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Learn here Common Causes of Dental Pain and Treatment.
If you have a severe toothache, swelling or another dental emergency, it’s important to contact a dentist straight away. They can advise you about how to treat your symptoms at home to relieve pain and discomfort and avoid making the problem worse. If you need urgent care, they will recommend booking an emergency appointment at your nearest dental clinic.
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If you can’t make it to the dentist, or your situation isn’t urgent, these general home remedies for toothaches and other dental problems could help to ease your symptoms before your visit. Remember, that this is general advice and is no substitute for professional, personalised advice. Since every situation is unique, your dentist is the best person to give you this.
The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you can’t get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.
While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isn’t right. If you have oral pain, it’s generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop and usually start to erupt in the late teens. Because they are the very last teeth, they very commonly become impacted (stuck or wedged between jaw bone, gum and the adjacent tooth). Toothache or pain from the wisdom tooth area is one of the most common emergency problems that we see.
Over 90% of the population has “wisdom tooth” problems due to lack of room for proper eruption. Wisdom Tooth Problems encompass many issues including:
Pain Constant pressure in this sensitive area frequently causes neuralgia-like pain that can radiate to the ear, side of the face and upper teeth and spread to the other lower teeth as well. Headaches are commonly associated with impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.
Destruction of the Next Tooth -pressure from the wisdom teeth frequently erodes or dissolves away healthy tooth structure, resulting in pain and tooth loss
Cysts…fluid -filled sacks can form and enlarge around impacted wisdom teeth. These cysts can dissolve jawbone and teeth-they commonly become infected and cause serious pain
Of course, if you are experiencing slight discomfort at the back of your mouth but aren’t sure exactly where it’s coming from, then you might want to hold off visiting your dentist.
One course of action that might alleviate the discomfort is to take over-the-counter painkillers. But while they can help you get on with your day, it’s unlikely to be a permanent solution.
If the discomfort continues for longer than a few days or worsens, then it’s probably best to pay a visit to your local dentist who can take a closer look to see exactly what’s happening.
Another home remedy is to regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This may help to eradicate any bacteria located in the mouth which may otherwise be causing an infection.
Alternatively, It could be that your third molars are coming through okay, but the discomfort felt is just the natural final stages of your dental progression. If this is the case, then applying pieces of ice to the area may be enough to numb and reduce any swelling sufficiently to alleviate any temporary wisdom tooth pain.
A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum. It looks like a small red ball pushing out of the swollen gum.
An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This leaves deep pockets where bacteria can grow. If tartar builds up too much, or if food gets stuck in the pockets, pus forms. If the pus can’t drain, it forms an abscess.
An abscess can cause a fever and a throbbing pain in nearby teeth. It can also cause long-term damage to your teeth and gums. The teeth may get loose and fall out. The infection can spread to another part of your body.
One of the most significant symptoms of a gum abscess is pain, which often appears suddenly, and is characterised by being a deep, throbbing pain. Other symptoms include:
The surface of the gums being shiny due to the mucosa stretching over the abscess
Redness
Swelling
Increasing pressure in the affected area, as pus forms
A bad taste in the mouth and a bad smell may be perceived as pus drains
A gum abscess is a painful condition that can lead to serious complications. It’s important to recognize the signs of a gum abscess and get medical treatment if you develop one.
Reduce pain and swelling in your face and jaw by putting ice or a cold pack on the outside of your cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
.Dental abscesses are often painful, but not always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist. It’s important to get help as soon as possible, as abscesses do not go away on their own.
Periodontitis, or is an advanced gum disease, is a common infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the tooth. Without treatment, the alveolar bone around the teeth is slowly and progressively lost.
The name “periodontitis” means “means inflammation around the tooth.” Microorganisms, such as bacteria, stick to the surface of the tooth and in the pockets surrounding the tooth, and they multiply. As the immune system reacts and toxins are released, inflammation occurs.
Untreated periodontitis will eventually result in tooth loss. It may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other health problems.
Gum disease is more likely to become severe if there are high levels of aggressive bacteria, and if the person’s immune system is weakened.
The following risk factors are linked to a higher risk of periodontitis:
Smoking: Regular smokers are more likely to develop gum problems. Smoking also undermines the efficacy of treatment. Ninety percent of cases that do not respond to treatment are in smokers.
Hormonal changes in females: Hormonal changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Diabetes: Those living with diabetes have a higher incidence of gum disease than other individuals of the same age.
AIDS: Gum disease is more common in people with AIDS.
Cancer: Cancer and some cancer treatments can increase the chance of gum disease.
Drugs: Medications such as antihypertensive drugs or vasodilating agents—which relax and dilate the blood vessels—immunotherapy drugs, and medications that reduce saliva can all increase the chance of gum disease.
Genetic factors: Some people are more susceptible to gum disease due to genetic factors.
See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better.
The main aim of treatment is to clean out bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and prevent further destruction of bone and tissue. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The dentist may also suggest changing certain behaviours, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve your treatment results.
A number of medicated mouthwashes and other treatments are available.
Prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse, such as chlorhexidine: This is used to control bacteria when treating gum disease and after surgery. Patients use it as they would a regular mouthwash.
Antiseptic chip: This is a small piece of gelatin that is filled with chlorhexidine. It controls bacteria and reduces periodontal pocket size. It is placed in the pockets after root planning. The medication is slowly resealed over time.
Antibiotic gel: This gel contains doxycycline, an antibiotic. It helps control bacteria and shrink periodontal pockets. It is placed in the pockets after scaling and root planing. It is a slow-release medication.
Antibiotic microspheres: Very small particles containing minocycline, an antibiotic, are placed into pockets after scaling and root planing. This slow-release medication is also used to control bacteria and reduce periodontal pocket size.
Enzyme suppressant: This keeps destructive enzymes in check with a low-dose of doxycycline. Some enzymes can break down gum tissue, but this medication can delay the body’s enzyme response. It is taken orally, as a pill, and it is used with scaling and root planing.
Oral antibiotics: Available in capsule or tablet form, these are taken orally. They are used short-term for the treatment of acute or locally persistent periodontal infection.
If good oral hygiene and non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgical intervention may be needed.
Options include:
Flap surgery:
The healthcare professional performs flap surgery to remove calculus in deep pockets, or to reduce the pocket so that keeping it clean is easier. The gums are lifted back, and the tarter is removed. The gums are then sutured back into place, so they fit closely to the tooth. After surgery, the gums will heal and fit tightly around the tooth. In some cases, the teeth may appear longer than before.
Bone and tissue grafts:
This procedure helps regenerate bone or gum tissue that has been destroyed. New natural or synthetic bone is placed where the bone was lost, promoting bone growth.
The effects of periodontitis can be stopped through regular check-ups and treatment and continued good oral hygiene. This is also a part of treatment once an infection occurs.
It is important to:
Brush the teeth with a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day, carefully cleaning the chewing surfaces and the sides of the teeth.
Use floss or an interdental brush every day to clean between the teeth, in the spaces that the brush cannot reach. Dental floss can clean small gaps, but a dental brush is useful for a larger space.
Take extra care when cleaning around uneven surfaces, for example, closely-packed teeth, crooked teeth, crowns, dentures, fillings, and so on.
After brushing, use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent bacteria from growing and to reduce any inflammatory reaction in the mouth.
Certain herbs and spices can be turned into temporary home remedies for gum inflammation and pain until you see a professional help.
Clove powder and Spilanthesare both analgesic (pain-relieving) herbs. They have been used as alternative oral pain relievers for a long time. An anti-inflammatory powdered herb like turmeric may also help.
To use this treatment, mix the powdered herb of choice with a little warm water until you have a paste.
Apply the paste directly to your gums until pain subsides, and then rinse your mouth with water.
Take a fresh bag of tea and steep it in boiling water for up to 5 minutes, as you do to make tea. When the tea bag is cool enough to touch, apply it directly to painful gums for at least 5 minutes.
Choose a tea high in astringent tannins, such as black tea, green tea, or even hibiscus tea. Or choose a tea that contains an anti-inflammatory herb — ginger and chamomile are popular examples.
The anti-inflammatory herbs will soothe, while the tannins will absorb anything that irritates the gums.
Medicated oral gels are available on the market. These contain natural and synthetic compounds that help numb and treat gum pain. Some even include pain-numbing compounds from botanicals like clove or Spilanthes.
Common over-the-counter brands include Orajel and Anbesol. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Simple common painkillers and NSAIDs, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil) can help in a pinch.
If pain is stubborn and topical methods above (or others) aren’t working, give these options a try. You can use them on their own or in addition to topical home treatments.
For dosage amounts, follow directions on the bottle labels.
Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis is a rapidly progressive infection of the gingival tissues that causes ulceration of the interdental gingival papillae. It can lead to extensive destruction. Usually young to middle-aged people with reduced resistance to infection are affected. Males are more likely to be affected than females, with stress, smoking and poor oral hygiene being predisposing factors. Halitosis, spontaneous gingival bleeding, and a `punched-out’ appearance of the interdental papillae are all important signs.
The patients quite often complain of severe gingival tenderness with pain on eating and tooth brushing. The pain is dull, deep-seated and constant. The gums can bleed spontaneously and there is also an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
As there is an acute infection with mainly anaerobic bacteria, treatment follows surgical principles and includes superficial debridement, use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes and a course of metronidazole tablets. Treating the contributing factors should prevent a recurrence.
A dull throbbing pain develops two to four days after mandibular tooth extraction. It rarely occurs in the maxilla. Smoking is a major predisposing factor as it reduces the blood supply. The tissue around the socket is very tender and white necrotic bone is exposed in the socket. Halitosis is very common.
Even if your oral surgeon gives you medication, they’ll also encourage you to rinse the affected area with warm salt water several times a day. It can help eliminate bacteria and reduce or prevent further infection.
The Mayo Clinic recommends dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water. Swish this around in your mouth for a minute, or use it to flush out the dry socket with a syringe your surgeon gives you. Do this at least three times per day or after meals.
For the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, use cold packs against your face for fifteen minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Afterwards, you can use heat in the form of warm washcloths to manage pain.
Heat will likely be most beneficial for soothing pain caused by dry socket, though cold can help numb your nerves more efficiently. Test each and see what works best for you. Always use warm instead of hot, and place it against the cheek where you’re feeling pain.
Clove oil contains eugenol, which has anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It can soothe pain and prevent infections from developing or advancing. Because of this, clove oil is sometimes used in professional dry socket pastes. Clove oil can have side effects, so consult your dentist or oral surgeon before using this as a home remedy.
These side effects may include:
rash or skin irritation
sore gums
swollen gums
You can add clove oil to sterile gauze and apply it directly to the affected area. Only keep the gauze on for 20 minutes at a time until you’re sure that you won’t experience side effects.
Black tea contains tannic acid, which acts as a natural antibacterial agent while also reducing both swelling and pain.
To use this remedy, immerse a tea bag in a cup of boiling water for five minutes. Remove it and squeeze the excess water out after it’s cooled. The tea bag should be cooled for it to be effective. Sticking it in the refrigerator, not the freezer, can allow it to act as a cold compress.
You can gently bite down on the tea bag to keep it in place for about 15 minutes. Rinse your mouth with the remaining cool tea after the 15 minutes are over.
Chamomile has antioxidant properties which promote healing. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can immediately help soothe swelling and pain caused by dry socket. Most grocery stores will have it in stock if you don’t have it in your cupboard already.
You can utilize chamomile tea bags like black tea. Place the tea bag in boiling water for five minutes before removing it and letting it cool. Apply the tea bag to the affected area for 15 minutes. If this is uncomfortable, you can also sip on the tea once it’s cooled.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be effective at reducing both pain and swelling. They won’t be much help at treating or preventing an infection, but they can relieve pain until you can get to your doctor.
Talk with or call your dentist before you take any OTC medications. You should not take NSAIDs or any other OTC medication if you’re taking prescribed pain medications after your extraction. If you see your dentist for dry socket treatment, let them know what medications you’ve taken.
Smoking and other tobacco use increase your risk of developing dry socket and can also make it more difficult to treat. You should avoid all smoking and tobacco products while you’re treating and recovering from dry socket.
Other irritating foods and beverages should also be avoided, even if they’re liquid. Spicy foods and alcoholic beverages can increase discomfort. You should be eating soft foods to avoid opening or getting debris trapped in the socket.
Dry socket can be extremely painful, so it would be difficult to ignore. However, if it goes untreated, it could result in additional complications.
The most common complication is delayed healing. Additional medicated dressings and careful attention will be needed to make sure the dry socket heals properly.
Your socket can also become infected, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to your bone. This may require oral or intravenous antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading further.
There are few risks to utilizing home remedies to treat dry socket outside of allergic reactions, but you should talk with your doctor first to make sure these treatments are safe for you.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with your doctor before you begin using essential oils and use caution when choosing a quality brand. You should also always do a test patch before using.
Dry socket can be excruciatingly painful. As soon as symptoms arise, you should start treatment. While you’re waiting to see your oral surgeon, you can utilize home remedies detailed above to manage your symptoms and pain.
Fortunately, while dry socket is painful, it responds quickly to treatment. Your symptoms should start decreasing soon after treatment, and they should be entirely gone in three to four days. If not, make another appointment with your dentist to look for a better solution.
The area will be irrigated thoroughly with warm saline solution. If loose bone is present, local anaesthesia may be necessary to allow thorough cleaning of the socket. Patients should be will how to irrigate the area and told to do this regularly. Analgesics are indicated, but pain may persist for several days.
This is caused by infection of the maxillary sinus, usually following an upper respiratory tract infection. However, there can be a history of recent tooth extraction leading to an oro-antral fistula. Patients usually complain of unilateral dull pain in all posterior upper teeth. All these teeth may be tender to percussion, but they will respond to a pulp sensitivity test. There are usually no other dental signs.
The pain tends to be increased on lying down or bending over. There is often a feeling of `fullness’ on the affected side. The pain is usually unilateral, dull, throbbing and continuous. Quite often the patient feels unwell generally and feverish.
Pain originating from the sinus arises mainly from pressure. Decongestants can help sinus drainage. Antibiotics probably have only a minor role in mild cases. Referral to an otorhinolaryngologist for endoscopic sinus surgery may be indicated in chronic cases.
And For Treatment of different Causes of Dental Pain
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Below you will find some common dental emergencies and steps you can take to prevent further damage or injury until your dentist appointment.
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If you have a severe toothache, swelling or another dental emergency, it’s important to contact a dentist straight away. They can advise you about how to treat your symptoms at home to relieve pain and discomfort and avoid making the problem worse. If you need urgent care, they will recommend booking an emergency appointment at your nearest dental clinic.
The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you can’t get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.
While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isn’t right. If you have oral pain, it’s generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Oral pain can be caused by a variety of serious issues, including tooth decay, a damaged filling, a tooth fracture, infected gums or an abscessed tooth. If the latter has occurred, you could suffer serious complications without rapid treatment. These complications could include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. In some cases, bacterial infections can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to hospitalization or worse.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, call one of us immediately.
Whatever the cause of your dental pain, it’s important to visit your local dentist for an evaluation. That said, if you suspect your dental pain is caused by a cavity or fracture, you can use the following strategies to minimize pain until you are able to see a professional.
Toothache pain is the worst. You can’t see it, it doesn’t go away on its own and you can’t massage it like a muscle knot. It’s also a loud indicator of a serious problem that requires immediate attention from a dentist.
Most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, which means you probably have the result of that tooth decay or advanced gum disease. The pain you feel – usually when you eat or drink something sweet, very hot or very cold – is an alarm bell telling you that the pulp is irritated. The pulp is the inside of your tooth, where the tissue and nerves are located, so if something is wrong with the pulp, you’ll feel it in the entire tooth.
Once the decay process has reached the nerve of the tooth, extreme pain can occur at any time…the intensity can range from moderate to a very severe…extreme throbbing pain can be continuous and can resist oral pain medication. This kind of pain could subside during the daylight hours but is typically much worse during the evening and night. Once a toothache wakes you from sleep it is often relentless.
By definition, a dental abscess is a localized collection of “pus” or infected material in the area surrounding the root end of the offending tooth…pressure built up in this area can cause severe pain that can be referred to other teeth as well as other areas of the mouth and face. It’s not unusual for the patient not to know for sure where the pain is coming from or which tooth is the problem. This abscess can enlarge and extend to surrounding teeth…if the infection goes through the bone, rapid swelling of the gum and cheek can occur.
A detailed history and examination will identify the cause of dentally-related pain in most emergency situations. Sharp, shooting pain can be caused by inflammation in the pulp or exposure of the dentine. Dull throbbing pain has several causes including ulcerative gingivitis, dental caries and food impaction. Simple treatment will usually alleviate the symptoms until patients can be seen by a dentist.
This type of pain can be generalised or confined to one region of the mouth. The pain may be due to fluid movement through open tubules in the dentine or there may be some initial inflammatory changes in the dental pulp. It can be caused by caries, dentine exposure on root surfaces, split cusp, lost or fractured restoration or a fractured tooth.
Patients complain commonly of a sharp pain associated with hot, cold or sweet stimuli. The pain is only present when a stimulus is applied. In the case of a cracked cusp, grainy bread or hard food may create a sharp pain, that may be spasmodic, on biting or chewing.
With gingival recession, recent scaling, or tooth wear due to a high acid diet or gastric reflux, there may be generalised dentine sensitivity. However, with caries, fractured fillings and cracked cusps, the pain tends to be localised to the affected tooth.
