COSMETIC DENTISTRY FAQs

After receiving a composite or white filling, some patients may experience mild sensitivity. This is completely normal and should subside in time. The colour of the white filling can also change if you smoke, drink excessive amounts of coffee or tea, or consume any other staining foods or beverages.

Ultimately, prevention is better than a cure, so to reduce your risk of tooth decay and the need for a filling, ensure that you brush and floss daily, eat a healthy, balanced diet and visit your local dentist regularly for a scale and clean and check-up.

The main advantages of composite veneers are the cost and time involved in their application. Made from engineered resin, composite veneers are a cost-effective alternative for those who are unable to afford the porcelain option. Like a white filling, composite veneers are usually applied in one appointment and are very conservative with minimal or no need for teeth preparation.

While composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain, they are considered less durable and will likely need replacement within three-five years depending on various factors such as chipping, staining and every day wear and tear.

Porcelain veneers have many advantages. They are extremely resistant to chipping and staining, and as they lack porosity, they are also considered much stronger and more durable than their composite counterpart. When cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years or more.

While porcelain veneers in Perth are considerably more costly then composite, if you would like to preserve your smile for years to come, then porcelain veneers are definitely a worthwhile investment.

To find out more, simply give us a call on 08 9440 4455 or request an appointment with one of our friendly dental professionals to discuss your smile makeover today.

Unlike composite veneers which are applied in one appointment, the porcelain veneer procedure usually takes two visits.

At your first appointment, one of our dental professionals will prepare your teeth by slightly reducing them so that the porcelain can fit comfortably and naturally over the tooth. Once reduced, we then take a mould of your mouth and send it across to one of our affiliate laboratories where it is crafted. This process takes approximately two weeks, at which point, your second visit will involve checking the colour and shape of the custom veneer to ensure that it matches your teeth, before bonding it in to complete the process.

A crown, also known as a ‘cap,’ is used to cover a damaged tooth and restore its shape, size and appearance. When cemented into place, a crown should entirely encase the portion of the tooth that lies above the gum.

As the name suggests, dental bridges literally ‘bridge the gap’ that is created by one or more missing teeth. They are generally comprised of two or more crowns to anchor the teeth on either side of the gap (also called an abutment) with a false tooth or teeth in between.

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. The most common type of crown is made from top-grade porcelain (known as a porcelain jacket crown) but they can also be made from metal such as gold or a combination of both (known as porcelain-fused metal crowns). Each type of material has its advantages and disadvantages, and at your consultation appointment, our dental professionals will help determine the best type of crown to suit your needs and budget.

Unlike removable dentures which can be taken out and cleaned every night, crowns and bridges are cemented in place which means it’s important to keep your mouth fresh and clean at all times. To care for your crown and bridge, simply brush as normal twice a day and floss after every meal. Sometimes, the positioning of the bridge can make it difficult to remove trapped food with regular floss. Floss threaders and super floss are two effective tools to help keep your mouth and bridge plaque-free.

Made from strong and durable materials, crowns are securely fastened in the mouth and when given the proper care, they can last for as long as 30 years.

You shouldn’t feel any pain while undergoing crown preparation or placement. Before the procedure, one of our dental professionals will numb the tooth and surrounding area using a local anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity however this should subside and can be easily managed with over the counter pain relief such as Panadol and Nurofen in the meantime.

We work closely with leading WA prosthetisists and laboratories to prepare your mouth, create and find the ideal denture solutions for you. Using only top quality materials, the team at Dental Solutions specialise in creating natural look dentures which match your gum colour, dentition and tissue contours.

Like regular teeth, dentures need to be cleaned daily in order to prevent bacteria, plaque and other build-up from forming which can harm existing teeth and gums.

To clean your dentures, take them out of your mouth and rinse under clean water in order to remove any bits of food that might have got stuck in between the teeth, underneath the appliance or along the gum. After rinsing, brush the denture using a soft toothbrush, liquid soap or denture cleaner. This will help to remove stubborn stains before giving the denture a final rinse. Even if you have a full denture, it is still important to clean your gums and any natural teeth. Do this daily with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. If you find the toothbrush too abrasive and uncomfortable, wrap your finger in a wash cloth and gently rub the toothpaste across all surfaces of the gum and rinse as normal.

Before bed, remove your dentures and submerge them in warm water to keep them from drying out or becoming misshapen. Not only does this help to preserve and extend the life of your dentures but it also gives your gums a much-needed break too.

These days, dentures are made out of a hard resin acrylic in combination with chromium cobalt frameworks. The structure which supports the artificial teeth and resembles the gum is also made from a similar resin or a more flexible material so that it can sit comfortably on your gum line. There are also options for ‘clear’ clasps for those desiring a more aesthetic outcome.

Although dentures will replicate the look and feel of natural teeth, they are still more fragile which means they can chip or crack easily if dropped or uncared for. It is a good idea to get your dentures regularly checked as they do wear down much quicker and generally need to be replaced every five years.

