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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.
Having a whiter, brighter smile makes a major difference to the quality of your smile and your self-confidence. Despite all the products that are vying for your attention from the shelves of the pharmacy and supermarket, only dentist-approved teeth whitening treatments can brighten your teeth safely and effectively. Working closely with your dentist to find a solution for your personal needs is the only way on how to get white teeth without causing damage to your tooth structure. Let’s take a look at some of the dos and don’ts of teeth whitening
Why Do Teeth Become Discoloured?
Tooth discolouration is the result of the dentin inside your tooth changing colour. It starts off white early in life and then becomes darker as we get older. If you are a smoker or someone who drinks a lot of red wine or coffee, this can cause external stains and discolouration too, making your teeth appear yellow.
How To Get White Teeth Safely?
Because effective teeth whitening requires the bleaching agent to penetrate the dental enamel to lift up intrinsic stains, it’s vital that the teeth whitening product you use remineralises your teeth and protects your tooth enamel.
Before teeth whitening was regulated, there were a number of products available off the shelf that were destructive to tooth enamel. Today, only your registered dentist can administer a whitening product that contains more than 6% hydrogen peroxide. This is for your safety, and to ensure that patients do not do damage to their teeth unwittingly.
How To Get White Teeth: The Do’s And Don’ts To Pay Attention To
Do: consult with your dentist before you attempt any kind of teeth whitening. For one, you need a go-ahead from your dentist, to ensure that your teeth are free of decay and your mouth is free of gum disease. Your dentist also needs to professionally clean and polish your teeth to remove all traces of plaque and tartar. This creates an even surface for whitening.
Do: discuss your teeth whitening goals and timelines with your dentist. Find out how much whiter you can expect your smile to be post-treatment and, if possible, ask for comparative photos from other patients. This is important for expectation management. If you want to whiten by a certain date, then in-chair whitening is probably the most appropriate choice for you. If you have the time to wait for a more gradual change, you may benefit from take-home trays, which you wear for a few hours a day or at night while you sleep.
If you do use at-home whitening trays make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions and do not leave the bleaching agent on for too long or use it more often or for longer than directed. Not following the instructions can weaken your tooth enamel and cause irreparable damage.
Do not: try home and natural remedies that the internet advertises as being able to whiten teeth. Lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, fruit acids and charcoal are abrasive and can cause damage to your tooth enamel. If you would like to change the colour of your teeth, get professional advice and do it properly the first time.
Do not: buy teeth whitening products from overseas or use bleach containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide. Do not be misled by advertising claims made on whitening strip kits and whitening toothpaste. These products cannot penetrate the tooth enamel, do not fit the contours of your teeth shape and may cause surface damage through abrasion.
Do not: have your teeth bleached or whitened by anyone other than a dental professional. Remember that it’s important for your dental health to be evaluated before you go ahead with any whitening treatment in order to avoid long term damage.
How To Keep Teeth White?
When you have your first whitening consultation you can discuss how long to expect your teeth to stay white for. Your dentist will recommend intervals for top-up whitening treatments. He or she will probably also recommend that you quit smoking and reduce your intake of coffee and red wine, to keep your smile whiter for longer.
Visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and polishing will help to keep your teeth free of extrinsic stains. Your dentist will also be able to assess the whiteness of your teeth and give you some advice on how often you should return for teeth whitening.
To find out more about how to get white teeth, or the professional whitening formulations we use for teeth whitening please get in touch with us: (03) 8737 9359.
Tooth implants offer a permanent way for patients to replace lost teeth, but getting dental implants requires considerable investment for people who choose this tooth replacement. Let’s take a look at tooth implant pros and cons so you can make the most informed decision for your long term dental health.
Tooth Implant Pros And Cons
The Pros Of Dental Implants
A Dental Implant Is Permanent
This means that patients do not have to worry about the inconvenience of a denture slipping around when eating or speaking. You also can avoid the irritations and mouth sores that may present when a denture loses shape or needs repairing.
Tooth Implants Do Not Compromise Your Other Teeth
If you are having a dental bridge, your dentist needs to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap in your mouth. This means they need to be filed down in order to make space for the dental bridge, which weakens them.
A dental implant does not affect any of the other teeth in your mouth and does not require any support other than from your jaw bone.