Intermittent sharp, shooting pains are also symptomatic of trigeminal neuralgia, so care must be taken not to mistakenly label toothache as neuralgia.
The most common dental cause of dull, throbbing persistent pain is caries. In man
y cases, this is recurrent and associated with an existing restoration. Where the pulp is affected irreversibly, necrosis may follow with possible development of a periapical infection. A fractured cusp involving the pulp, or a large deep restoration may also be associated with this type of pain. Affected teeth may be tender to percussion in the later stages of periapical inflammation.
There is considerable variation in the pain reported by patients, but it commonly starts as a sharp stabbing pain that becomes progressively dull and throbbing. At first, the pain may be caused by a stimulus, but it then becomes spontaneous and remains for a considerable time after removal of the stimulus. The pain may radiate and be referred to other areas of the mouth. This type of pain tends to cause the patient to have difficulty sleeping and may be exacerbated by lying down. Heat may make the pain worse whereas cold may alleviate it. The pain may be intermittent with no regular pattern and may have occurred over months or years. If there is a periapical infection present, patients may no longer complain of pain in response to a thermal stimulus, but rather of sensitivity on biting.
To treat your tooth pain, a dentist will first review your medical history and conduct an exam. He or she will ask specific questions about your toothache, including when it started, where it is located, how severe it is, what makes it feel worse and what makes it feel better. The dentist will then examine your gums, teeth and any other relevant areas. X-rays and/or other tests may be needed to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Once the dentist determines the cause, he or she will outline available treatment options. For cavities, you may need a filling. If the tooth’s nerve is infected, you may require root canal therapy. If the area has become infected, the dentist may prescribe antibiotic medication to kill bacteria. Occasionally, dentists will use phototherapy with a cold laser, along with other treatments to reduce inflammation and pain.
Depending on the seriousness of the issue, you may receive treatment immediately or a few days after your exam. If the latter occurs, your dentist may choose to prescribe pain medication to help you cope with discomfort while you wait.
Treatment for tooth abscess will be customized to address your specific needs, but in most cases, we will use some combination of the following treatments:
The most effective way to treat an abscessed or infected tooth is to drain off the infection. A small incision into the abscess will help the pus drain out. The dentist may also debride and irrigate or wash the area of infection with saline. Debridement is removal of dead or necrotic tissue that will never heal.
It is not always easy or even possible to drain the abscess. A serious dental infection can “neutralize” the effects of local anesthetics making it very difficult to numb the patient for treatment. Infected lower molars are especially difficult to numb in the presence of a serious infection. In these cases, a patient needs to be placed on an appropriate antibiotic to reduce the infection, so the local anesthetics can be effective for comfortable treatment.
A root canal is a dental procedure to remove the nerve, arteries and vein in the center of the tooth root. In an infected tooth, a root canal can help remove infection and drain the abscess. When the infection heals, the tooth is restored with a crown to increase the strength and preserve the tooth.
If there is increased swelling or fever despite antibiotic administration and other treatments, the dental patient may need to be seen in a hospital setting. We’ll need to partner with a local oral surgeon who has hospital privileges in these cases, but we will be your advocate every step of the way to ensure you don’t get “lost” in the hospital emergency room, dealing with physicians who may not have the expertise to handle the situation.
Tooth abscess is absolutely a dental emergency. If you have a tooth abscess, you need to seek treatment immediately. Left untreated, abscess can lead to infection that spreads through the body causing serious and even life-threatening effects. The sooner these issues are treated the better!
If you notice any of the symptoms of tooth abscess listed above, you should come in to see us as soon as possible, and we will make every effort to set aside a same day appointment for you. Don’t wait for the pain or infection to spread. Get help right away.
If we are not available and no other Dentist can see you immediately, your next best way to get help is visit you local GP.
If your toothache isn’t caused by a serious underlying issue or you are waiting for an upcoming dental appointment, you can reduce pain using the following strategies:
In general, there are two ways to stop or blunt toothache pain. The first involves reducing inflammation, while the second centers on interrupting the signals from the injury to the brain. You can accomplish the first goal by applying a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time. Just be sure to use a piece of cloth as a buffer, so you don’t accidentally damage your skin. This can help alleviate discomfort by blunting pain and reducing swelling.
You can also reduce swelling and blunt pain signals by taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. If you do take ibuprofen, try to continue taking the medication every few hours, according to the product label. Avoid taking the medication once and then stopping when you feel relief, or the pain and inflammation is likely to return. If you don’t have ibuprofen, you can take acetaminophen instead; however, while this will help with the pain, it isn’t an anti-inflammatory medication.
In addition to cold packs and over-the-counter medications, there are some natural ways to stop a toothache. You can clean infections and promote temporary pain relief by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Treating a toothache with salt water can also help heal any oral wounds and reduce inflammation. Just make sure not to swallow any of the salt water while you rinse.
You can reduce discomfort by applying a hot pack to the side of your jaw. If you don’t have a hot pack, you can make one by filling a clean sock with rice and tying one end. Then, place the rice-filled sock in the microwave and heat it for a couple of minutes. The heat from the pack will help interrupt pain signals from your mouth to your brain.
Some research suggests that acupressure may be able to reduce toothache pain by causing the body to release endorphins. There are specific key points on the body that are believed to be associated with oral discomfort. If you’d like to try acupressure, consider researching reputable internet resources for more information about these areas.
Generally considered safe, peppermint tea bags have mild numbing properties that can ease oral pain for a short time. Most people prefer to cool their tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes before use. You can also apply the tea bag while it’s still warm and then wait for it to cool. This can create a pleasing sensation that can help take your mind off your toothache.
For thousands of years, garlic has been used for its medicinal properties. In addition to killing potentially harmful bacteria, it can also act as a pain reliever. To use garlic for toothaches, crush a clove to create a sticky paste and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can chew a clove of fresh garlic and spit it out afterword.
Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, guava leaves also have antimicrobial traits that can blunt pain and sterilize oral wounds. You can either chew on fresh guava leaves or boil crushed leaves in water to make a mouthwash
Used to treat dental pain throughout human history, clove oil can reduce inflammation and numb oral pain. It also contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can sterilize oral wounds. To treat a toothache, apply a small amount of the oil onto a clean cotton ball and dab it to the affected area. You can dilute the clove oil with a few drops of water or add carrier oil if it seems too potent.
Thyme has powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. To alleviate toothache symptoms, you can add a few drops of thyme essential oil to water and make a mouthwash. You can also dilute thyme essential oil with a few drops of clean water and add it to a cotton ball. Then apply it to the affected area.
The best way to deal with a toothache is to avoid it in the first place. You can reduce the risk of oral health issues by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. You should also eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugary or sticky foods and beverages. You should also be careful not to chew ice or hard items that might cause a fracture in your tooth. Finally, be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups, so you can get treatment for minor dental issues before they become painful problems that demand expensive treatments.
We offer our patient with easy and affordable way to budget and pay for their dental treatment
With dental payment plan, you can spread the cost of your treatment into affordable payments and get that winning smile and a healthy pain and problem free smile. The payment plan enables our patients begin with their treatment immediately – then pay the cost of their treatment spread over time. It is an excellent payment option for elective cosmetic and/or emergency or general dental procedures.
We have different third party financing company who would love to help you get the treatment that you need.
The information on this website is for information purposes only. Is not a substitute for a proper professional care and advice. Each patient’s outcomes, risks, potential complications, and recovery differ. Any dental procedure, minor or major, carries risks, some minor and some serious. Before and after images seen on our Social Media and website pages are our actual patient and have been published/posted with our patients’ permission. All of our patients photos are subject to Copyrights protection. We are strong believers in responsible aesthetics. Every cosmetic, medical, or dental procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Cosmetic Dentistry results will vary from patient to patient. Call our office and book for an actual in-office consultation for us to assess if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment. All of our Specials and packages posted on this site are subject to terms, conditions and availability.The exact fee for a particular cosmetic procedure will be determined after a preliminary assessment distinguishing your unique personal needs and the type of work needed. The prices mentioned on any of our website as well as any mentioned payment plan by a third party source, are just a guide and is subject to change. Call the third party financing providers or visit their website for more info. Please call the office on 9629-7664 for further queries or clarification.
Worn teeth or worn down teeth are a common problem, especially for older patient and are often caused by the lack of harmony between your bite and the muscles that control it.
In many cases, those suffering from worn teeth can feel unattractive and can cause impactful insecurities since worn teeth can give an aged facial appearance.
Whilst it’s natural for teeth to wear as you get older when teeth become shorter and darker, it’s more of a cause for concern.
