Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that taking in all of your treatment information can be difficult. That is why we have developed our Dental FAQ’s.

For YOUR FREE 15 minute smile evaluation, please call 07 3862 1702 or complete our general enquiry form. Professional whitening is one of the most effective methods in achieving a beautiful, fresh, healthy smile.

Our Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ’s provide you with the answers to the most commonly asked questions we hear from patients. Click on the questions below to read the answer.

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   How long will LUMINEERS last?

   LUMINEERS has unparalleled longevity. Clinical testing has proven that a LUMINEERS procedure lasts and looks great for up to 20 years. LUMINEERS BY CERINATE also offers a 5-year Warranty and are replaced at no charge. Certain restrictions do apply.

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   I think I need braces, but I really don't want to go through the inconvenient, unsightly and time-intensive process. Can I get LUMINEERS instead?

   In most cases, yes. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your teeth and decide whether orthodontics is necessary. If you do not have a severe problem, LUMINEERS will change the shape and alignment of teeth, making them look straighter and more uniform.

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   With LUMINEERS, can I still eat apple, chew gum and eat my favourite foods?

   There are no limitations to what you can eat or drink as LUMINEERS are placed over original teeth in the most durable way possible. However, you should continue to visit your dentist and hygienist every 6 months for a comprehensive examination and professional cleaning to keep your LUMINEERS in good condition and to qualify for the Warranty.

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   How is LUMINEERS™ BY CERINATE® different than traditional veneer procedures?

   LUMINEERS BY CERINATE is unique in that it is contact-lens-thin (approximately .2 mm) and super translucent. Traditional veneers are fused or bonded to teeth, and generally your dentist will need to grind down the tooth for a good fit. Since LUMINEERS is so thin, little to no tooth reduction is necessary. In addition, LUMINEERS resists micro-leakage and micro-cracking.

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   What are the advantages of the implant treatment?

   The adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way. It helps to prevent bone loss. Implants are also used to stabilise loose dentures or even replace them with fixed bridges.

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   Why does a cracked tooth hurt?

   The crack will expose the inside of the tooth (the 'dentine') that has very small fluid filled tubes that lead to the nerve ('pulp'). Flexing of the tooth opens the crack and causes movement of the fluid within the tubes. When you let the biting pressure off the crack closes and the fluid pressure simulates the nerve and causes pain.

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   How can I prevent my teeth from fracturing?

   Most fractures cannot be avoided because they happen when you least expect them. However, you can reduce the risk of breaking teeth by > trying to eliminate clenching habits during waking hours, > avoiding chewing hard objects (eg bones, pencils, ice), > avoiding chewing hard foods such as pork crackling and hard-grain bread If you think you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist if a nightguard or a splint will be of use to you. It is very important to preserve the strength of your teeth so they are not as susceptible to fracture. Try to prevent dental decay and have it treated early. Heavily decayed and therefore heavily filled teeth are weaker than teeth that have never been filled. Individuals who have problems with tooth wear or "cracked tooth syndrome" should consider wearing a nightguard while sleeping. This will absorb most of the grinding forces. Relaxation exercises may be beneficial.

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   Is home bleaching safe?

   Yes. Hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent) is actually produced in the body in small amounts and the effects have been studied for many years. Dentists know that the whitening process should not be abused, because bleaching teeth well beyond the recommended level can lead to damage of the enamel. When bleaching is carried out according to an ADA dentist's instructions, it appears to be a safe, simple procedure. The only minor complications are rare cases of slight gum irritation and heightened cold sensitivity in the enamel. It would also be wise to check first with your dentist to see if all your teeth will be likely to bleach evenly. Bleaching will be unlikely to alter the staining effects of certain types of antibiotic drugs (e.g. tetracycline) that may have been used during childhood.

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   Are whitening toothpastes very effective?

   Whitening toothpastes are really aimed at whitening stains that are on the surface of the teeth, not whitening into the tooth surface. Whitening toothpaste needs to be in contact with the teeth for many minutes to have the slightest effect. The active ingredients of bleaching toothpastes are present in much lower concentrations than those in home bleaching kits, and they tend to be quickly washed off the tooth surface by saliva. Many people choose whitening toothpastes because they may get some whitening as well as the benefits of fluoride in the paste.

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    Does a dentist provide a guarantee for workmanship?

