If you have a damaged tooth that can’t be filled or a tooth that isn’t responding to teeth whitening, a dental crown procedure can be carried out to use the structure of your natural tooth. A crown is fitted over your natural tooth, encasing it, and does a good job at preserving your tooth while addressing any aesthetic concerns you may have. Let’s take a closer look at how crowns work and when they may be required. 

What Is A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are also known as caps as they are fitted over your existing tooth. Usually created out of porcelain, dental crowns are used to cover up teeth that are damaged, decayed or misshapen and can improve the size, shape and colour of your teeth.

As well as addressing cosmetic concerns, a dental cap can strengthen and reinforce a damaged or broken tooth. Dental caps are used often when there is too much decay or damage for a filling. They are effective at preventing a damaged tooth from breaking down further.

Porcelain crowns are the most commonly requested material because they reflect the light very similarly to your natural teeth. Composite resin can also be used, and it is a more cost-effective material.

What Can You Expect During A Dental Crown Procedure?

Your dental crown procedure is likely to be completed over two sessions if you are having a porcelain crown. During your first session your dentist will inspect your mouth and make sure that your tooth can support a dental crown.Then your dentist will need to remove a layer from your tooth, in order to accommodate the new crown. The layer will be

Then your dentist will need to remove a layer from your tooth, in order to accommodate the new crown. The layer will be the same thickness as the new crown. Your dentist will then take an impression of the tooth, and send it away to a dental laboratory for crafting. It will need to be matched so it is the same colour as the other teeth in your mouth.

Because it could take a week or two for your new crown to be made, your dentist will need to affix a temporary crown to the tooth. This is usually made from composite resin and will be done at the end of the first session. Your natural tooth will need to be shaped and filed down. This process may be started in your first session and completed when you return for the fitting of your permanent crown.

Once your permanent crown is ready you will return to your dentist for it to be fitted. Your dentist will roughen the surface of your natural tooth and attach the crown with dental cement.

How Do You Care For Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns should be cared for in the same way as your other teeth – with twice-daily brushing and flossing however, if dental decay caused you to need the crown, your dental hygiene may need some improvement. While the crown is not subject to dental decay, the edge of your natural tooth, that it sits on top of, can decay.

It is important that you still visit your dentist twice a year for check ups and professional cleaning. Your dentist will inspect your dental crowns and make sure they are not loose. If they are well cared for, dental crowns can last for the rest of your lifetime, but it is possible for them to get loose or fall out after years of use.

Ultimately your dental crown should look, feel and work exactly the same as the other teeth in your mouth. You should be able to use the same degree of force when biting and chewing.

While every effort will be made to match your crown to your other teeth, if it is in the front four to eight teeth, it may be worth considering having crowns made for the other teeth so they look identical. If the damaged tooth is close to the front of your mouth, a porcelain crown will look the most natural.

Are There Any Other Options?

If you are considering dental crowns because of tooth discolouration that doesn’t respond to whitening, dental veneers could be an alternative for you. If you are looking at a dental crown because of damage, your dentist may be able to rebuild part of your tooth using other materials such as composite resin.

If you still have questions about how does the dental crown procedure work or if it is a viable option for you, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment as soon as possible: (03) 8737 9359.

For many adults, dealing with wisdom teeth means having them extracted – but what do you do if you have a broken wisdom tooth? As the third and final set of molars to emerge in the mouth, the vast majority of us end up having our wisdom teeth removed but some people don’t need to have them taken out. Let’s take a look at how to deal with a wisdom tooth that has broken.

What Are Wisdom Teeth And Why Do We Have Them?

The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge and for some people they may only erupt in their early twenties. By that stage, however, most people’s jaws have finished growing and there simply isn’t enough space in the mouth to accommodate them.

When wisdom teeth present with problems, your dentist will generally recommend taking them out. In some cases, it is clear from an x-ray that the wisdom teeth are going to present with problems, even before they erupt and in order to save you complications later on, your dentist may advise you to have them removed before they emerge from the gum.