Avoid Tooth Loss
If you do not replace a missing tooth and wait for too long, the other teeth start to drift in order to fill up the space left behind. This causes them to loosen and over time, can lead to further tooth loss.
Avoid Bone Loss
One of the most important features of a dental implant is its ability to replace a missing tooth at the root. This is important because, without the stimulation of tooth roots, bone can be lost in the jaw.
This can affect the structural integrity of your jaw, as well as your facial harmony.
If you have been missing a tooth for a long time before your dental implant surgery is performed, it may be necessary for you to have a bone graft in order to stimulate the growth of new bone material.
Get A Strong And Stable Bite
The value of a permanent tooth replacement is the fact that you can bite and chew with the same force as your natural teeth. Once your dental implant has been embedded in your jaw the bone will grow around it in a process called osseointegration. This means the dental implant is integrated with your jaw, making it very strong and durable.
This is an important comparison to dentures, which may only last for eight years before they need to be replaced.
Smile With Confidence
Once your dental implant has integrated with your body, the abutment has been inserted and your gums have healed, your dentist will finish the implant off with a dental crown. The dental crown will complete your smile and be matched to the size and shape of your natural teeth so it will blend right in.
The Cons Of Dental Implants
It’s Not A Quick Fix
Getting dental implants takes time to complete. Your gums need adequate time for healing between each procedure you undergo, and the exact procedures to be completed will depend on your personal circumstances. It could take three to six months for a bone graft, and a further three to six months for healing after the implant and abutment are inserted. If you want a tooth replacement done quickly, then dental implants might not be the best solution for you.
You May Require Additional Procedures
As mentioned above, some patients may need bone grafts surgery prior to getting dental implants. In some cases, patients only need minor grafts and can have them done just before the implant is placed. If a more considerable bone graft is required, it may need to be a separate procedure that you need to heal from before your implant can be embedded.
The Complexity Is Reflected In The Cost
Because there are so many procedures to be done over a protracted period of time, it might seem as though getting dental implants is expensive. However, it’s important to compare the cost with lifespan because, even though you might only need one dental implant for the rest of your life, you might need three or four replacement dentures over the same time period.
Complications Are Possible
Even though dental implants have a 95% success rate, it is possible for things to go wrong. Infection at the site is possible, and more likely if you do not follow your dentist’s care instructions. Rejection of the implant is also possible although risk management usually limits the likelihood of this occurring.
To find out more about tooth implant pros and cons please speak to a professional: (03) 8737 9359.
Getting dental veneers here in Australia doesn’t always come cheap. It isn’t unheard of, for example, to pay up to $2000 for a single tooth. That’s a lot of cash for an improved smile, or is it?
If you are serious about transforming your smile, you might be asking the question, are veneers worth it?
In this post, we’ll try to give an unbiased view, enabling you to form your own opinion. So let’s get started.
There are dental veneers, and then there are dental veneers
To avoid any confusion, it’s worth pointing out that there are two types of dental veneers.
The first is a composite resin veneer, also known as composite bonding. Composite veneers are applied to the front surface of the tooth in paste form – the same material as white fillings.
The material is built up in layers and is hardened with a curing light to form the tooth’s new surface.
The process takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete, and at the end of the visit, the patient will have a blemish-free smile.
The second type of veneer, known as a porcelain veneer, is applied in a completely different way.
As the name suggests, porcelain veneers are made from dental porcelain and are custom-designed to cover the entire front surface of the tooth. Sometimes porcelain veneers are manufactured in a dental lab taking several weeks, and other times, the dentist will mill each appliance on-site using the latest CAD/CAM technology.
As you can imagine, porcelain veneers are more expensive than their laminate counterparts but are they worth the extra investment? In other words, are porcelain veneers worth it?
The facts
If you are looking for a cost-effective, short term solution to hide blemishes or chipped teeth, you might want to opt for composite dental veneers. For as little as a few hundred dollars, you can have a restored smile.
But – and there’s always a but – they come with compromises.
Firstly they don’t last as long as porcelain veneers, lasting 4-8 years on average. Secondly, the material used to create composite bonding is more porous than tooth enamel. It absorbs colour from stain-inducing foods easily and is, therefore, prone to staining.
