We also recommend that some patients use an electric toothbrush to make brushing easier for them. If you can it is advisable to brush after every meal.
Q. What types of problems does cosmetic dentistry solve?
A. If your teeth are dark or worn and make you older, if gaps or chips make you self-conscious, or if crooked or discoloured teeth stop you from smiling fully, cosmetic dentistry can help.
Q Can I afford cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry offers many different options.
Some patients require treatments that are relatively easy and inexpensive. Others need more extensive procedures to reach their goals.
You could start with getting your teeth whitened to see the change it can make to the appearance of your teeth.
Flexible long term financing is available for complex treatment plans. Remember that investment in cosmetic dentistry is an investment in yourself. Looking good make most people feel much better about themselves thereby increasing their self-esteem and confidence.
Q. How do I choose a dentist for my cosmetic needs?
A. A very important question. For the best results, it is important to know the qualifications and experience of the treating dentist. Ask your dentist about his or her training in this area. Ask about continuing education courses and experience. A very effective way to understand your dentist’s skills is asking to see before and after photographs of their work.
Q Can I get rid of these ugly, black illings?
A Yes silver fillings (amalgam) are becoming a thing of the past. There are many ways to restore teeth with material that virtually disappear and blend with the natural colour of your teeth.
Q My teeth are crooked, or have spaces. Do I have to get braces to straighten them?
A The answer to this question is it depends. In some cases orthodontic treatment (braces) is the best approach.
However, in other cases misaligned (crooked) teeth, gaps and crowding can be corrected with veneers. To learn more click on veneers. In some cases bonding can be used effectively. To learn more click on bonding.
Q I have had some crowns placed some time ago, and I noticed that now I have a dark line at the gum line. What can I do?
A Many patients have this complaint. Until recently, crowns were done one of two ways gold or porcelain fused to metal. The porcelain is baked onto a metal substructure. The metal was necessary for strength. Unfortunately, it is difficult to mask out the dark colour of the metal. The margin of the crown (where the crown meets the tooth) has to be in metal. This is what causes “dark line syndrome”. Dentists would often try to hide this metal margin underneath the gum line. This results in the gum appearing dark in this area. Or even worse, if the gum recedes, the metal is exposed creating a very unattractive appearance.
Today we have a solution! Today's all-ceramic (all porcelain) crowns eliminate metal completely. That means no darkness at the gum line… Ever!
Q My teeth are really broken down and worn. Can the youthful smile I had years ago be recreated?
A In most cases Yes. A smile makeover can restore your smile and at the same time, make eating easier and more comfortable. Patients often look years younger and also feel better about them. We do not only change smiles we change lives.
Q How long does it take to get a new smile?
A Although each case is unique, some smiles are completed in a single visit. Most, however, take two or three appointments over a two to three week period.
Q Will it hurt?
A There are few issues in our practice that have received as much emphasis as this one. Today, with much better equipment, increased technology, better medications, and our added luxury comfort features, patients are much more comfortable during treatment. After a treatment plan is outlined, questions about discomfort and pain control can be easily answered. There is no need to put off cosmetic procedures, and certainly not needed dental care, because of past fears of pain.