What Complications Warrant Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Because space at the back of the jaw is limited, wisdom teeth can present with a wide array of complications. In instances such as these, the benefits of removing the tooth outweigh any benefits to keeping it:

  • Tooth decay
  • Recurring gum infections
  • A cyst around the wisdom tooth
  • Problems with the jaw
Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It’s important to note that only problematic wisdom teeth will be removed. If yours do not present with any issues, they can be left alone. Earlier is better if they are going to be problematic.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

Wisdom tooth procedures are carried out under anaesthetic so that you do not feel any pain. Once the anaesthetic wears off, you can expect some level of discomfort and may experience

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Swelling 
But How Does One Manage A Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth must be addressed because damage to the tooth and tooth enamel can allow bacteria to enter the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the other teeth in your mouth and affect your gums and jaw bone.

Dental decay is common in wisdom teeth if they do not erupt from the gum straight or if there is crowding at the back of your mouth. This can cause small spaces that are difficult to access with a toothbrush. Decay and infections may also develop if the tooth does not erupt fully from the gum, causing an infection with the gum surface.

Your first course of treatment should be to preserve your natural teeth as far as possible – even wisdom teeth that you think you might not need later on.

What Options Do You Have To Save A Broken Wisdom Tooth?

Because of their position at the back of the mouth broken wisdom teeth are usually accompanied by dental decay. The extent of the dental decay will determine the most appropriate course of action.


Dental Filling Or Restoration 

If the crack or fracture is minor, your dentist may be able to do a filling on the damaged area. 

Root Canal Therapy

If the broken tooth is worth saving and has been damaged or decayed significantly, your dentist may perform a root canal, to remove the infected material. During a root canal treatment, the decayed matter is cleaned out and the inside of the tooth is filled up to prevent reinfection.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

In the event that the tooth can’t be saved, or if it appears as though the wisdom tooth will present with problems in the future, it may need to be extracted. This procedure is also done under anaesthetic. In some cases the gum may need to be cut through, or the tooth broken into smaller pieces if your dentist is unable to remove it easily.

The Importance Of Regular Dental Check Ups

Because it is so difficult to see what’s happening at the back of your mouth, and impossible to know what’s going on below your gums, you need to visit your dentist every six months. Your dentist will keep a close eye on the eruption of your wisdom teeth and recommend an x ray when they are erupting, to make sure they will not present with problems. The best line of defense against a broken tooth is early intervention.

If you suspect you have a broken wisdom tooth please contact us as soon as possible for treatment: (03) 8737 9359.

If you want to improve the aesthetics of your smile and are considering dental veneers, you probably want to know how long do veneers last before you go ahead with treatment. It’s an important question to answer because having this kind of cosmetic dentistry requires your dentist to file some of your natural tooth away before the veneers can be applied. So it is in your interests to have veneers that last for as many years as possible.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells or covers that are fitted to the front of your teeth in order to improve their appearance. They are purely cosmetic and are typically applied to the front or more visible teeth in order to address aesthetic issues. On their own veneers are quite fragile but once bonded to your tooth surface, they are strong.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin and the different materials can last for different periods of time. Composite resin veneers may last for fewer than ten years while porcelain can last for two decades.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer procedure takes longer to complete than composite resin because it needs to be made at a dental laboratory. First your dentist will administer local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable before removing some of your dental enamel. This is to ensure that the veneers fit well into your mouth with your other teeth. Then an impression will be taken of your mouth, and sent off to a dental technician.  It may take two to four weeks for the dental veneers to be crafted by the laboratory. When they have been created you will return to your dentist for the fitting and placement. 

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers are longer lasting than composite resin because they are strong and durable. They are generally favoured by patients and dentists because they look very natural and reflect light in a very similar way to the other teeth in your mouth. With proper care and the necessary dental check ups, veneers made from porcelain may last for 10 to 15 years on average; some have been known to last for as long as 25 years.

Composite Resin Veneers

If you have composite resin veneers, this cosmetic dentistry procedure can be finalised in just one visit because your dentist will create the veneer. Your dentist will apply composite resin layer by layer, and then bond the layers using a light. Once all the layers have been added, your dentist will shape and polish the veneer so it fits in with your other teeth.