So if you are a regular red wine or coffee drinker, you may notice that the composite tooth discolours more quickly than your natural teeth.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers are as strong (if not stronger) than tooth enamel, so you would expect them to last for a decade or more with proper care. In a 2018 review, for example, multiple studies suggested that veneers lasted ten years or longer in most cases.
In addition, one study states that a little under 83% of those tested wore their veneers for 20 years or more.
While composite veneering covers up a range of tooth blemishes and cracks, porcelain veneers can do so much more. They can alter the shape, size and positioning of a tooth or teeth, giving you the instant appearance of a perfect smile.
Unlike composite bonding, porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, so keeping them white is more manageable.
On the flip side, getting dental veneers can take several weeks in some instances, and the process is non-reversible.
So what does this mean exactly?
For the veneer to sit flush on the tooth’s surface, the dentist will first need to remove a small layer of tooth enamel. Once this process has occurred, there is no going back.
Alternatively, because composite bonding is blended into hairline cracks and chips, there is no requirement to remove any tooth enamel beneath.
Are veneers worth it? The key takeaway
If you are unhappy with your current dental look and long for a perfect smile, both composite and porcelain veneers allow you to achieve that. However, like all things in life, you get what you pay for.
Dental bonding is by far the cheaper option, but what you are, in effect, paying for is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. You will need to replace your composite veneering regularly if you
- Often consume stain-inducing beverages or foods
- Have an irregular bite or
- Fail to practice meticulous oral hygiene techniques.
If you’re happy to pay less and replace more often, then composite boding could be right for you.
Alternatively, porcelain veneers are undoubtedly a better option if you prefer something strong, durable, lifelike, and long-lasting – although you can expect to pay considerably more.
If you would like to find out if dental veneers are worth it for your given situation, schedule an appointment with our experienced team. Call Lotus Smiles today on (03) 8737 9359. We look forward to providing you with a perfect smile that you can be proud of.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
At Lotus Smiles Dental, we’re passionate about working with parents to debunk myths about children’s teeth. Our goal is to set your kids up for a lifetime of good oral health and help minimise dental problems both now and in the future.
It can be easy to assume that kid’s teeth problems aren’t anything to worry about because they’re still losing their baby teeth.
Many people also incorrectly assume that children aren’t susceptible to “adult” issues like gum disease because they’re too young.
What kind of dental problems do a child’s teeth have?
- Tooth decay – even in infants. We call it “baby bottle” tooth decay because it is often the result of babies and toddlers falling asleep with unswallowed milk in their mouths. It doesn’t just cause pain and discomfort. Tooth decay at a young age can cause the baby teeth to fall out prematurely, which impacts how adult teeth grow.
- No matter how proactive parents are, children aren’t great at brushing their teeth. Even if they’re in a good routine, their technique is still developing, which means they’re always susceptible to plaque forming. This can lead to tooth and gum issues because their teeth just aren’t being cleaned properly.
- Overbites and other jaw and mouth issues caused by thumb sucking. As comforting as it can be for the little ones, the thumb sucking habit needs to be stopped before their permanent teeth start to grow, usually by age 5.
- Shark teeth – this is where the adult teeth start to grow behind or alongside their baby teeth. This condition effectively gives your child two rows of teeth and can cause the permanent teeth to need orthodontic treatment.
- A child’s teeth can be sensitive, but this sometimes gets dismissed if they aren’t willing to participate in their daily tooth brushing routine. Sensitivity and other seemingly adult dental problems still affect children.
How to help prevent kid’s teeth problems?
Problems with a child’s teeth aren’t dissimilar to those we experience in our adult teeth.
Brushing and flossing is still the best defence. If you can, try and supervise your child and make sure they are brushing all of their teeth.
Your child is still learning and won’t understand how dental problems can occur. Ensure they can observe you or other older members of the household while you care for your teeth. Copying your actions will help them form good hygiene habits of their own.
Regular dental appointments are an essential part of caring for your child’s teeth. They should start from when they’re about one year old or whenever their first tooth comes through. Your dentist will let you know the best appointment schedule from there.
How should I be caring for my child’s teeth?
- Daily brushing is essential from when the first tooth comes through. Your dentist will let you know when you should start using toothpaste. You can also get a head start by wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, soft damp washcloth twice a day.
- Check for visible signs of decay. When you lift your child’s top lip, you may be able to see chalky or brown spots on the teeth or the gum line. If you see these signs, book a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Even if you can’t see the decay, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there, so always keep up regular dental appointments.