When you visit our practice, we will discuss your worn teeth, one of the first things we will do is work with you to determine the cause of your excessive tooth wear. This way, you can address the cause of the wear to prevent it from becoming any worse. In some patients, tooth wear has a single cause, and in other patients, the wear is brought on by a combination of several of these factors. Some wear to teeth is a natural side effect of aging, with worn teeth becoming smaller and darker in colour. This is mainly an aesthetic problem, unless it starts to affect your bite or contribute to a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) which can lead to headaches, earaches, neck or back pain.
One of the main factors that can lead to worn down teeth is involuntary tooth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism. Although often brought on by stress, in many cases it is an unconscious action performed during the day and/or whilst asleep. In order to try to prevent daytime or night time clenching or grinding, mouth appliances are often suggested to protect the worn teeth and encourage the habit to stop.
Bruxism can cause headaches, earaches, facial pain and bite and jaw problems. Continual teeth-grinding can also lead to tooth enamel loss, and leave teeth more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. Those suffering from bruxism will often report jaw and tooth pain, particularly in the back molar area.
Occlusal Disease is when your teeth are worn down at an accelerated rate accompanied by tooth and jaw pain. Many people attribute this wear to natural aging; however, it can cause many issues if not treated properly.
After the teeth have been worn down to a certain point, you can experience difficulties in everyday tasks. Your speech will be affected, it is harder to chew and digest your food, and your teeth become overly sensitive to everything.
Short, worn teeth can tend to be an aesthetic issue, but as it progresses it can begin to affect your bite and even contribute to the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which on its own causes headaches, neck and back pain.
Once you have worn through the outer enamel layer on your teeth, you will find yourself in the softer layer, called dentine. Those who are at this stage will find their teeth wearing down at a much quicker rate and tooth loss can be common.
What’s more, if left untreated, worn teeth can lead to further deterioration and long-term problems, including increased tooth sensitivity, infection, and difficulties with tooth restoration/fillings/ crowns in the future.
If the issue is left too long, then the patient can find future treatments more costly and complex. These issues could have otherwise been prevented.
Many patients first notice their teeth are showing wear when they look in the mirror. However, excessive tooth wear can cause an array of other issues that you may not immediately realize are associated with the wear.
The following are problems commonly associated with worn-down teeth.
Tooth enamel is white; however, the layer of your teeth below enamel—known as dentin—is yellow. Your teeth may gradually become more yellow as the enamel on top of dentin wears away due to bruxism, abrasion, or a diet high in acidic foods.
When the enamel on your teeth is worn away, the nerve endings in dentin are exposed to every substance you put in your mouth. Worn-down teeth can make you extremely sensitive to certain foods and drinks, and may even cause pain when brushing your teeth.
Teeth that become worn down can lead to alignment problems with your bite and jaw to cause strain, headaches, and jaw aches. You may also tend to bite harder or chew differently to compensate for problems with tooth alignment.
When the back teeth wear down and become shorter, the consequences to the front teeth can be devastating. It is termed, secondary occlusal trauma and it can lead to loosening of the front teeth, bone loss, gaps between the teeth and even tooth loss.
The bite misalignment that results from excessive tooth wear may also make it harder to bite into items like apples and carrots. You may also struggle to chew since your teeth no longer fit together properly.
Treatment for patients with wear must always start with management of the causative factors, such as wearing a nightguard
We recommend an occlusal mouthguard for you to wear to reduce the wear. It is best to catch this disease early to avoid pain, high costs or repairs, infection, and total tooth loss.
Enamel acts like a protective thermal seal around the nerve and when it is lost sensitivity often results. Hence, worn teeth are often sensitive to cold foods and drinks, and also to cold air. Sensitive teeth are best managed with use of de-sensitizing toothpastes such as Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive, and your dentist can apply professional pastes to assist with comfort.
Once a management plan is determined we can look at building the teeth back up so that both the appearance and eating are improved. Depending on how much tooth loss the patient have, we suggest simulate the treatment and then we have the patient wear a mock-up for up to 4 weeks so we can ensure that they are happy with the proposed changes and during this time they are getting used with the new bite changes before going to a more definitive treatment plan. The treatment involves finding the correct bite that is in harmony with the joint and the muscles.
Depending on the severity of your enamel wear, we may recommend correcting your bite with orthodontic therapy or wearing a bite splint or night guard to minimize the negative effect of grinding on the teeth.
Restoring your smile will provide lasting dental health and avoid the risk of tooth loss down the road. A comfortable and functional smile is an important part of a good quality of life.
Aggressive tooth wear is best treated with restorative techniques, such as covering the tooth with a ceramic crown or composite crown, which will be discussed below.
Dental Veneers are made with different materials, including composite resin and porcelain.
Porcelain Veneers has been known to be used for the more serious cases of damaged teeth. This Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, customized shells created for improving the appearance of your teeth. Fabricated from the highest grade of dental porcelain, veneers are thin facings that are individually custom designed and bonded to the visible surfaces of the front teeth. Beyond taking just a few visits, dental veneers are appealing because they require the removal of very little tooth structure or none at all.
Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, has been used in dentistry for many years. It is an excellent way to repair cracked, chipped and discoloured teeth, or replace silver amalgam fillings. Dental bonding can also be used to close gaps and reshape misaligned teeth, providing a straighter, more uniform smile. Bonding is the application of a composite resin which bonds to the tooth to fill or cover the existing tooth.
Dental bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike porcelain veneers and crowns, which are customised tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one visit.
Dental Veneers correct a wide range of dental issues caused by environmental factors or decay. To determine if you are a candidate for veneers, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zenaidy Castro. At this visit we’ll assess the overall health of your teeth, the surrounding tissues and jawbones, as well as analyze both your smile and facial aesthetics. She will guide you through every step of the procedure – including aftercare. You will actively participate in your personal design process, so be sure to discuss all cosmetic dentistry objectives during your visit. As skilled and experienced providers of care, we value patient input and will design your dental veneers to give you a beautiful smile that meets your cosmetic expectations.
If you are interested in improving the look of your smile with dental veneers you’ll first meet with our dentist for a smile makeover consultation.
Have a look at our smile gallery of photos that shows some of the beautiful smiles that we have worked on. We are committed to excellence & changing lives of our patients through smiles. Whether you’re in need of more advanced procedures such as “extreme Smile make-over,” Porcelain veneers, and bonding or you simply wish to correct a chipped tooth or create a whiter smiles, our practice provide personalized and cosmetic dentistry for every stage of your life. We have over 30 years of experience of providing gentle and quality General and Cosmetic Dentistry in Melbourne CBD, that you can count on.
To help you decide if veneers are what you’re looking for, to find out about your options, get the exact price of your veneer treatment, and for us to assess if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneer, book your FREE Veneer consultations.
Dr. Zenaidy Castro understands the impact a beautiful smile can have on your daily life. She takes the time to listen to each patient’s goals in order to produce the best results for everyone who wants to have a better smile.
Dr. Zenaidy Castro love transforming smiles through cosmetic dentistry, and with her vast experience of over 30 years, the care and aesthetic results she provides for all her patients is unmatched. What sets her apart is her careful eye for detail and ensure they have superior results that meet her patients expectations.
She enjoys creating smiles based on the idea that each person is born with a unique smile, and believe that a beautiful smile is not a one-size-fits-all smile design or a an appearance that seems like coming from a single factory manufacturing line.
Dr. Zenaidy Castro will design the smile of your dreams. It is easier than you think! Just give us a call to set up your free aesthetic consultation and see for yourself what we can do to make your smile dreams come true. To learn more about working with Dr. Zenaidy Castro, contact Vogue Smiles Melbourne on 9629-7664.
We don’t believe that dental care should be out of anyone’s price range. We want you to feel confident in a smile that looks attractive and functions naturally—and fits within your budget! If you don’t believe you can afford the dental treatment you need (or want), rest assured that we will try our best to help you afford the treatment you need. We have helped countless patients receive affordable dentistry, providing them with beautiful new smiles that have changed their quality of life.
Our team helps make our dental services affordable by assisting you in maximizing your insurance benefits and accepting a variety of payment methods.
Don’t let fear or embarrassment about your budget keep you from getting the dental treatments your smile deserves.
Contact our team today!
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is for information purposes only. Is not a substitute for a proper professional care and advice. Each patient’s outcomes, risks, potential complications, and recovery differ. Any dental procedure, minor or major, carries risks, some minor and some serious. Before and after images seen on our Social Media and website pages are our actual patient and have been published/posted with our patients’ permission. All of our patients photos are subject to Copyrights protection. We are strong believers in responsible aesthetics. Every cosmetic, medical, or dental procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Cosmetic Dentistry results will vary from patient to patient. Call our office and book for an actual in-office consultation for us to assess if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment. All of our Specials and packages posted on this site are subject to terms, conditions and availability.The exact fee for a particular cosmetic procedure will be determined after a preliminary assessment distinguishing your unique personal needs and the type of work needed. The prices mentioned on any of our website as well as any mentioned payment plan by a third party source, are just a guide and is subject to change. Call the third party financing providers or visit their website for more info. Please call the office on 9629-7664 for further queries or clarification.