How Long Do Composite Resin Veneers Last? 

Composite resin dental veneers may last for four to eight years if they are well cared for. Because composite resin is less durable than porcelain it is possible for them to crack or chip. 

How Can You Make Your Dental Veneers Last Longer?

There are measures you can take to increase the lifespan of your dental veneers. If you are wearing temporary veneers you should

  • Avoid hard foods and substances like biting down on ice or using your teeth to open bottles
  • Avoid sticky foods like candies and toffees
  • Avoid biting down on crunchy substances like nuts (or opening nutes with your teeth)

In addition, you do need to remember that you still have natural teeth underneath the dental veneers. It is very important that you continue to follow your dental hygiene routine of twice-daily brushing and flossing. You must also visit your dentist twice a year for a professional clean and polish. At your visits your dentist will inspect the condition of your veneers and ensure they remain in good condition for as long as possible.

So, What’s The Best Material For You?

While porcelain veneers may cost more initially they will not need to be replaced as often. By comparison, composite resin veneers may appear to be cheaper in terms of your capital outlay but they will need to be replaced – and when they are, you will lose some dental enamel every time. It is worth having an open discussion with your dentist, who will take your age, lifestyle factors and budget into consideration and make the appropriate recommendations for your cosmetic dentistry needs. Alternatives to veneers may include

  • Teeth whitening if tooth discolouration is a concern
  • Bonding to increase the surface area of small teeth

If you have more questions about how long do veneers last it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.

If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth or the brightness of your smile, professional teeth whitening can improve your self confidence. But how does teeth whitening work and why is a professional whitening treatment more effective than a store-bought whitening kit? We answer these questions and more.

Why Do Teeth Become Discoloured?

Tooth discolouration is a natural consequence of ageing. We all start out with white teeth and they gradually change colour as we expose them to different substances that cause staining and discolouration. When we are first born we all begin life with white dentin but this dentin changes colour and turns yellow. Dentin is underneath your dental enamel so this discolouration is considered intrinsic staining.

A lifetime of drinking red wine, coffee and different sodas as well as smoking and using tobacco products also has an effect on the colour of your teeth.  This causes stains to develop on the outside of our teeth and is considered extrinsic staining. Sometimes professional cleaning and polishing can remove some of the stains but ultimately only professional whitening treatments are strong enough to remove intrinsic stains and bleach the colour of your teeth.

What Is The Difference Between Over-the-counter And Professional Teeth Whitening?

Very often over-the-counter whitening products contain abrasive substances that may actually damage your tooth enamel. They may contain baking soda grains, charcoal or acidic substances that do more harm than good – or they simply may not be strong enough to penetrate your tooth enamel to lift intrinsic stains from inside your teeth. It’s important to note that only dental professionals are allowed to administer teeth whitening products containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. And, if you want to do effective teeth whitening, you need products that contain a high concentration of bleaching agent. 

How Does The Teeth Whitening Process Work?

A professional whitening treatment can be done in two ways: by your dentist in the chair, or at home using customised dental trays. In both scenarios you need your dentist to approve the procedure by carrying out a thorough consultation and dental cleaning. Your dentist must check that your teeth are free of cavities and that you do not have gum disease. It’s also necessary to have a dental clean and polish so that your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, to give your dental professional a clean canvas to whiten on.

You will have a consultation and discuss your whitening needs – and your dentist will advise you in terms of what is practically possible.

Some whitening brands like Philips Zoom and pola can whiten teeth by six to eight shades in one session, but this may not always be possible in individual circumstances. If you have a special event such as a wedding or celebration that you want to achieve your whitening goals by, your dentist will be able to advise you accordingly.


How Does Teeth Whitening Work In-chair?

When your dentist does your whitening treatment you can have a much higher concentration of bleaching agent applied to your teeth than if you are using whitening trays. During an in-chair treatment, your dentist is in full control of the process and is available to intervene in the (unlikely) event that something does go wrong. Your dentist is also in a position to give individually stained teeth more attention, which is not possible when you use trays at home.