    No treatment can be "guaranteed", either in terms of its 'cure' or by a length of time. A dentist is a skilled professional who practices with the utmost care and responsibility. A dentist cannot foresee what may or may not happen due to natural causes ("Mother Nature") or unpredictable complications. A dentist should discuss with a patient the prognosis, or likely outcomes of various treatment options, on which a patient can base a final decision. If you feel dissatisfied with work that has been provided, you should first discuss the matter with your treating dentist. After this discussion if you still feel you wish to take the matter further, you could seek a second opinion and/or contact the ADA Community Relations Officer, or the Health Services Commissioner. Both Officers have conciliatory roles in trying to resolve the situation to the satisfaction of the parties concerned. At Close Dental we offer limited warranties on the services we provide.

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    Are dental instruments sterilised after each use?

    Dentists use an autoclave that is a steriliser which uses steam under pressure to achieve a rapid high heat sterilisation of instruments. Dentists use autoclavable equipment and instruments. Otherwise they can use disposable items wherever possible. The general standard of infection control in all surgeries in Australia is excellent. An independent survey conducted by Coopers and Lybrand in 1994 showed that each dentist is spending an additional $24,000 (approximate) per year on implementing responsible infection control measures.

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    Why do dental rebates differ from health funds?

    Health funds have assessors who determine the level of rebate for particular dental items. There is a balance between the rebate and the level of premium you pay, the type of cover and other factors such as waiting periods, annual limits and any promotional offers. As a consumer, you choose the private health scheme that best suits your needs. Most have fixed rebates for treatments irrespective of the actual fees charged. The rebates are generally not designed to provide full cover for dental fees or even a consistent percentage. In addition, most schemes do not include all treatment items. Some common treatments have no rebate at all. Remember, 1. Your contract with the health fund is between you and the fund. It remains separate from the contract you have with your dentist. 2. There is no such thing as a ‘recognised fee’ or ‘schedule fee’ in dentistry and the ADA states categorically that any organisation that implies that their rebates are set to a percentage of a ‘schedule fee’ is misleading the public, regardless of whether it is an ‘internal’ schedule

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    How should I care for my temporary dental crown?

    1. Minimise the use of the side of your mouth with the temporary crown. Shift the bulk of your chewing to the other side of your mouth. 2. Avoid chewing hard foods (e.g. raw vegetables) which could dislodge or break the crown. 3. Avoid sticky and chewy foods (e.g. chewing gum, caramel) which have the potential of grabbing and pulling off the temporary crown. 4. Slide flossing tape out rather than lifting out when cleaning in between your teeth. Lifting the floss, out as you normally would, might pull off the temporary crown.

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    What is a Dental Implant?

    A dental implant allows replacement of missing teeth. Most dental implants use titanium to replace the root portion of the tooth, and ceramic or porcelain to replace the crown.

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    How do I floss?

    Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger, with about 3cm of floss between them, leaving no slack. Use a gentle rocking motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not jerk the floss or snap the floss into the gums. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth until you feel resistance. Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum. Repeat on the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth. Keep to a regular pattern to ensure no teeth are missed. If you have bridgework, there is special floss "Super Floss" available to get in between attached teeth.

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    What type of toothbrush should I use?

    Adults should choose a small or medium size (head) toothbrush with soft round ended nylon bristles. The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth. Children need to use smaller brushes with soft round nylon bristles. It is important to change your toothbrush every 2 - 3 months or sooner as it becomes ineffective when worn out.

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    What is Plaque?

    Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. The plaque reacts with food turning sugar into acid, which then dissolves the enamel on your teeth. Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it moves plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it continues to build up feeding on the food debris left behind causing tooth decay and gum disease.

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    Why should I floss?

    Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

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    How do I clean my mouthguard?

    Mouthguards need to be rinsed in cold, soapy water after use, dried and stored in a plastic container. As mouthguards can distort under higher temperatures, they should kept in a cool place.

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    How long will my mouthguard last?

    A mouthguard should be reviewed every 12 months by your dentist to ensure it continues to fit correctly. A mouthguard may need to be replaced if major changes occur to the teeth like restorations or loss of teeth. Children's mouthguards need to be changed more frequently as their mouth can change when they grow or when adult teeth push through.

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    Why you need a mouthguard?

    A mouthguard helps absorb the shock experienced by a blow to the face that might otherwise result in an injury to the mouth or jaw. A heavy collision can result in chipped or broken teeth, internal damage to a tooth, tooth loss, injuries to the soft tissue of the mouth, and, in severe cases, concussion or a broken jaw.

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    Who should wear a mouthguard?

    Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a risk of a knock to the face should wear a mouthguard.