There are many causes for teeth discolouration but the biggest contributing factor is the food and drinks we consume regularly such as coffee, tea, wine and certain fruits. These foods and drinks can stain the enamel of our teeth over time.

However, what we eat and drink isn’t the only thing that causes teeth discolouration. Tobacco and certain medications can also affect your enamel and your genetics can even play a role.

A consultation with one of our qualified and experienced dental professionals prior to treatment is always the safest way to whiten your teeth and maintain good oral health.

At this consultation, we will assess your eligibility and ensure that your oral health is at the right standard in order to ensure the best results.

Although some minor discomfort and mild sensitivity during the teeth whitening process is normal, this is expected to fade over time.

Just as teeth vary from person to person, teeth whitening results are also unique to the individual.

Depending on the natural colour of your teeth and their susceptibility to stains, it may take longerfor you to achieve your desired result.

At your consultation appointment, our dental professionals will determine the extent of teethwhitening treatment required and discuss the most effective and cost-efficient way for you toachieve a brighter, whiter smile.

Whether you’re getting your teeth whitened in the chair or at home, both work in similar ways.

Whitening products contain oxygenating agents which help to break down stains and change your natural tooth colour, usually five-seven shades brighter.

While light-activated or laser teeth whitening in the chair often results in instant and dramatically brighter teeth, a take-home whitening kit will take approximately two weeks of wearing several hours a day or overnight to yield the desired result.

Implants are typically comprised of three main parts :

• The implant – This is the artificial ‘tooth root’ replacement. A pure titanium or zirconium dental implant screw acts as the anchor your new teeth and is positioned permanently into
  your jaw.
• The abutment – This is the custom ceramic, titanium or gold component which joins your tooth crown to the implant root, it supports and holds the crown.
• The teeth – Once the implant and abutment have been positioned in place, your new teeth, be it a single crown, bridge or denture is then fitted.

If you have missing teeth, you might find that you have low self-esteem or lack confidence when you talk, eat or smile. In addition, missing teeth may also result in subsequent oral health issues for you as well. Implants can help give you back the confidence to smile by acting as a replacement tooth which fits, feels and functions as naturally as your original teeth.

If you’re ready to smile with confidence, then give us a call on 08 9440 4455 or request an appointment to chat with one of our friendly dental professionals today.

No. Before the procedure, we will numb the tooth and surrounding gum using a local anaesthetic. If you are feeling particularly nervous, you may wish be placed under IV sedation or general anaesthetic at additional expense. As with any surgical procedure, you may experience some mild pain or discomfort afterwards which can be managed through over the counter pain relief such as Panadol or Nurofen.

The time it takes to prepare the gum and insert the implant will vary from person to person. Everything is thoroughly and assessed prior to starting the process with the actual implant placement and procedures varying from one to two hours over three to five appointments undertaken in conjunction with either a specialist oral surgeon or periodontist.

Depending on the number and complexity of teeth needing to be replaced, we first discuss your wants and needs to formulate the best dental implant plan for you. This may involve a series of photos, moulds and 3D xray scans to determine your suitability and the number of implants required. Once ready, your surgeon will place the implant in the ideal predetermined position within the jaw and the gum secured over the implant. In most cases the gum and jaw bone are then left to heal around the implant before the abutment and crowns are inserted. Occasionally some cases may be suitable whereby broken down teeth may be extracted with the implant placement at the same time, this is determined on a case by case basis. The usual healing period can take anywhere from three-six months.

If your gum has adequately healed, our dental professionals will uncover your implant and take a custom mould to allow your abutment and crown to be fabricated by our highly experienced Australian implant and crown laboratories. Your final appointment will involve fitting your specifically designed crown, bridge or denture.

If your jaw development is complete and you have good general and oral health, then you may be a good candidate for dental implants. While dental implants are considered the gold standard solution for replacing missing teeth, adequate bone tissue is required in order to support the implant which is why they are normally not inserted in people under the age of 18.

If you are a smoker or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis, this can also affect your eligibility for treatment.

The best way to find out if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants is to come in for an evaluation by one of our highly trained dental professionals. Simply give us a call on 08 9440 4455 or request an appointment online today.

Just like your regular teeth, dental implants need to be thoroughly cleaned and maintained as they are still susceptible to gum disease, infection and bone loss. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, regular scale and cleans and check-ups will also help to ensure that the teeth and surrounding gums and bone remain healthy.

Unlike dentures which are removable and can sometimes shift in your mouth; dental implants are permanent and remain securely fastened in the mouth, giving you the same stability as your natural teeth. By resembling your original teeth, they are cleaned and looked after in the same way and do not rely on surrounding teeth for support. By preserving your jaw bone and facial structure, dental implants are considered the optimal cosmetic and functional solution for replacing missing teeth, allowing you to speak, chew and smile with ease.

Like any dental or surgical procedure, there are always risks and factors which may affect the effectiveness of the treatment. This includes infection at the dental implant site, nerve damage, sinus issues and injury or damage to surrounding teeth, tissue or blood vessels.