First your dentist will ensure your soft tissues are protected before painting on a thin layer of bleaching agent. Depending on the brand of whitening treatment being used your dentist may or may not shine a blue light or laser onto your teeth to activate the whitening agent. The bleaching agent will be left on for ten to 15 minutes before being wiped off. If necessary this process can be repeated two or three times.


How Does Take-home Teeth Whitening Work?

After your pre-whitening consultation your dentist will supply you with customised trays for your teeth. You will be given a bleaching agent, a drop of which you will dispense into each compartment of the trays. You must wear the trays for the recommended period of time every day or night – usually a couple of hours at a time. Remember not to exceed the wear time or use them more frequently than instructed as you could cause irreparable damage to your tooth enamel. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions very closely.

Do you want to know more about how does teeth whitening work? It’s best to get the answers from a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.

The wisdom teeth are known as the third set of molars and they are the last teeth in your mouth to erupt. Following your dentist’s post-surgical care instructions can help to reduce wisdom teeth swelling and manage side effects. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect after wisdom teeth surgery and what you need to watch out for in terms of a dental emergency.

Why The Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?

Many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed because they present with problems. They may only erupt partially and cause dental decay. They may erupt sideways, or there may not be enough space in your jaw by the time they emerge.

Regular visits to your dentist when you are in your late teens and early twenties can monitor the emergence of your wisdom teeth and detect any potential problems early on. Early intervention can make a major difference to the other teeth in your mouth, especially if decay is present. Having your wisdom teeth removed can prevent tooth loss and infection from turning into gum disease.

Not everyone has problematic wisdom teeth. In some people the wisdom teeth can erupt without any problems. In these instances, they can be left alone and don’t require wisdom teeth surgery.


What Circumstances Require Wisdom Teeth To Be Extracted?

The presence of an infection, pain or swelling can indicate that your wisdom teeth should be extracted. Your dentist will inspect your mouth and take x-rays if he or she suspects your wisdom teeth to be problematic. 

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Wisdom Tooth Infection?

Wisdom tooth infections are typified by:

  • Inflammation and pain in the gums
  • Swelling
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Fever
  • Swelling of the gums at the back of the mouth
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw
What To Expect From Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

Wisdom teeth surgery is generally performed under local anaesthetic, to manage pain and discomfort. Once the anaesthetic wears off however, you may expect some mild discomfort. Despite what popular movies may have you think, not everyone swells up like a chipmunk after their wisdom teeth have been removed, but some degree of wisdom teeth swelling may occur.

Some of the more common side effects of wisdom tooth extractions include

Bruising, Tenderness And Light Bleeding

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted you will be given a piece of gauze to bite down on.

The pressure of biting down is usually sufficient to curb any bleeding but you might experience some light bleeding when you brush your teeth. 

Some tenderness can also be expected, particularly if the wisdom teeth were difficult to extract. Any pain or discomfort should improve in the days following your surgery but if you feel new or worsening pain, it could indicate an infection, which is a dental emergency, especially if accompanied by a fever. This should be reported to your dentist straight away. 

How To Reduce Wisdom Teeth Swelling?

Keeping your head elevated and using a cold compress against the outside of your cheeks can manage swelling after your surgery. Remember not to hold the ice against your gum directly, but rather on the outside of your cheek. Any swelling accompanied by pus or swelling that gets worse could be a sign of a dental emergency and should be reported to your dentist immediately.

You can do your part to heal and recover quickly and safely by

  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
  • Not touching the surgical site with your tongue or fingers
  • Keeping your mouth clean by rinsing with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt
Signs Of A Dental Emergency

Your symptoms should improve in the three days after your wisdom tooth extraction. If you experience any of the following side effects, it could indicate an infection is present and you should seek immediate dental assistance:

  • Worsening swelling around the site of the infection
  • Increase in bleeding
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • A fever
  • Bad breath

Intense and deep rooted pain at the site of the extraction could indicate dry socket, a condition that occurs when the blood clot is dislodged.

How To Recover From A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Following the advice of your dentist is the most effective way to ensure that you recover quickly after your wisdom teeth have been removed. Make sure you get enough rest, eat soft foods and stay well hydrated. Any signs of complications or any concerns you may have should be reported to your dental practitioner.