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    How does the laser work?

    The laser removes and treats all dental tissue with the energy of light. The specialised light produced by the laser is rapidly absorbed by the water molecules in soft tissue. In the case of treating a cavity, the laser gently removes the decay, leaving more of the healthy tooth.

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    How is the laser different than the drill?

    The drill is a very powerful mechanical tool, and the vibration and hole it produces causes discomfort. Anaesthesia is almost always needed. The laser is an alternative which offers the patient the lastest in technological advances. The laser light works to destroy and remove the decay without the vibration and resulting discomfort. Rather than a drilling sound, you hear only a gentle tapping. Additionally, multiple teeth in different parts of your mouth can be worked on in ONE visit. You may still choose to have anaesthesia, while still avoiding the sound and vibration of the drill.

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    What else can the laser treat?

    The laser is effective for soft tissue procedures on the gums, cheeks and tongue with less pain, less bleeding and faster healing times. The laser is used in a variety of endodontic (root canal therapy) procedures as well?

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    Is the laser safe?

    Absolutely, the treatment has proven to be appropriate and safe in over tens of thousands of applications throughout the world. The laser is ideal for both adults and children.

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    Can there be complications with extractions of wisdom teeth?

    Yes. With any surgical procedures there is often swelling, brusing, post operative discomfort and infection. Other consequences of wisdom tooth removal may include, difficulty eating and opening the mouth, sore lips, and bleeding. There is a small risk with the extraction of lower wisdom teeth, of nerve damage that may cause numbness of the lip or tongue. Discuss the above risks and consequences of wisdom teeth surgery with your dentist and/or Oral and Maxilofacial Surgeon before having your wisdom teeth removed.

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    What damage can smoking do to my teeth and gums?

    Smoking not only damages your general well being, smoking also causes major problems in your mouth. Smoking can lead to cancer of the mouth which can be fatal. The most common sites are the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Smoking can also lead to gum disease and smoking leads to increased calculus (tartar) on the teeth, which harbours plague. Swollen and inflamed gums are followed by serious destruction of the tissues around the teeth, which can result in tooth loss. Smoking produces unsightly stains on the teeth, some of which are extremely difficult to remove - even with special equipment. According to a new study conducted by Dr Kaye from Boston VA hospital, cigarette smoking often leads to root canal therapy. The study found cigarette smokers are 70 percent more likely to need root canal therapy than nonsmokers.

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    What are Porcelain Veneers?

    They are thin porcelain shells: similar to an acrylic nail on a finger that gives a fantastic makeover for your teeth. They last for years and rejuvenate your smile.

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    What is Preventive Care? (Scaling & Cleaning)

    This is sort of like rust removal program. It helps maintain your teeth for life and reduces bad breath by controlling the level of bacterial infection in your gums.

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    What is an Oral Splint?

    A splint is for people who grind their teeth during sleep. It reduces jaw pain and often reduces headaches and also decreases tooth wear and breakages.

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    What is Root Canal Therapy (RCT)?

    RCT is where we save the tooth by removing the infection and restoring the tooth to good health.

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    "Dr Close, my last dentist charged $1200 for a crown, and your fees are more than $1500. Why are some dentists so much more expensive than others?"

    This is a common question posed by consumers of dental services. Many people consider dental care to be a commodity, when it should be considered in terms of the actual service provided. For example, I would consider products like televisions and cars to be commodities. There are certainly many different makes, models and options available, but you can at least compare the same make and model offered by two different stores or dealers. Some stores and dealers might provide superior customer service or financing options, but the product itself is the same. The same can not be said of dentistry or any other health-care service. There are huge variations in terms of technical skill, training, experience, technology, materials, philosophy and laboratory work. There are a tremendous number of details that go into making a crown or providing any other dental service, and these details (and the results) are never going to be identical from one dentist to another. That makes comparing crowns and the associated fees just about impossible. Fees are generally based upon the costs associated with rendering treatment and the care, skill and judgment of the particular dentist. That having been said, it is very difficult for patients to assess the quality of care they are receiving. There are several basic guidelines that can be considered when evaluating a dental team, however. It is important that they ask questions about your medical and dental histories and spend time listening to and recording your responses. They should thoroughly examine your entire mouth and come up with a personalized treatment plan. Most importantly, you should feel that your dentist and team are your dental advocates and that they really listen to you and want to help you stay healthy. Your objective should be to receive services at a good value (quality at a fair fee) than it is to receive an inexpensive service that might not stand the test of time.

