Everyone wants beautiful teeth but sometimes due to past dental history, dental trauma or even genetic factors, we may have a smile that we are too apprehensive to show.
Sometimes you may not be concerned about the aesthetics of your teeth but you are worried about the long term functionality of your teeth. Because let’s face it – your teeth are also important for chewing!
At Huntingdale Dental Centre, we offer a free smile assessment to address your concerns and to discuss options to achieve what you want.
This is where Veneers, Crowns, Bridges, Teeth Whitening or even Orthodontics may be a treatment option for you.
Below, we have outlined a few topics of interest which you may hear extensively about but not really understand. Please remember that it is always best to consult us to determine what you really need.
Veneers
Veneers are custom made shells or facings, that when applied to the surface of a tooth, can greatly help to cosmetically improve a smile. They can be made of direct bonding composite resin material or porcelain.
Veneers can be used for a variety of dental problems, including:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Protect cracked and fractured teeth
- Strengthen and protect root canal treated teeth
- Restore functioning of a tooth damaged by decay
- Improve the appearance of teeth
Crowns
Crowns require the reduction of tooth structure and are less conservative than veneer preparations. They can be made from either all-porcelain, gold covered by porcelain or all-gold. The material selected depends on the needs of each individual patient and takes into account aesthetic demands, strength requirements and the amount of tooth structure and space available.
We usually recommend crowns after root canal treatment (as the tooth consequently becomes very brittle) or to protect cracked teeth (in order to prevent root canal treatment). If you have had an extensive filling in the tooth, a crown may also be indicated to protect the remaining tooth structure in order to prevent the tooth from completely splitting in half!
Bridges
A bridge is one alternative for the replacement of missing teeth. It requires the shaping and reduction of the teeth directly next to a missing tooth and is particularly indicated in cases where the teeth adjacent to the missing one are damaged or heavily filled and crowns are required. Crowns are then placed on the shaped teeth and attached to an artificial tooth which replaces the missing tooth.
Both crown and bridge procedures typically require two appointments. In the first appointment, the tooth is prepared for a crown and a mould is taken in order to make the crowns/bridge in the laboratory. A temporary crown/bridge is then placed on the tooth to protect them from damage. At the second appointment approximately two weeks after the first, the temporary crown/bridge is removed and the permanent crown/bridge is fitted and cemented onto the teeth.
The success of any bridge depends on its foundation – the supporting teeth and gums. It is therefore important to maintain your existing teeth and gums for the longevity of any crown or bridgework
Professional Teeth Whitening
If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth or have staining, Richmond Family Dental provides professional tooth whitening treatment that can address this problem and give you great results.
Teeth can be stained by a number of factors: food, drink, medications and smoking to name a few.
Teeth whitening is a safe procedure that can lighten the colour of your teeth by using a dental bleaching agent. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dentist treatments because it achieves instant but great results.
There are two methods of whitening we offer: Take Home Whitening or In Chair Whitening. To achieve the ultimate in whiter teeth, it is sometimes best to use a combination of both these methods. We recommend for you to consult with our dentists to see which would best suit you.
Take Home Whitening
The procedure involves taking moulds of your teeth to make custom-fit trays that are used with the take-home whitening kits.
At the convenience of your home and schedule, you place a thin ribbon of gel into the tray and wear it for 15 minutes, or up to an hour or two, depending on the strength of the gel.
We always recommend a custom-fit tray as there is less chance of gum irritation and less gel is required.
In Chair Whitening
This is the wow factor!
Whilst watching your favourite DVD, you can have your teeth whitened at our clinic with the latest state-of-the-art ZOOM! technology.
If you are interested in teeth whitening, it is necessary for our dentists to examine your teeth and gums. This is to ensure that the whitening process will be safe and effective – the last thing we want is to leave big holes or extensive gum disease unattended because this will lead to bigger problems down the track.
20% of people will experience some sensitivity during the procedure. Reasons for sensitivity are
- fine cracks in the teeth
- grinding
- toothbrush abrasion (enamel wear)
The sensitivity can last up to 24 hours after treatment. Sensitivity varies from patient to patient depending on the condition of the teeth. We recommend a product called Tooth Mousse after the whitening to reduce sensitivity.
Professional tooth whitening prices packages begin from $300 and may enjoy private health rebates ranging from $120 to $500 off the treatment price. Some packages are even fully covered by private health care. Our dentists can check this for you at your next appointment.