Do you have questions or concerns about wisdom teeth swelling? It’s always best to seek professional advice. Please contact us for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.

Thanks to their discreet appearance and effectiveness at correcting a crooked smile, invisible braces have become really popular among adults in need of orthodontic treatment. And, if you are considering aligners to correct your smile or bite misalignment you probably want to know ‘do invisible braces work’. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from a typical treatment.

How Do Aligners Work?

Clear aligners are made from a special type of plastic, and are fitted over the front of your teeth. They apply consistent and gentle pressure to shift your teeth into position, in order to straighten crooked teeth and misaligned bites.

Unlike metal braces which need to be adjusted as your teeth shift into place, clear aligners must be swapped for new sets every two weeks. Each set of aligners marks a different position that your teeth will move into as they become straighter.

Are Aligners Invisible?

Even though they are referred to as invisible braces, aligners are not completely invisible but very discreet and hardly noticeable unless someone is really close to you. They are the most discreet method of straightening teeth available on the market today, and can really give your confidence a boost when you are undergoing teeth correction.

Invisible braces are really popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth, and older adolescents who are mature enough to take good care of them.

Do Invisible Braces Work?

On the market since the late 90s, clear aligners are not as established as traditional metal braces but they have enough history behind them to prove that they are effective at treating mild to moderately crooked teeth. 

The only real way to know if invisible braces will work for you is to have a consultation with your dental practitioner who will assess your mouth and teeth and prepare a treatment plan of possible options. 

Will Invisible Braces Work For You?
Will You Wear Them For The Prescribed Period Of Time?

One of the reasons patients love clear aligners is the fact that they can be removed for eating and drinking. This doesn’t mean you should remove them unnecessarily, but it can help you to feel less restricted if you are able to take them out.

It’s important that they are removed for eating and drinking, so that they do not get stained and can be cleaned properly.

Will You Clean Your Invisible Braces Correctly?

In order to stay discrete and unnoticeable, your aligners must be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a brush that is too hard can cause damage to the plastic, which may actually draw attention to them rather than making them invisible. Using the wrong kind of toothpaste can cause them to become shiny, which also makes them stand out rather than blend in with your teeth.

Not cleaning them properly can result in stains and discolouration. You will also be expected to quit smoking if you’re a smoker, because using tobacco products also causes stains to form on your aligners.

Will You Complete Your Treatment Plan With A Retainer?

Most orthodontic treatment plans require you to wear a retainer for a few months after your braces are removed. This is usually done at night and it is an important last step because your teeth can shift out of position if you don’t do it.

Will You Remember To Change Your Aligners Every Two Weeks?

Another big feature of wearing aligners is the fact that you are in greater control – and with this control comes greater responsibility. Instead of visiting your dentist every month you will be expected to change your aligners every two weeks for a new set.

This is important to maintain the pressure on your teeth, and ensure they move into position. You will also have to visit your dental practitioner on occasion, to ensure you are on track.

Do You Have Mild To Moderate Correction Needs?

If you need substantial teeth straightening it is possible that aligners might not be the answer for you. Only your dental practitioner can assess you and compile a treatment plan of potential solutions.

If you are considering clear aligners for your teeth correction and want to know “do invisible braces work?”, the next step is to consult with a professional. Please contact us for a confidential appointment as soon as possible: (03) 8737 9359.

Having dental implants provides you with a permanent tooth replacement solution that is unrivalled. Before you commit however it is important to understand how long does a dental implant take, because sometimes patients have an unrealistic expectation of the time frame.  Let’s take a look at what you can expect from a dental implant procedure.


Understanding A Dental Implant Procedure 

Dental implants is a series of mini procedures that will be completed over a period of time. The actual dental implants procedures that are performed will depend on your personal dental situation and what you need done. For example some patients may begin the process by having a decayed tooth extracted by their dentist. Others may start off with a bone graft. Others still may have the dental implants placed first. The first, and subsequent steps of your procedure will depend entirely on what you need.