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    What are the facts about Tongue Piercing?

    Tongue piercing is becoming more common especially in teenagers. Like other forms of body piercing, it carries serious risks during the procedure itself. These include the risk of local or systemic infection. Local infection can occur because the mouth is hard to sterilize and many places that pierce tongues do not always maintain a sterile environment. Systemic infection is always a possibility and includes the risk of hepatitis and AIDS. It is important to remember that piercing establishments are not regulated by law nor are the operators licensed. The operator's experience and competence can vary and are not guaranteed. Like other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also can result in an allergy if the metals used are not of the highest quality. Unlike other forms of piercing, the tongue also carries the increased risk of bleeding problems as the tongue has major blood vessels within it. The Jewellery may also be swallowed if loosened and result in choking. In addition, unlike other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing also caries the risk of damage to the surrounding teeth. The hard Jewellery can chip and break the enamel or fillings of the teeth as one talks and eats. This damage can also result in the death of the tooth's inner pulp if the trauma to the tooth is chronic. This tooth damage may result in the need for expensive crowns to restore a smile or even a root canal to keep the tooth. These are important matters to consider before undergoing tongue piercing. Common symptoms after piecing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. If a blood vessel had been in the path of the needle, severe and difficult- to-control bleeding could have resulted. Patient can suffer nerve damage as well as chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning, or blood clots. With regard the tongue - following piercing of the tongue swelling is common. Unlike an earlobe that is pierced, the tongue is in constant motion, which slows and complicates the healing process. A severely swollen tongue can actually close off your airway which could be life threatening!

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    My lower denture is loose and embarrassing. What can be done?

    You are not alone! In Australia there are 2.3 million people who have a denture. Many do have problems especially with lower dentures. Long–Term Denture Stabilization is available: • One hour • One step • Simple solution Mini-Dental Implants are ultra small diameter biocompatible implant screws which can be very effective in stabilizing your lower dentures. Loose or ill-fitting dentures can create a great deal of discomfort and inability to chew anything other than “mushy” food. Speaking can be difficult with lower dentures that move around. It is not uncommon for a family member to complain about a denture wearer's disagreeable breath as a result of food being trapped and decaying under their dentures. Enhance your way of life – free from a lot of the discomforts and heartaches of loose or ill-fitted dentures. Ask us here at Close Dental for further details of the simple steps involved. You will be surprised that this use of the mini implant system for denture stabilization is so affordable and virtually painless to have performed and gives immediate results.

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    Will whitening my teeth cause any damage?

    NO, professionally supervised tooth whitening procedures have been used by Dr Close and his team for over 12 years. In fact the active ingredient of tooth whitening agents (hydrogen peroxide) was used as a treatment for improving the health of people’s gums in mouthrinse form. It is essential that you consult your dental team when undertaking any form of tooth whitening to ensure you are getting the maximum benefits from your efforts. Supervised tooth whitening is completely safe and a very conservative treatment.

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    Should I have tooth whitening before or after my crown and bridge treatment?

    If you are considering have tooth whitening and need any crown or bridge work, we recommend you have the tooth whitening procedure first so the shade of the crowns can be matched to your teeth at their ultimate natural whiteness.

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    When should my child first see a dentist?

    The ideal time for your child to meet the dental team is six months after the first (primary) teeth erupt, commonly around 3 years of age. This gives your dentist and hygienist a perfect opportunity to carefully examine the development of their mouth and catch problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations and prolonged thumb-sucking early. These early visits provide an ideal introduction to a lifetime of dental care for your child.

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    What are wisdom teeth?

    They’re the last teeth to erupt in the back of your mouth. Usually, they erupt between the ages of 16 and 25. Occasionally, though, they work their way through much later than that; some never erupt at all. Most of our jaws only have room for 28 teeth, not 32! Basically, this means that the last teeth to erupt, which are the wisdom teeth, have nowhere to go if there’s not enough room remaining.

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    I have a number of silver fillings. What can I have done to improve this?

    The silver/black filling material used in your teeth is amalgam. It has been used as a filling material for over a hundred years; it’s still one of the strongest materials available. However, it’s about as unattractive a filling material as you can get. There are a number of tooth-coloured restorative materials currently available that can be used to replace old amalgams. At Close Dental, only tooth coloured restorations have been used instead of amalgam for over 12 years.

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    Do chemist type mouthguards effectively protect teeth?