Deciding to Fix & Straighten your Overlapping, Crooked, Crowded teeth can seem complicated. Crowding, gaps, and misaligned bites respond differently to individual orthodontic and cosmetic treatments. In here, you will find different options from traditional Orthodontic treatment to the quickest and most efficient way to treat your crooked teeth without braces called “Instant” Orthodontics.
Is your smile holding you back? Research shows that people who smile more are more likely to be successful across many life domains than people who smile less. Having straight, healthy teeth can give you the confidence you need to show the world a big beautiful smile. And, a beautiful new smile may help open the doors to a fabulous new job, finding the perfect mate, making new friends, a relationship or simply a pleasant meeting. A great smile has magical powers. Never EVER underestimate the power of your smile!
Your smile is your calling card. Whether you’re having social interactions with your family and friends, attending a family wedding, or simply going about your daily activities and interactions, – your smile has an immediate impact on the way people perceive you. And if you’re embarrassed about your teeth – because of missing teeth, aged smiles, worn down teeth, chips, crookedness, colour and among other aesthetic imperfections– people aren’t perceiving the most confident and attractive version of you. Get expert cosmetic dental enhancement and makeover at Vogue Smiles Melbourne. We are here to help.
If you are self conscious about the appearance of your crooked teeth, and you feel your smile is holding you back, we can help you of straightening your teeth using either Invisalign or porcelain veneers.
Crooked teeth may mean different things to different people. Most people refer to teeth that aren’t straight or aligned as “crooked.” We see patients with a variety of concerns about their smiles. These concerns range from spacing to bite issues.
Crowding manifests as overlapping teeth that look like they don’t have enough room to fit in the mouth. Often crowded teeth become increasingly overlapped with time, which can lead to an even more crooked smile. Crowding in the mouth makes it more difficult to clean the teeth adequately, and there is an increased risk for plaque, decay, and gum disease.
Although one or two uneven teeth might seem like a minor concern, orthodontic treatment is very important. First, of course, it can greatly improve your appearance. Often, isolated uneven teeth can draw attention away from your other facial features, making your entire smile look out of line. In some cases, they can also cause you to look childlike or older than you actually are. Second, orthodontic care can also improve your oral health.
Overlapping teeth often trap bacteria, and they are very difficult to clean. Therefore, proper treatment can reduce your risk for decay, discoloration, and gum disease. Further, a single crooked tooth can offset the force of your entire bite, causing pressure on isolated teeth. Without appropriate care, you could eventually suffer from dental erosion, a cracked tooth, or TMJ disorder.
You have several options for correcting crooked teeth. You have 2 primary treatment types. One is the conventional Orthodontic treatment using traditional braces or Invisalign. Second is through Cosmetic Dentistry utilizing a procedure called “Instant Orthodontics”
Conventional metal braces are the treatment option most people are familiar with because they are the most popular choice for straightening teeth. Conventional metal braces stay affixed to the teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Treatment times with conventional metal braces vary from patient to patient, but most patients wear them anywhere from 6 to 36 months. Conventional metal braces are cost-effective and very useful for correcting a variety of dental alignment issues, from mild to severe.
For those who want to straighten their teeth without wearing metal braces, Invisalign is the top choice. This orthodontic treatment features invisible aligners that most people won’t notice you’re wearing. Many people choose Invisalign because it is a comfortable alternative to metal braces that requires fewer maintenance appointments.
Another perk of choosing Invisalign is that they are removable. One common complaint about metal braces is that they pose challenges to oral hygiene. Conventional metal braces can make brushing and flossing difficult. With Invisalign, you can remove your clear aligner to clean your teeth.
The Invisalign process is straightforward. You’ll wear each aligner unless eating or cleaning teeth. After two weeks, you’ll receive a new aligner. You only visit us every six weeks during treatment to confirm that treatment is moving along as expected.
On average, Invisalign treatment lasts 11 -24 months. During this time, you’ll go through a series of 18 to 30 aligners. Each patient has different needs and treatment duration times. The best way to learn more about how long you’d wear Invisalign is to book a consultation with us.
The question then becomes how long does it take to fix crooked teeth in adults? Treatment with traditional metal braces can take up to two years. If you’re looking for a quicker fix for that perfect selfie at an upcoming wedding or you’re thinking about those graduation pictures at the end of your senior year, you’ll want to consider some of the newer options for correcting crooked teeth.
There are many ways to correct the appearance of crooked teeth. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to wear braces or Invisalign, you may be able to resolve your crowded smile in a matter of weeks, rather than years. If you simply want a straighter looking smile, you may be able to accomplish this cosmetic goal with dental veneers in a process called “Instant” Orthodontics.
Yes. Cosmetic dentistry offers another alternative for correcting one’s smile without the need for braces. Specifically were talking about porcelain veneers or dental bonding. if you don’t want braces, then these are a viable option to consider. Veneers are thin, hard shells of porcelain that are bonded permanently to the front of a tooth. You could use them to correct teeth that are crooked, discolored, misaligned, chipped or have spacing issues. Dental veneers are very strong and very resistant to staining.
If you’re looking for an alternative to braces that will provide results in a short amount of time, then a Cosmetic Dentistry procedure called “instant” Orthodontics is you next great viable option.
Some adult patients are reluctant to have a conventional orthodontic treatment as recommended. They feel that wearing awkward metal braces for a number of years is too high a price to pay for straight teeth. They want immediate results to correct misalignment of their overcrowded front teeth and other conditions such as protrusion. Some patients want to close the gaps in between their teeth, recontour poorly shaped teeth, or correct their open bites or cross bites.
The effectiveness of this approach can depends on how crooked and crowded the teeth are to begin with. What we can do is absolutely amazing. For many adults this option is better than traditional orthodontics, and treatments can be complete in as little as two to 4 visits.
With this option, you don’t need to wait months or years to reveal a beautiful new smile!
This is a method of cosmetic dentistry and smile design, which uses various methods of dentistry to perfect your smile in just a few visits.
Instant Orthodontics involves changing the visible part of the teeth to give the appearance of straight, healthy teeth. Custom porcelain crowns or veneers, cosmetic bonding and careful shaping of the teeth can give a great result in as little as one or two appointments.
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or composite veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored, translucent porcelain or composite resin, custom made to fit over teeth and improve their color, shape and overall appearance. Placement of dental veneers can dramatically improve your smile and appearance.
Placement of dental veneers is sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can be used to cover a variety of dental problems involving teeth in the “smile zone” including:
Dental veneers can improve the appearance of the teeth but they cannot realign the jaw or correct overbites and underbites. Orthodontics are required to correct these more complicated problems.
NO RETAINERS – Dental veneers immediately smooth out and straighten your smile permanently. There is no need for a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting.
NO EMBARRASSMENT – Metal brackets and wires for a year? No thanks. Skip the inconvenience associated with traditional braces by opting for dental veneers.
NO HASSLE –We’re sure you have better things to do than visit the dentist every two weeks to have your braces tightened. A dental veneer can be placed in one visit.
NO PAIN – we can place a dental veneer while you remain completely comfortable. No painful brackets and tightening for you.
NO WAIT – YOU CAN HAVE A BEAUTIFULLY STRAIGHT SMILE IN AS LITTLE AS ONE OR TWO VISITS.
For many patients of our practice, instant orthodontics has provided an outstanding alternative to braces. Not all orthodontic issues, however, can be resolved with porcelain veneers. The best candidates for instant orthodontics with porcelain veneers include those who have:
Teeth that do not meet properly due to flaws in shape or length
Gaps between teeth
Teeth that are slightly crooked or misaligned
Undergone orthodontic treatment in the past but still have issues
Good oral health as well as good overall health
Reasonable expectations of the procedure
Aesthetic flaws in their teeth in addition to orthodontic problems
Strong oral hygiene habits
More extensive orthodontic problems may not be possible to treat with porcelain veneers alone.
We will meet with you so that we can get to know you and your unique situation. From there, we can let you know if teeth veneers are a good solution for you. If you decide to move forward with instant orthodontics, you’ll continue on to the next step.
A mold will be taken of your teeth, from which a model will be created to determine what your perfect dental veneers will look like.
Depending on the instant orthodontics option you choose, your custom teeth veneers may require your teeth to be prepped first. This preparation allows the veneers to bond more securely to your teeth
We will affix your new teeth veneers to complete your instant orthodontics treatment.
You WALK OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH A BEAUTIFUL, STRAIGHT SMILE THAT IS READY TO SHARE!
Instant orthodontics use a dental veneers, which can be made of either Porcelain or a Composite Veneer. These materials are thin shells of specially crafted dental materials.
Instant orthodontics with porcelain dental veneers provides patients with the option of immediately improving the appearance of chipped, stained, and crooked teeth. The final result creates a great deal of happiness and satisfaction to them.