So it makes sense that the best point of departure is to have a thorough assessment by your dental practitioner. During the assessment he will have a look at the condition of your teeth and soft tissue to ensure your mouth is free of gum disease. You will have a full medical and dental history taken to establish what chronic conditions you may have and whether you suffer from anything that compromises your body’s ability to heal itself. Your dentist will take digital photographs and x-rays. Once all of this is completed you will be presented with a treatment plan, approximate cost and timeline for your procedures.

What Stages Could Be Detailed In Your Dental Implant Procedure?
Bone Grafting

Time required: immediate to a few months

In patients who have been missing teeth for a long period of time it is quite common for bone loss to have occurred, as the tooth roots no longer stimulate the jaw bone at the site. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a minor or major bone graft.

The purpose of the bone graft is to stimulate the growth of new bone, to make your jaw bone thicker and strong enough to support dental implants

If you have a minor graft it may be possible to do it just before placing the dental implant. If you have lost a considerable amount of bone you may need to have the graft done and wait a few months for new bone to regenerate before moving forward.

Placing The Dental Implant

Time required: one to two hours for the dental implant procedure

Three to nine months for osseo-integration

Once the decayed tooth has been removed and the bone graft has been done, your dentist will place the dental implants. This procedure may only take an hour or two, if you are having more than one dental implant placed or if your procedure is complex. The actual time spent in the chair is not very long at all. But for a true answer to the question of ‘how long does a dental implant take’, it’s important to note that you need to undergo a period of healing and fusion, whereby the implant fuses with your jaw bone. This can take anywhere from three to nine months to occur, and it depends largely on your ability to heal. This is beyond your control and everyone is different.

What is most important is that you wait until the process is complete, in order to create a strong foundation for the abutment and dental crown.

Placing The Abutment

Time required: three to six months for healing

Once the dental implants have integrated with your jaw bone, your dentist will be able to attach the abutment. This is the extension piece that connects dental implants to the dental crown. In order to do this the surgical site needs to be opened up again, which means another period of healing must be undergone before you can progress.

Placing The Dental Crown

Time required: an hour

Once your jaw has healed again, it is time to have your crown fitted. Your dentist will match the crown to suit the size, shape and colour of your other teeth.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Dental Implant Procedure?

It will probably only take a few days to a week for your soft tissue to heal and feel better after your dental implants procedures but complete healing from each surgical procedure is likely to take a good few months.

Still have questions about “how long does a dental implant take”? It’s time to speak to a professional: (03) 8737 9359.

While the financial comparison might look attractive initially, teeth whitening in Bali is not worth the risk and inconvenience, especially not when you have access to world class whitening treatments that are safe for your long term dental health. Let’s take a closer look at dental tourism and whether the risk you undertake is really with the payoff.

The case for beautiful white teeth is no secret. Our digital lives have put the spotlight on everyone’s imperfections and the quest for the perfect smile really does make a difference to your beauty aesthetic.

White teeth are a hallmark of youth and good looks, because tooth discolouration is a sign of ageing. We are all born with white teeth but intrinsic and extrinsic stains that develop over time make a difference to the way we look.

While a teeth whitening treatment may have been very expensive a few years ago when they were first launched, they have become much more affordable now. World class treatments are available at local dental practitioners, who offer tried and tested approaches that protect your teeth while they whiten.

Why It Pays To Pay More?

If you haven’t done the research it is worth making the cost comparison with what you would pay locally vs a teeth whitening Bali treatment. If there is a price difference you would need to offset it against factors like

Protection By Australian Dental Legislation

Under the current legislation only registered and certified dental and medical practitioners may distribute teeth whitening products that contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide.

This is because it has been proven how consumers are following unsafe practices at home, and do not follow the best practice guidelines.

Leaving a whitening solution on for too long or using it for longer than indicated by your dentist can have adverse effects on your teeth and cause damage to your dental enamel.

Selecting the correct concentration of bleaching agent for your teeth is also important, in order to not cause damage to your enamel.

Language And Communication Is Easier

Discussing your whitening goals with a foreign dentist leaves a large margin for error in communication. It isn’t worth taking the risk for a procedure that could be completed in an hour in your dentist’s office with minimal side effects. 