- Offer water as a drink over juice or other sugary beverages. Use sippy cups and cups instead of bottles when it is age-appropriate to do so and try and put your child down for naps with water, not milk.
- Twice a day for two minutes at a time is an excellent guide to how long your child should be brushing their teeth.
Start a good dental routine early
The Lotus Smiles Dental team are passionate about helping children learn healthy teeth habits early and avoid common problems regularly seen in kids’ teeth.
We offer a fun and friendly atmosphere to help the younger members of your family feel at ease with visiting the dentist and receiving treatments.
We’re also here to support you and are always happy to chat about ways to help your child have healthier teeth and gums.
Contact us on (03) 8737 9359 to book your child’s appointment today and set them on the path to a healthy smile.
Even though wisdom teeth extractions are performed every day, so many patients are fearful of the procedure and its aftermath. Knowing what to eat after your wisdom teeth are removed can help you with recovery, so you can keep your energy levels up while you manage swelling and discomfort. Let’s take a closer look at what you should and shouldn’t be eating after wisdom teeth removal.
The Most Common Side Effects Of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, and depending on how far they have erupted, can be tricky to access. While the procedure is relatively painless when performed under anaesthetic, you may experience some common side effects after your wisdom teeth removal. These include
Swelling
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help you to manage swelling and inflammation so that you can eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids.
Bleeding
It is quite normal to experience a little bleeding after wisdom teeth removal, especially a day or two after the extraction.
Pain and discomfort
You may experience some discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off and sensation has returned to your mouth. Most patients find the pain and discomfort easy to manage with over the counter pain medication.
What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There is no reason to deprive yourself of food after wisdom teeth removal. Even though your diet may be limited, there is plenty that you can eat if you think creatively and plan your meals according to their nutritional content. This is important because you need to stay strong and healthy while you recover.
Soups
Liquidising yourself some vegetable soup or making some bone broth is a great way to ensure you get your daily dose of vegetables, vitamins and fibre.
There are so many different soups that you can make, it can easily become a staple of your post-operative recovery diet.
Soft vegetables like avocado, butternut, mashed potatoes and mashed vegetables are good additions to include in your diet after wisdom teeth removal.
Smoothies and juices
Juicing fresh fruit and vegetables can boost your health as you recover, and adds a flavourful component to breakfast.
Scrambled eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and when they are scrambled, they are delicious and easy to eat.
Ice cream and yoghurt
Eating cold yoghurt and ice cream can give you some comfort while you are recovering, and may soothe an irritated mouth.
Porridge
You can still start your day with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Porridge oats and grains will ensure you feel full throughout the day, have slow-release carbohydrates to keep your energy levels up and are easy to eat especially after wisdom tooth extractions.
Tips To Survive Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Try to eat a little at a time, but eat frequent meals. This will ensure you have energy throughout the day, even if you don’t feel that hungry.
Chew and bite on the opposite side of your mouth to your wisdom tooth extractions so that the side with the wound has a chance to heal. If you are having wisdom teeth removal on both sides of your jaw, your diet may be a little more restricted, and you may need to eat much softer foods.
Avoid foods that are very spicy, very chewy or crunchy and foods that are very hot. These foods can cause irritation at the wound, or cause the blood clot to dislodge, resulting in a very painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket takes a long time to heal and can make wisdom teeth removal very uncomfortable. You should also avoid foods that have small grains and seeds, as these can also irritate the wound.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of and day after your wisdom tooth extractions but make sure you have plenty of water or diluted juices.
You can expect to eat soft foods for at least the first week after wisdom teeth removal. Once your wound has healed, and the swelling and bleeding have stopped, you can gradually introduce other foods to your diet.
Avoid tea and coffee as drinking hot beverages can result in the dislodging of the blood clot. You will also avoid using a straw for a week or so for the same reason.
If you still have questions about wisdom teeth removal or want to know more about what to eat after your wisdom teeth are removed please contact us for an appointment : (03) 8737 9359.