    Custom made mouthguards are better than ones you buy at the chemist/sports store because they conform to your actual bite and are made of a more durable material. Remember, a poorly fitting mouthguard maybe providing little protection and is less likely to be worn by children because they are uncomfortable. Anyone - children and adults who are physically active and play contact sports such as basketball, squash, hockey, soccer, football, boxing or water polo should have a custom made mouthguard fitted by your dental team.

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    When a tooth is pushed out of position, what should I do

    Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using finger pressure, but do not force the tooth. Bite down to keep the tooth from moving. Contact your dentist. Your dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth next to the loose tooth.

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    My tooth was knocked out. How soon should I see a dentist?

    When a tooth is knocked out see a dentist immediately! It is imperative to see a dentist as soon as possible. Seeing a dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Find the tooth. Call your dentist for an emergency appointment. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for bone reattachment. If the tooth is clean attempt to push the tooth back in the socket, if unable to replace the tooth, store tooth in milk or place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and the gum to keep tooth moist or wrap tooth in cling wrap. It is important not to let the tooth dry out. A custom made mouthguard should be worn during all contact sports to prevent lose of teeth. Contact our dental team to arrange an appointment for a mouthguard fitting before engaging in any contact sport.

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    While biting hard food, I broke one of my teeth. What should I do?

    If you are not in any pain then ring the dentist as soon as possible and make an appointment, but try and keep the tooth as clean as possible and avoid biting hard on that tooth. If you have pain, then you need to go to your dentist ASAP as an emergency.

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    Why do teeth get cracks?

    A common problem is that teeth will crack, either due to trauma, grinding, clenching, decay or heavily filled teeth (especially old silver amalgam filled teeth!). “Cracked Tooth Syndrome” relates to a variety of symptoms and signs caused by a crack or many cracks in a tooth. Early diagnosis is needed to improve the chances of saving a cracked tooth. Symptoms include:  Sharp and erratic pain upon chewing or after release of biting pressure  Sensitivity to cold or hot foods/drinks, or sweets  Difficulty in pinpointing which tooth hurts, either upper or lower If you suspect that you may have a cracked tooth, discuss this with your dentist.

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    Why do I need X-rays?

    Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dental team with an important diagnostic tool that shows the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumours. X-rays can also show the exact location of impacted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through visual examination (such as changes in the jaw bone structure as a result of systemic disease). Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. At Close Dental we use state of the art Digital Radiography to minimise exposure.

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    What can gum disease mean for a diabetic?

    Gingivitis is an infection within the gums caused by bacteria found in plaque. A diabetic’s body doesn’t respond as quickly to infection as a non-diabetic. If the infection persists, it can spread to the underlying bone that supports and anchors the teeth. It has been shown that diabetics who keep their condition under control and maintain good oral hygiene including regular professional cleanings, have a far better chance of combating infections and keeping their teeth, than those who are poorly controlled.

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    What happens if I just ignore getting my teeth cleaned?

    As the plaque and calculus accumulate, the periodontal disease continues. Supporting tissues around the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments, bone) are lost. Periodontal pockets form which trap additional plaque. Bad breath often accompanies this condition. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, it will not regrow.

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    What’s the best way to prevent gum disease?

    Conscientious removal of plaque by flossing, brushing and regular professional cleanings will minimise your risk of gum disease. However, there are other factors that can affect the health of your gums, such as smoking, stress, diabetes, genetics and pregnancy. Our dental hygiene team are experts in tailoring a preventive care program to suit your specific needs.

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    What happens if I just ignore getting my teeth cleaned?

    As the plaque and calculus accumulate, the periodontal disease continues. Supporting tissues around the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments, bone) are lost. Periodontal pockets form which trap additional plaque. Bad breath often accompanies this condition. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, it will not regrow.

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    What is periodontal disease?

    Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If plaque is not regularly removed, it calcifies into a rough, porous deposit called calculus or tartar. By-products of bacterial metabolism irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and more prone to bleed. Eventually, the supporting periodontal structures begin to breakdown. The result of this slow process is tissue loss, bone loss and eventual tooth loss. There is a strong association between periodontal disease and increased incidence of heart disease and strokes particularly in men.

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    Why do my gums bleed when I brush and floss?

    It is important to remember that it is not the action of brushing and flossing that is causing your gums to bleed. Your gums will bleed if there is a build up of tartar or calculus (hardened plaque) adjacent to where the tooth meets the gum. Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding gums is a sign of early gingivitis and should be taken seriously. If left untreated it will lead to periodontal disease. You should seek the advice of your dental team who will recommend scaling and cleaning to remove the tartar / calculus, carry out a soft tissue assessment and give you oral hygiene instruction to minimize the build up in the future. Establishing a long term preventive care program is essential for a lifetime of good oral health and well being.