Get Dental Care Post-treatment

If you have teeth whitening in Bali you impose more limitations on yourself, including the level of care you can get post treatment and the options that you , if something does go wrong.

Reasons Why You Should Have A Teeth Whitening Treatment In Australia
The Product Choices Are World Class

Have access to world renowned whitening treatments that have been tried, tested and proven to work. Don’t take a chance with whitening treatments that do not work or that may damage your tooth enamel.

While teeth whitening treatments may have taken longer a few years ago, today’s treatments can be done in a much shorter time frame. Some patients report being able to come through during their lunch hour and can return back to work again straight afterwards. There really is no need to consider something as far away as Bali.

Give Yourself More Options

If you have an in-chair whitening treatment and then decide you would like a top up treatment, visiting an Australian dentist makes this possible. If you have flight tickets or hotel accommodation to change, it is much more of an inconvenience that you probably didn’t factor into your travel budget.

When you opt for teeth whitening treatments in Australia you have the option of an in chair treatment, as well as the take home trays that are customised for your mouth and teeth. Being able to wear the trays for a few hours a day or overnight does beg the question of whether it is worth traveling so far to a place like Bali, when such convenient options are available at home.

Protective Legislation

The legislative framework is in place to protect consumers and help them make the best choices for their long term dental health.

Experienced And Reputable Practitioners

You can communicate clearly with experienced practitioners who have lots of experience in teeth whitening. Don’t take the risk of teeth whitening Bali and not being able to understand your dental practitioner and end up with results that you are not completely satisfied with.

If you still have questions over the risks associated with teeth whitening in Bali, or want to find out more about a local whitening treatment it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment (03) 8737 9359.

Dentures offer patients who are missing teeth a way to restore confidence, improve their speech and eat the foods they enjoy. Broken dentures or dentures that do not fit well, however, do not function to the same standard. Remember that your mouth will undergo changes over time and even if your denture fitted comfortably when you first received it, the chances are that after a period of time you will need to look at a denture repair or relining. Let’s take a closer look at how to fix broken dentures.


This Is Why Your Denture Might Not Fit So Well Anymore

Your gums and jaw change over time, and due to a number of reasons:

  • Weight gain or loss
  • Bone loss due to missing teeth
  • Your age

This means that the denture you were fitted with at first, may not fit your mouth comfortably. Loose dentures cause irritation and may make it more difficult to chew food but the good news is that in many cases, all that is required is a denture reline. If your denture feels loose or moves around when you eat or talk, you should discuss a reline with your dentist.

What Causes Broken Dentures?

If you’ve been wearing your dentures for a while, general wear and tear or rough handling can cause damage or breakages. Dropping your denture on the ground or on the bathroom basin can also cause them to break. Biting down too hard when putting particle dentures in your mouth can also cause them to break.

How To Fix Broken Dentures?
Don’t Try To Fix Broken Dentures Yourself

The most important rule to remember about broken dentures is not to try and repair them yourself. Only your dental practitioner can repair your broken denture because store-bought glues are not suitable for dental apparatus. They can cause irritation to your mouth and gums, the development of mouth sores, and the glue may even damage your broken denture further.

Your dental practitioner can repair your dentures properly and in a relatively short period of time, so it isn’t worth the risk of damaging them or causing irritation in your mouth.

Your dentures have been built very carefully by a professional, to fit your mouth and complement your facial contours. Trying to repair them yourself can disrupt the symmetry of the design, drawing attention to the damage. If you do try to fix broken dentures yourself, you can cause irreparable damage, and the result of that could just be that you have to buy a new denture.

Important Points To Remember
Let Your Dentist Know Beforehand

It’s a good idea to let your dentist know about your broken denture ahead of your appointment. You will need to describe the component that has been damaged. This is important because your denture is so important in your daily life, your dentist should set time aside to do an urgent repair and return your broken denture the same day.

There Are Emergency Denture Repair Kits Available

While we do not encourage you to self-repair your dentures, there may come a time when your options are to do an emergency repair or go without your denture. In this instance a denture repair kit is a much better idea than conventional super glue or adhesive which we reiterate, you absolutely should not use. You can purchase denture repair kits from most pharmacies and should follow the user instructions very carefully. Remember: this is the last resort, not a first choice, and you should first consult your dentist.