2 What Materials Are Used For Dental Crowns?
5 What To Expect After The Dental Crown Procedure?
Dental crowns encircle a damaged or weakened tooth, providing it with strength and preventing further damage. With a dental crown, your previously weakened tooth can be restored to full form and function. Your crown will need maintenance because it won’t last forever. Let’s take a more in-depth look at ‘how long do crowns last’.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are very large fillings that cover a damaged tooth. They use the damaged tooth as a foundation and a support structure. A dental crown will be used in a scenario where the damage or decay is too significant to be handled by a filling, or as the final stage in a restoration such as a dental bridge, dental implant or root canal.
Dental crowns can be used
- In the final stage of dental implant procedures
- In a dental bridge
- To strengthen and reinforce a damaged or decayed tooth
- To restore a tooth after a root canal treatment
What Materials Are Used For Dental Crowns?
Some of the most popular materials for dental crowns include zirconia, metal, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and composite resin.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
On average you can expect a dental crown to last for between five and 15 years, depending on different factors. To explain this further, 90% of dental crowns are still intact after five years before they need repair or replacement. 50 to 80% of crowns, however, will last for 15 to 20 years with good dental care.
Some of the factors that affect how long a dental crown lasts:
- The type of material that was used
- Where the crown is positioned in your mouth
- The skill and experience level of your dentist
- The skill and experience level of your dentist
- How well you look after your teeth
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a favoured material for a dental crown because it is strong and resilient. It is also a natural-looking material, especially in the way that it reflects light very similarly to dental enamel, making it suitable for front teeth. Zirconia crowns may last for up to 15 years.
Metal Crowns
Metal and porcelain fused to metal dental crowns are robust and long-lasting. They don’t cause wear and tear on the adjacent teeth and they do not chip or crack often. Because the colour of metal is not desirable for most patients, metal crowns are best suited for use on the molars and in the back of the mouth. Metal crowns can last for 10-15 years.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal is more popular because of the natural colour of porcelain, however, it is possible for porcelain to chip. Porcelain is a popular choice for crowns on the front teeth as it is stain-resistant and long-lasting. Porcelain crowns may last for 15 years.
Composite Resin Crowns
Composite resin is growing in popularity because of its affordability and the short time it takes to make a dental crown. Composite resin is softer and more prone to fractures, wear and tear and may only last for five years.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Integral to making your dental crown last longer is managing dental decay. While the dental crown can’t decay, the supporting tooth can. Visiting your dentist every six months is an important step in managing dental decay as it gives your dentist the opportunity to spot decay early on before it becomes a bigger problem.
Dental crowns also become less effective as they get older. Over time and with the forces of wear and tear they can loosen, fracture and chip. This means that the underlying tooth is no longer protected and can start to decay further. When you attend your dental check-ups your dentist will also check the condition of your crowns and restorations, and do the necessary repairs before they become bigger issues.
Because a crown doesn’t last forever, it makes sense to invest in the highest quality and longest lasting material that you can afford. Investing in a crown that may last for 15 years is a more appropriate long term solution than returning for three procedures that only last for 4 or 5 years over the same period.
What To Expect After The Dental Crown Procedure?
Performing a crown does not take long, and it is performed under local anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic wears off you are likely to experience some sensitivity and discomfort.
The lifespan of your crown is something that should be discussed with your dentist prior to having any treatment.
For a more personalised answer to the question of ‘how long do crowns last’, please contact us for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is the baseline for good oral hygiene, and kids need to learn good habits as early as possible if they are to adopt them. Brushing teeth, however, is not always a toddler’s favourite activity first thing in the morning or just before bedtime. So with that in mind, we’ve decided to let you know exactly how to teach kids to brush their teeth with a view to experiencing the path of least resistance from little ones.
How To Teach Kids To Brush Their Teeth: The Basic Habits To Learn
We all learn more about good oral hygiene as we get older, but here are some of the most fundamental dental care tips that all parents should know
It’s never too early to introduce babies to oral care. Your child’s introduction to oral hygiene should begin before his or her first tooth emerges. You can start off by gently brushing your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth to remove bacteria. If you start like this, your baby will be less alarmed when you start trying to use a toothbrush.
You should take your baby for a general check up at the dentist when the first tooth emerges. Thereafter, your baby, toddler or child should visit the dentist every six months to ensure that teeth are emerging without any issues and to ensure that any early signs of tooth decay can be addressed.
Let your toddler choose his or her own toothbrush.