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    What is a Dental Hygienist?

    Dental Hygienist’s are university trained in the prevention of dental diseases such as tooth decay, tooth wear and in the treatment of gum disease. They work closely with dentists to educate you about your particular oral health and personal concerns and in developing a personalised Preventive Care Program tailored to suit your specific needs. Through specific oral health education, instruction, advice and treatment, dental hygienists assist patients in achieving and maintaining a fresh healthy mouth and well being. Our Dental Hygienists endeavour to ensure your dental visits are as comfortable as possible. Usually dental hygiene treatment is pain free. If you find treatment uncomfortable, it is important that you discuss this with your hygienist as there are several options available to help. For some people who find dentistry a somewhat daunting experience, they are qualified to administer local anaesthetic and are able to apply desensitizing gels or arrange the use of “Happy Gas” to help make your Preventive Care appointment more pleasant.

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    I’m scared from a past experience? What’s new in dentistry?

    Modern dentistry has come a long way! With the introduction of intra oral cameras you can see for yourself on a monitor what’s really going on in your mouth! This enables your dental team to better discuss the condition of your mouth and the suitable options available – sometimes simpler than you may think! Close Dental will always discuss your dental needs with you prior to commencing, to ensure you are able to have the recommended treatment completed as your time and budget allows. Safer digital radiography, tooth coloured restorations, high level infection control procedures and even the use of lasers are just some of the ways dentistry has changed for the better. At Close Dental we also assist in establishing a tailor made Preventive Care Program which is essential as it allows us to detect potential problems in a timely and minimally invasive fashion – which is certainly much more ideal than the “Old” conventional “Drill, Fill and Bill” dentistry. We want to help you to maintain a fresh, healthy mouth which will minimise expensive future dentistry. We have a number of ways to provide comfortable, pain free dentistry such as the use of numbing gels, happy gas, music headphones and virtual vision glasses. Our whole team pride themselves on providing a safe, comfortable environment with …… Modern Dentistry and Traditional Care.

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    I brush my teeth constantly but still have bad breath. What can I do?

    Brushing and flossing and thorough professional cleanings are definitely the first steps to eliminating bad breath. It is essential to follow a preventive care program that has been individually tailored to suit your specific needs. Your dental team is available to discuss further this sometimes delicate matter, as a fresh, healthy mouth is certainly achievable. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria responsible for creating odourous sulphur compounds and the food they feed on. However, bacteria hide not only on and around the teeth but also on the tongue under a layer of mucous. Here they are free to create odours. It is best to brush your tongue daily or you may want to consider a tongue scraper. Both are extremely effective at removing this coated mucous layer from the back of the tongue. The latest product on the market to assist in eliminating bad breath is a mouthrinse containing chlorine dioxide (such as Cloys11) available at our practice. The chlorine dioxide neutralises the odourous sulphur compounds, instead of simply covering up the odour. Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia) which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odour. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, speak to your dentist or hygienist for advice on treating this condition.

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    Is there an easy way to improve the appearance of my teeth?

    Yes, in some cases simple veneering with composite resin or ceramic materials can be an option for teeth that are discoloured, chipped or have gaps between them. These procedures retain the natural strength (and sometimes even strengthen) your natural teeth. Tooth Whitening can also be a great way to give your smile a boost. Dr Close and his team have had extensive training in the field of cosmetic dentistry and would be delighted to discuss the many options that modern dentistry can provide to improve the appearance of your teeth.

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    What is an Orthodontist?

    Orthodontists specialise in alignment of teeth and jaws. You might know orthodontics as "braces". An orthodontist works with your dentist to look after your teeth in the same way as a cardiologist works with your doctor to treat a heart condition. As most parents (and all children) know, kids can be cruel to each other. To a child with crooked teeth a playground can be as much fun as swimming with sharks. But the problems that orthodontists treat aren't merely appearance-based. Crooked teeth and bad bites can be serious conditions, with serious health implications and are best treated by orthodontists. The best time to visit an orthodontist is at the age of seven, but it's never too late. If you're an adult and want to have your teeth straightened or your bite corrected, the best person to talk to is your dentist. Your dentist will discuss your individual case with an orthodontist regarding your concerns and the appropriate treatment available.