However, also remember that even if you do end up fixing your dentures with a temporary solution, you must still have them professionally repaired by your dental practitioner.

How To Avoid A Broken Denture? 

Careful handling of your denture is essential so as not to damage or break it. If you have partial dentures you need to be careful when handling the clasps. When you are putting them in and taking them out, you should do this over a basin filled with water or a basin with a towel over it. This is to cushion the impact in the event that you do drop them.

You should also clean and care for your denture as instructed, taking care not to use hot water, which can cause the denture to lose its shape, and avoid using abrasive substances, which can cause surface damage. If you have partial dentures you should avoid using acidic substances for denture soaking.

For a personalised approach on how to fix broken dentures, please contact us: (03) 8737 9359.


If you have badly damaged or decayed teeth and need to restore them to full function, dental crowns can improve the appearance, strength and shape of your natural teeth. Crafting a dental crown that complements the other teeth in your mouth is a highly skilled technique but because patients may not always understand the amount of work that goes into them, many start researching dental crowns Thailand in order to save some of the cost. It’s worth remembering that you do get what you pay for and in dentistry, investing in your long term dental health is always the best course of action. In this post we’d like to bring some important factors to your attention before you invest in dental caps.


What Are Crowns?

Also known as dental caps, dental crowns are created to fit over what is remaining of your natural tooth, using your tooth as a support structure. They can be made out of ceramic or porcelain, and sometimes have a metallic base. 

When dental crowns are well done, by professional and experienced dental practitioners, they should not be discernible from the other teeth in your mouth.

Dental caps can be used to:

  • Support a weak tooth that needs protection and reinforcement
  • Protect teeth that are cracked, chipped or worn
  • Change the colour of discoloured teeth that do not respond to whitening
  • Cover up a dental implant
  • Support a dental bridge
  • Improve the general appearance of your teeth (commonly known as a smile make-over)
Facts To Think About Before You Choose Dental Crowns in Thailand

As you can see from the list of uses above, a dental crown may be required in an emergency, or as part of more complex dental treatment. When you go abroad to exotic locations like Thailand, you open yourself up to a number of risks that would automatically be taken care of if you were to have treatment locally. Some of the complications include:

An Increased Risk Of Infection

The standards of infection control are very high in Australia and are this way for your protection and benefit.

While it might be a feature of your consultation, the cost of providing such a service has to be built into the cost of your dental crowns, and it shouldn’t be disregarded.

Differences In Aesthetics

Your idea of a smile makeover might be different to that of a Thai dental practitioner. This might mean that you end up with a result that you are not happy with, or delays in your plan to return home because you need to have your dental crowns redone.

General Communication Challenges

Patients need to be well informed of all their risk factors, as well as be given insight into their dental procedures, which includes dental crowns. They need to know what to expect in order to prepare properly. When you’re communicating with a foreign language professional, your conversation extends beyond the conversational, and into more technical jargon that you both need to be able to understand. This can be a challenge in a short period of time. 

It’s Not Actually Necessary

Dental crowns in Australia are produced to a very high standard. You typically only need two visits to the dentist to complete your procedure and it is performed under local anaesthetic. Your dentist should take x rays first to ensure there is no sign of infection. During your first visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth or teeth by removing any damaged or decayed tooth and filing your tooth into the appropriate shape to hold the dental crown.

Your dentist will create an impression of the tooth and send it to the dental laboratory to be crafted. It may take two to three weeks to create, during which time you will wear a temporary crown. Once the dental crown is ready, you will return for your second visit, and your dentist will secure the crown in place. It will be checked to ensure it fits in with the other teeth in your mouth.


What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

If you do decide to go ahead with dental crowns in Thailand you need to have a backup plan in the event that something does go wrong. Potential problems that could arise include an allergic reaction or a crown that loosens and/or falls out.

If you’re still thinking about dental crowns in Thailand, it’s best to speak to a professional locally and get a second opinion. To find out more about your personal risk factors, please get in touch: (03) 8737 9359.