Only start using toothpaste when your baby reaches 18 months of age. Until 18 months, you only need to use a soft-bristled brush and water. Between 18 months and six years of age, your child will use a pea-sized drop of low fluoride toothpaste when brushing. After the age of six, your child can start using a pea-sized drop of adult toothpaste to brush.
How To Teach Kids To Brush Their Teeth: The Basics
Always make sure your baby is comfortable and supported before brushing teeth. Sit down in front of a mirror and basin and place your baby on your lap so that he or she can see their reflection. Be gentle and speak to your baby as you are cleaning their gums and teeth. Clean each tooth as well as the gums on the top and bottom jaw. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth, schedule a general check up.
You will need to assist and supervise your child’s tooth brushing until around the age of eight, by which time your child will hopefully have mastered the technique to do it on their own. You will probably still have to check up on your child to make sure it is done, and that it is done properly but by the age of eight, your child will have developed the fine motor skill required to hold and manoeuvre a toothbrush.
As soon as your toddler’s teeth start to touch each other, you will need to show your child how to floss. Flossing for children is recommended to be done at night before bedtime and after dinner.
When it is time to progress to brushing teeth with a toothbrush, use small, circular and gentle movements, and make sure that you give each tooth individual attention. Brush both sides of the tooth, as well as the biting surfaces.
Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out rather than swallow it, but do not encourage rinsing. Rinsing can remove the fluoride.
Continue to take your child for a general check up twice a year. This is especially important to remember because even though the baby teeth will fall out to make way for adult teeth, the condition and health of baby teeth can have an impact on the permanent teeth.
To book an appointment for a general check up or for more tips on how to teach kids to brush their teeth, please call us: (03) 8737 9359.
Understanding dental implants cost gives you some insight when you are consulting with your dental practitioner. While the benefits of dental implants are well documented, many patients find themselves in the dark as to dental implant cost. While we can assist you in finding averages so you can plan ahead, it’s important to remember that all dental practitioners charge slightly differently, so some variance is to be expected. Let’s look at how dental implants are priced and what you can expect to pay for your dental implant treatment.
Dental Implants Cost: How Is It Calculated?
Before you can get an indication of dental implants cost you will need to consult with your dental practitioner. A dentist that offers consultation will look at your mouth and teeth and take some x-rays before presenting you with a treatment plan and cost estimate.
In order to draw up the dental implant cost estimate your dentist will consider factors such as
- How many implants are required for your dental implant treatment. it ‘s important to note that you do not have to have a dental implant for each missing tooth. One implant could support two to four teeth, two implants can support four teeth, and four implants can support 12 teeth.
- Whether you need any dental work done prior to the placement of your dental implant. This would include procedures such as tooth extractions, bone grafts and sinus lifts. If you do still have the damaged tooth in your mouth it is a good idea to discuss your options for saving the tooth with your dentist. A natural tooth is stronger than a dental implant and if there is any chance it could be saved, this is preferable. Remember that if you have been missing your tooth for some time, bone loss is likely to have occurred and you may very well need a bone graft in order to support your implant.
- Whether your price estimate includes the dental crown which is placed in the last stage of dental implant treatment
- How complex the procedure is, how long it will take and what your post-operative needs will be.
Dental Implants Cost: How Much Do They Cost?
The range for dental implants cost is very broad, and according to our internet sources, may cost you anything from $2,000 to $11,500 per implant. Let’s have a look at what these dental implants costs would get you:
Smile.com.au and finder.com.au report that a simple dental implant procedure is likely to cost between $2,000 and $7,000 per implant. A simple dental implant treatment means that you do not need bone grafting or a sinus lift. Should you require either of these treatments, your dental implant cost is likely to increase to up to $11,500 per tooth.
Your dental implant cost should incorporate both components of the implant: both the tooth roots and the dental crown that will be visible in your smile when your procedure is completed. The dental implant value is usually between $2,000 and $3,000 while the cost of a porcelain crown usually costs in the region of $3,000 and $4,000.
Dental Implants Cost: Why The Variance?
Each patient needs to be assessed before dental implant treatment can be recommended because each case is different. Dental implant procedures are highly personalised, and the length of time they take to complete is subject to each patient’s rate of healing and recovery. You can only progress to the next stage of your treatment once your dentist is satisfied that your gums have healed and your implant has osseo-integrated with your jaw bone.