Porcelain veneers is a great solution for addressing the following aesthetic problems:
Slightly crooked teeth
Slightly misaligned teeth
Small gaps between teeth
Chipped teeth
Cracked teeth
Stained teeth
What are the advantages of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very durable. Although porcelain veneers are very thin, usually between 0.5 – 0.7 millimeters and inherently brittle, once bonded to healthy tooth structure it becomes very strong. Porcelain veneers can last for many years, usually 10-15 years, if you take good care of them using good oral hygiene and avoiding using them to crack or chew hard objects like ice.
Porcelain veneers create a very life-like and natural tooth appearance. The translucent properties of the porcelain allows the veneers to mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel giving it a sense of depth which is not possible with other cosmetic bonding materials such as composite resin.
Porcelain veneers resist staining. Unlike other cosmetic dental bonding materials, porcelain is a smooth, impervious ceramic and therefore will not pick up permanent stain from cigarette smoking or from dark or richly colored liquids or spices.
Porcelain veneers are conservative. Only a small amount of tooth structure is removed, if any during the procedure.
What are the disadvantages of porcelain veneers?
The major disadvantages of porcelain veneers over composite resin include the following:
Porcelain veneers are not made at chairside. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits. Composite resin veneers are accomplished in one visit. An adequate amount of tooth structure is removed to allow for placement of composite resin in the desired shape without added tooth bulk. Bonding agent is applied. Composite resin is then added, light cured, then finished and polished.
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. The placement of veneers requires more time, expertise and resources in order to fabricate and bond and therefore cost more.
Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break porcelain veneers must be replaced.
What is Involved in Obtaining Porcelain Veneers?
Usually two visits are required. The first visit may take between one to two hours. During this visit:
Your teeth are examined, your desires and expectations are discussed and your color shades are selected. It is critical that you take an active role in this “smile design” process. The size and shape of your teeth will be discussed. Also the corrective limitations of porcelain veneers will be discussed.
Your teeth may be prepared for porcelain veneers by trimming the enamel from the front and biting edge your teeth to accommodate the added thickness of the veneers so they can fit over your teeth without added bulk. Typically 0.5 – 0.7 millimeter of enamel will be removed.
An impression will be taken to make an exact replica of your teeth. This impression will be used to make a model upon which your porcelain veneer will be custom made.
Temporary veneers may or may not be placed upon your teeth, depending upon the amount of tooth structure removed and kind of changes being made.
The second visit may also take between one to two hours. During this visit:
Temporary veneers, if present, will be removed.
The fit of the porcelain veneers will be evaluated by the doctor and then by you. This is a time for you to check the shape and color, fit and feel of the veneers to see if they meet your expectations before they are bonded to your teeth. We can make any changes you want before they are bonded to your teeth. Once porcelain veneers are bonded it is best not to adjust them.
Once you approve of your veneers your teeth will be cleaned with a mild acidic solution. A tooth-colored, bonding adhesive is applied to the teeth and veneer then dried and hardened (bonded) to your teeth with a curing light .
Once they are bonded any excess cement will be removed, your teeth will be flossed and your veneers will be polished
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people who have minor aesthetic dental problems. They should be in otherwise good dental health since the teeth need to be in good condition to prep for the porcelain veneer. Patients need to also have realistic expectations about porcelain veneers and what they are able to achieve; realistic expectations means better satisfaction with the procedure.
So Dental veneers are not appropriate for everyone or every tooth. Case selection is an extremely important factor in the success of this technique. Veneering teeth is not a reversible procedure if tooth structure must be removed to achieve your desired result Only an examination by your dentist can determine whether dental veneers are appropriate for making the changes you want.
Some of the situations where certain teeth or people are not good candidates for dental veneers include:
Unhealthy teeth. Dental decay and active gum disease must be treated prior to fabricating and bonding dental veneers.
Weakened teeth. If a significant amount of tooth structure is missing or has been replaced by a large filling the teeth will not be strong enough to function with a dental veneer.
Teeth with an inadequate amount of enamel present. Dental veneers are more successfully bonded onto tooth enamel.
People who habitually clench or grind on their teeth. Habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth can easily chip or break dental veneers. Dental nightguards may be a solution for this in some cases.
Persons without a stable bite.
Severely malpositioned teeth or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment may be required to achieve the desired result.
The closest conservative cosmetic alternative to porcelain veneers is composite resin. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured filling material that may be used to form dental veneers.
Dental bonding is a process used to fix cosmetic defects such as crooked teeth, gap teeth, and even chipped teeth. Such defects are fixed by applying resin like material to the teeth. When this material is applied to your teeth, it will bond to them, affixing them permanently for stability and lasting effect. After the resin hardens, your teeth will look and feel great.
The material is the color of teeth, and it hardens as it bonds to your teeth. When the procedure is completed, your bonded tooth will look like the rest of your teeth. The procedure takes between 30-60 minutes per tooth, so if you have a few teeth to several teeth that needs to be done, this will take few hours.
If you have crooked teeth, discolored teeth, gap teeth, decayed teeth or any other of a number of possible issues, and can’t afford Porcelain Veneers, then you should consider dental bonding.
Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures.
The process will usually only require a single visit to complete (unless multiple teeth or cavities are involved).
There is, in most cases, no need for anesthesia.
Tooth prep for dental bonding doesn’t require as much tooth enamel removal as porcelain veneers.
Teeth whitening can be done with bonded teeth, but you should consult your dentist beforehand.
The Drawbacks
One big disadvantage of dental bonding is that composite resin isn’t as stain-resistant as the material used for say, dental veneers or crowns. Coffee, tea, and red wine may affect the color over time, as will cigarette smoking.
Bonding will not usually last as other treatments such as fillings, dental veneers or crowns and must be redone every 5-10 years.
Bonding materials can break and/or chip more easily than porcelain veneers.
Dental bonding is not ideal for all your teeth; it’s most effective on teeth with less direct biting/chewing, like the front teeth.
How long will my Dental bonding last?
Most tooth bonding will last anywhere from 3-10 years, depending on which teeth are bonded and how well you care for them. There is ongoing research about the products used in the dental bonding process, with hopes of further improving the materials most commonly used.
Bonding is a more ideal option for small imperfections or damage to a few teeth. Bonding is less expensive, due in part to the use of less durable material. Bonding is also a less invasive process, usually only requiring a single visit to your dentist to complete.
Veneers are a permanent change to your teeth that cannot be undone. Whereas veneers require the removal of an entire layer of tooth enamel, bonding only requires some roughening of a particular area of your tooth. They are also longer lasting and less resistant to breaks, chips or stains.
The cost of teeth straightening can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and the type of veneering materials and the the type of treatment you choose.
While instant gratification is not always possible, in orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry, this is about as close as it gets. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your outlook on life will change as you flaunt your new smile. Smiles, in fact, have been shown in studies to release endorphins and other positive chemicals into the brain, which increase happiness, alleviate depression, and contribute to a sense of confidence. When you get instant orthodontics, you are investing not only in your appearance, but also in your health.
Dr. Castro will sit down with you and discuss your options based on the extent of corrections required, your desired outcome, and what treatments are available to correct what you are unhappy with when you visit our office.
When your porcelain veneers are finished, Dr. Castro’s office will contact you to schedule an appointment to have them installed. Depending on the complexity of your case, the amount of work required, and other factors, this may require more than one session. However, the effort is worthwhile because in as few as two to three sessions, you could have the smile that would otherwise take months or years to achieve!
When properly taken care of, your instant orthodontics will last you upwards of twenty years and these procedures can greatly cut down on the time you need for a great smile.
At your initial visit to our office, Dr. Castro will assess the cosmetic problems you are not happy with. She will walk you through various treatment options and determine whether Porcelain Veneer is appropriate for you. She will sit down and discuss your options based on the extent of corrections needed, your desired outcome, and what treatments are available to correct what you are unhappy with.
As everyone is not an ideal candidate for Porcelain Veneer, we will want you to have a consultation so that you can determine if it is the right choice for you. Here at our office , we provide Porcelain Veneer to a lot of our patients as an option to help them with their smile.
To help you decide if veneers are what you’re looking for, to find out about your options, get the exact price of your veneer treatment, and for us to assess if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneer, book your FREE Veneer consultations.
Dr. Zenaidy Castro understands the impact a beautiful smile can have on your daily life. She takes the time to listen to each patient’s goals in order to produce the best results for everyone who wants to have a better smile.
Dr. Zenaidy Castro love transforming smiles through cosmetic dentistry, and with her vast experience of over 30 years, the care and aesthetic results she provides for all her patients is unmatched. What sets her apart is her careful eye for detail and ensure they have superior results that meet her patients expectations.
She enjoys creating smiles based on the idea that each person is born with a unique smile, and believe that a beautiful smile is not a one-size-fits-all smile design or a an appearance that seems like coming from a single factory manufacturing line.