This is what makes it so strong and durable, and one of the most important factors in dental implant failure.
Of course, dental implants are not right for everyone. If you are a smoker or suffer from a condition that interferes with your body’s ability to heal, your practitioner will probably recommend a different tooth replacement option for you.
Dental Implants Cost: Is It Worth The Investment?
Replacing a missing tooth preserves your jaw bone and facial harmony, and dental implants are the most permanent and reliable way to do that. If you do not want to replace a denture or dental bridge in a few year’s time (and pay the extra cost later on), dental implants cost is a good investment in your long term dental health.
To find out more about dental implant cost or to book a dental consultation near you, please contact us for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.
References
Dental Implant Guid
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/implants
Dental Implants
https://www.finder.com.au/dental-implants
Dental Implants Cost and Information
https://www.dentalguideaustralia.com/dental-implants-cost-and-information
Gum disease develops in stages and in its earliest stage, gingivitis, it is possible to treat the disease. However, if it is allowed to progress to periodontitis, the effects cannot be reversed. Let’s take a closer look at how to get rid of gum disease and stop it from progressing to periodontitis.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gingivitis usually develops as a result of plaque build-up on the teeth at the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that causes an inflammatory response in the gums. This inflammatory response is what causes redness and swelling in the gums.
Other risk factors that may influence whether you develop periodontal disease include
- High-stress levels
- Smoking
- Taking drugs
- Medication
- Unmanaged diabetes
- Hormonal changes caused by puberty or pregnancy
- Poor nutrition or generally poor health
Gingivitis begins with an infection of the gums around the teeth. In its earliest form, gum disease does not affect the tooth structures, the bone and teeth. It is relatively common with three in ten Australians suffering from moderate to severe periodontal disease.
You may notice bleeding or swelling when you brush your teeth if you have gingivitis however it’s important that you continue to brush with a soft brush, even if you notice discomfort. This can help to dislodge plaque and bacteria build-up. You should discuss any sore, red or bleeding gums with your dentist if the problem persists.
How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?
Periodontitis may develop if your gingivitis is not treated. Periodontitis affects the gum that connects to the tooth, weakening it and causing spaces to develop between the tooth and gum. These spaces or periodontal pockets create a bigger space that bacteria can become trapped in, leading to a wider infection and more swelling. If left untreated it can cause the bone that supports the teeth to be eroded, and your teeth can fall out.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease?
- Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
- Red and swollen gums
- A persistent bad taste or bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
How To Get Rid Of Gum Disease?
Gingivitis can be treated and reversed, so it’s important to discuss any signs and symptoms with your dentist as soon as possible. Going for dental check ups twice a year can help your dentist to spot the early warning signs of gum disease before it progresses.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is your best defence against plaque, but only your dentist can remove calculus build-up from your teeth. If you have the early signs of periodontal disease, your dental hygiene may need to be reviewed by your dentist.
Root Scaling And Planing
It is possible to manage periodontitis, even though it can’t be cured. Your dentist will use a combination of root scaling and planing, which requires deep removal of plaque and tartar build-up below your gum line. Using special instrumentation which goes deeper than your dental floss can reach, your dentist can remove the infected material and then smooth out the roots of your teeth so they are less likely to become reinfected.
In very advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical interventions may be necessary:
Pocket Depth Reduction
Surgery may be required to make your gums fit more snugly around your teeth, and prevent periodontal pockets from attracting more bacteria
Bone Grafts
If periodontal disease has eroded your jaw bone, bone grafting may be necessary to stimulate the growth of new bone.
Dental Implants
In the event that gum disease has lost your teeth, you may need to consider teeth replacement options such as dental implants, an implant-support bridge or dentures.
Root Coverage
If your gums have receded and exposed your tooth roots, surgery may be necessary to cover them up again.
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself Against Gum Disease?
The best method of how to get rid of gum disease is not to allow it to develop in the first place. That means
- Brushing and flossing twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste
- Quitting smoking
- Managing your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels under control
- Reducing your sugar intake, especially snacking between meals
- Drinking lots of water
Any early warning signs of gingivitis should be reported to your dentist. An x-ray would demonstrate if you have plaque build-up below your gum line.
If you need further help on how to get rid of gum disease it’s time to make an appointment. Please give us a call: (03) 8737 9359.
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