Dr. Zenaidy Castro will design the smile of your dreams. It is easier than you think! Just give us a call to set up your free aesthetic consultation and see for yourself what we can do to make your smile dreams come true. To learn more about working with Dr. Zenaidy Castro, contact Vogue Smiles Melbourne on 9629-7664.
We don’t believe that dental care should be out of anyone’s price range. We want you to feel confident in a smile that looks attractive and functions naturally—and fits within your budget! If you don’t believe you can afford the dental treatment you need (or want), rest assured that we will try our best to help you afford the treatment you need. We have helped countless patients receive affordable dentistry, providing them with beautiful new smiles that have changed their quality of life.
Our team helps make our dental services affordable by assisting you in maximizing your insurance benefits and accepting a variety of payment methods.
Don’t let fear or embarrassment about your budget keep you from getting the dental treatments your smile deserves.
Contact our team today
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is for information purposes only. Is not a substitute for a proper professional care and advice. Each patient’s outcomes, risks, potential complications, and recovery differ. Any dental procedure, minor or major, carries risks, some minor and some serious. Before and after images seen on our Social Media and website pages are our actual patient and have been published/posted with our patients’ permission. All of our patients photos are subject to Copyrights protection. We are strong believers in responsible aesthetics. Every cosmetic, medical, or dental procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Cosmetic Dentistry results will vary from patient to patient. Call our office and book for an actual in-office consultation for us to assess if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment. All of our Specials and packages posted on this site are subject to terms, conditions and availability.The exact fee for a particular cosmetic procedure will be determined after a preliminary assessment distinguishing your unique personal needs and the type of work needed. The prices mentioned on any of our website as well as any mentioned payment plan by a third party source, are just a guide and is subject to change. Call the third party financing providers or visit their website for more info. Please call the office on 9629-7664 for further queries or clarification.
Meet Dr Zenaidy Castro, the Principal Dentist and founder of Vogue Smiles Melbourne. She have built a Private General and Cosmetic Dental Practice in Melbourne, founded on the principles of compassion, trust and understanding. It has been a lifelong dream of hers to consistently provide her patients with excellent service and give them the utmost satisfaction that they deserve.
The Material of Dreams
As far back as I can remember, art in various forms has always fascinated me. As a child, I found joy in drawing and painting, mesmerized by the ability to transform a blank canvas into a visual story. My deep-seated affinity for aesthetics and creativity eventually led me to a career that beautifully intertwined precision and artistry—cosmetic dentistry. Through my profession, I have found immense fulfilment in helping my patients achieve radiant, confident smiles. The artistry of sculpting and refining dental aesthetics became my first avenue for creative expression, but my journey as an artist was only beginning.
Artistic Realization: The Birth of a Passion
Visual creativity is an intrinsic part of me—a passion embedded in my very essence. Despite my commitment to my private dentistry career and the successful practice I built, I longed for another outlet to nurture my artistic soul. Over the years, I dedicated myself to learning and exploring various visual arts disciplines, enrolling in courses that expanded my knowledge in painting and different artistic techniques.
From landscapes and still life to intricate abstract compositions, I experimented with diverse styles using both oil and acrylic paints. While I enjoyed many forms of artistic expression, abstract painting captivated me the most. The freedom to convey emotions and ideas through color and movement resonated deeply with me, allowing me to express myself in ways beyond the structured world of dentistry.
Then, in late 2015, I discovered photography—a moment that would redefine my artistic journey forever. I instantly fell in love with the craft, embracing every aspect of its technical and creative potential. Though I was initially unfamiliar with photographic techniques, my intuitive visual acumen and past artistic training quickly propelled me forward. Within just a year, my work began to receive recognition, winning multiple awards and honors. Photography became more than just a hobby; it became a profound extension of my artistic soul.
My love for black and white photography, in particular, ignited a passion for capturing the world’s raw beauty. My camera became a tool for storytelling, allowing me to document my travels, the people I encountered, and the landscapes that took my breath away. From minimalist landscapes to travel documentaries and cultural portraits, my work spanned across multiple genres, each image holding a piece of my artistic vision.
My Passion for Black and White Photography
Black and white photography has an undeniable allure, a romance that has persisted since the earliest days of the medium. In a world overflowing with color, monochrome imagery stands as a pure, raw, and timeless form of expression.
Renowned photographer Edward Weston once described color and black-and-white photography as “two different means to different ends with nothing in common.” David Finn, in his book How to Look at Photographs: Reflections on the Art of Seeing, argues that black-and-white images appear more authentic and unembellished, allowing the subject to speak with clarity and emotional depth.
Black and white photography is not merely the absence of color—it is the distillation of form, light, texture, and emotion. A monochrome image strips away distractions, directing the viewer’s attention to the essence of the subject. My work in black and white photography explores the delicate balance between light and shadow, transforming ordinary moments into timeless pieces of art.
In my travels, I have found that black and white photography transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Whether capturing the weathered face of an elder in a remote village or the intricate architecture of a historic landmark, monochrome images emphasize the universal language of human experience. Each frame holds an intimate story, inviting viewers to connect beyond the constraints of color.
Art and Photographic Style: A Fusion of Color and Monochrome
While my abstract paintings burst with vibrant colors, my black and white photography embodies a stark yet poetic contrast. My artistic identity is a fusion of light and shadow, color and monochrome—two opposing yet harmonious forces, much like yin and yang.
My photographic journey has taken me through multiple genres, including:
Landscapes – Capturing the grandeur and serenity of nature.
Still Life – Showcasing the beauty in simplicity and composition.
Wildlife and Equine Photography – Celebrating the majestic presence of animals.
Travel Documentary & Cultural Portraits – Telling the stories of people and their traditions.
Genre Scenes – Freezing moments of everyday life into artistic expressions.
During my early years in photography, I navigated the learning curve through trial and error, allowing my instincts and artistic intuition to guide me. Despite my inexperience, my work demonstrated strong composition, emotional depth, and an innate sensitivity to storytelling. My early photographs gained international recognition, with many of my award-winning images being black and white compositions.
Beyond the technical aspects of photography, my approach is deeply philosophical. I see photography as a means of reflection—a way to slow down, observe, and appreciate the subtleties of life. Each photograph I take is a meditation on time, space, and emotion, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Inspiration Behind Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery
After more than 30 years in cosmetic dentistry, helping patients achieve beautiful smiles, I realized that my passion for creating beauty extended far beyond my dental practice. Through my work, I have met people from all walks of life, and each encounter reinforced the profound truth that every person carries a unique and extraordinary story. This realization became the foundation for my artistic vision, inspiring the creation of Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery.
As an artist and photographer, I seek to capture the beauty, emotion, and complexity of the world. My gallery is an extension of my soul—an expression of my belief that art has the power to connect, heal, and inspire.
Each person who views my work brings their own interpretation, emotions, and experiences, making the artwork not just mine, but theirs as well. Whether through a powerful black and white portrait, an abstract painting filled with color and energy, or a serene landscape, my goal is to offer a moment of reflection, connection, and wonder.
The Mission of Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery
Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery was created as more than just a showcase for my work—it is a space for empowerment, inspiration, and self-discovery. My vision for the gallery is to help others connect with their inner selves, to embrace their unique path, and to find meaning in the beauty around them.
This passion project is about listening to the whispers of the heart—those quiet yet powerful voices that guide us toward our purpose. Whether making a life-changing decision, selecting a piece of artwork, or choosing a cosmetic dentist, the key to fulfilment lies in tuning into our deepest wisdom.
At the heart of my artistic journey is the belief that art is not just seen—it is felt. My work is an invitation for viewers to embark on their own journey of self-reflection and appreciation for the world’s boundless beauty.
Listen to Your Heart’s Whispers
My journey as an artist has taught me that the best decisions often come from the heart. Art, like life, is about trusting that inner voice and embracing the path it leads us on.
Through Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery, I invite you to experience the world through my lens—whether in vivid color or striking monochrome—and to discover the magic that surrounds us every day.
The answers we seek are often already within us—we just have to listen.
Welcome to my world of art, passion, and storytelling.
The information on this website is for information purposes only. Is not a substitute for a proper professional care and advice. Each patient’s outcomes, risks, potential complications, and recovery differ. Any dental procedure, minor or major, carries risks, some minor and some serious. Before and after images seen on our Social Media and website pages are our actual patient and have been published/posted with our patients’ permission. All of our patients photos are subject to Copyrights protection. We are strong believers in responsible aesthetics. Every cosmetic, medical, or dental procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Cosmetic Dentistry results will vary from patient to patient. Call our office and book for an actual in-office consultation for us to assess if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment. All of our Specials and packages posted on this site are subject to terms, conditions and availability.The exact fee for a particular cosmetic procedure will be determined after a preliminary assessment distinguishing your unique personal needs and the type of work needed. The prices mentioned on any of our website as well as any mentioned payment plan by a third party source, are just a guide and is subject to change. Call the third party financing providers or visit their website for more info. Please call the office on 9629-7664 for further queries or clarification.
Clinical placements opportunity for Student undertaking Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Clinical placement for Certificate 3 Dental Nursing
Our practice is looking for a Clinical placement for Certificate 3 Dental Nursing Student who is looking to complete 250 -300 hours of clinical placement after meeting the requirements for stage 1 of the program in their school.
Clinical placement for Certificate 3 Dental Nursing
Clinical placement for Certificate 3 Dental Nursing are a requirement for courses in a number of health-related disciplines including medicine, dentistry and oral health, nursing and midwifery, allied health and other discipline areas aligned to clinical services.
Clinical placement for Certificate 3 Dental Nursing are organised by the Education Provider (University, TAFE, College). Clinical placements are for students who are enrolled in an Australian Education Provider and who are working towards a health-related occupation.
A Student Placement Agreement must be in place between the Health Service and the Education Provider.
Overview
You will be provided with learning opportunities to attain the required skills and knowledge using a range of practically based activities and tasks, in successfully assisting the dentists during oral health care procedures.
This is a work-based training in our surgery. This includes receiving and preparing patients, preparing dental materials, using suction devices and water sprays, performing routine maintenance on equipment, sterilising and preventing cross-infection of equipment and all task related to Dental nursing and some reception works and learning Dental software.
This Clinical placement for Certificate 3 Dental Nursing is carried out by our highly qualified dental staff or the Dentist. This is an unpaid clinical placement.
Days Required
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 AM – 6 PM. Total of 24 hours per week.
The required 250 hours can be completed in about 11 -12 weeks or 3 months.
Office Location
1 Elizabeth Street (opposite Flinders Street Station)
Subject your email with Clinical Placement Certificate 3 in Dental Nursing
Indicate the date as to when you can do the placement
Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is for information purposes only. Is not a substitute for a proper professional care and advice. Each patient’s outcomes, risks, potential complications, and recovery differ. Any dental procedure, minor or major, carries risks, some minor and some serious. Before and after images seen on our Social Media and website pages are our actual patient and have been published/posted with our patients’ permission. All of our patients photos are subject to Copyrights protection. We are strong believers in responsible aesthetics. Every cosmetic, medical, or dental procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Cosmetic Dentistry results will vary from patient to patient. Call our office and book for an actual in-office consultation for us to assess if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment. All of our Specials and packages posted on this site are subject to terms, conditions and availability.The exact fee for a particular cosmetic procedure will be determined after a preliminary assessment distinguishing your unique personal needs and the type of work needed. The prices mentioned on any of our website as well as any mentioned payment plan by a third party source, are just a guide and is subject to change. Call the third party financing providers or visit their website for more info. Please call the office on 9629-7664 for further queries or clarification.
To Our Cosmetic Patient about to receive their New Smiles
Again, thank you for giving us the opportunity in assisting to your smile transformation journey.
And Congratulations! You are about to receive your new smile. How exciting would that be! You’ve made a life-altering decision to improve your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry treatment is unquestionably worthwhile for all the benefits it gives and undoubtedly worth the price for many people. A beautiful smile can boost self-esteem and help people feel confident about their appearance, making the treatment invaluable.
Cosmetic dentistry is a significant investment, and I want you to maximise the benefits of your investment in your new smile for many, many years. To accomplish this, I urge you to now invest in your time reading and becoming acquainted with how you should care for them. The email and document that we sent you, along with the links provided below, will provide you with complete information and knowledge on what to expect and how to care and safeguard for your new restorations.
What to expect during your Cementation booking
If you haven’t seen your new porcelain restorations yet, I’ll show them to you before I finish your cementation work. On that appointment, I will discuss and answer any questions/clarifications you may have about our postoperative care of your new porcelain restorations, including our three-year limited warranty. I’ve revised our postoperative care and three-year limited warranty.
After removal of your temporaries, if you have, I will do a trial fitting first and give you the opportunity to preview and assess it before cementation. To ensure that you are happy with everything, you must preview and assess every aspect of your new restorations, such as the look, shade, dimensions, and everything related to aesthetics. If you are happy with everything and approve for cementation to go ahead, I will then request your approval and consent to finish and cement your restorations. I will have you then sign a hard copy consent form.
Take note that once the restorations have been cemented, they will be difficult to change without additional time, money, and biological cost to the teeth of having these removed. If further intervention is performed, the teeth may lose vitality. So, you must be certain of your decision and consent for me to cement your porcelain restorations, as changing your mind later and replacing them can only be done at your own expense, as well as the biological cost on the teeth that may be incurred during the restoration removal process.
The only alterations that I can do on cemented restorations includes the following below:
-Adjusting your high bite if needed,
-Minimally adjusting the length of the porcelain if needed,
-Minor reshaping the corners of the biting edge of your porcelain
-Adjusting the back of your porcelain should you not get used to or have difficulty pronouncing some letters such as F or V.
– To a certain degree, I can remove minor aspects of your porcelain as mentioned above, but I cannot change the colour of your existing veneers, add anything to your porcelain, do a major overhaul, or completely remove them.
That is why you will need to see me again after your cementation for a 5-10 minute post-cementation appointment. This adjustment, if necessary, is made at that last post-cementation appointment. If you believe you require more than checking and minor adjustment, please let me know so I can schedule a longer appointment time for you.
Adjustment period after Cementation
Each patient will have a unique adjustment period timeline. Some patients report zero side effects following their cosmetic procedure. Others require days or even weeks to fully adjust.
Right after placement, your mouth can feel strange as you slowly become used to the dimensions and new look and changes of your newly enhanced teeth.
Whenever you receive new dental restorative or cosmetic work that slightly alters the shape, size, or placement of your teeth or gums, your mouth is extremely sensitive to the change.
You may find your tongue running over your new restorations constantly, as it discovers the shape of your new smile.
For most patients, the adjustment period for porcelain veneers lasts about two weeks. There will be gradual improvements in these issues each day during this brief adjustment process.
After two weeks have passed, most patients should feel just fine with their porcelain restorations in place. They will hardly notice that they have undergone cosmetic dental work.
RECOVERY AFTER VENEER, CROWN AND BRIDGES CEMENTATION PROCEDURE
After you receive the treatment, patients can return to work that same day, and also resume normal activities that day, too.
If you receive sedation dentistry with the procedure, however, you will need the rest of the day to recuperate. Furthermore, someone will need to drive you home after the appointment since you will be unable to drive for the remainder of the day. The next day, though, you can definitely return to normal activities.
It is normal for patients to experience some sensitivity, discomfort or pain initially, which should subside after the first few days.
Numbness from Anaesthetic
If a local anaesthetic was used during the dental procedure, the numbing effect may still be present for several hours after the dental appointment.
During this time, patients are prone to burn or bite themselves unknowingly because they are unable to feel the warning sensations, such as heat or pain, as usual. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid drinking hot liquids or chewing hard foods during this time.
There may also be some bruising and inflammation at the site of the anaesthetic injection shortly after the dental crown procedure, particularly on the lower jaw. This should go away spontaneously without the need for treatment after several days.
Pain, Discomfort and Sensitivity
Most patients experience some pain or discomfort in the affected area of the mouth following a dental procedure. This typically improves after several hours, days or weeks without any assigned treatment.
Many patients find it useful to use simple analgesic medications to help manage the pain in the meantime.
Tooth sensitivity is a common recovery symptom. To deal with this discomfort, consider using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Avoiding consuming very hot or cold foods and beverages can also help. Try using a straw if you’re still experiencing sensitivity.
Gums Recovery from Gum lifting procedure
Any reshaping to improve the profile of the gum tissue by raising or lowering it, is included within the scope of most cosmetic or restorative works. Most gum contouring procedures require anywhere from few days to a week to fully heal.
The extensiveness of the work largely determines the healing window. If a lot of gum tissue is removed, healing is likely to take few days to a week or two. If only a small amount of tissue is removed, healing is likely to take only a few days instead.
As the anaesthesia from the procedure wears off, patients may encounter varying levels of pain.
For mild or lift sculpting treatments, there is likely to be little pain at all.
Over-the-counter pain treatments should be sufficient after the treatment. Using an ice pack on the affected area for 15 minutes at a time for the first couple of days post-procedure can help reduce pain and swelling.
Pain should fade within the first few days even for more advanced lifts. If pain and swelling are bothersome after a particularly advanced gum graft or lift, the dentist can always prescribe you some anti-inflammatory medication to help.
The First Few Days after Cementation
More often than not, your new porcelain restorations may feel slightly larger than the natural teeth they cover. This feature allows your new porcelain attachments to reshape your teeth in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Shortly after your veneers are placed, you may notice that your tongue and inner cheeks can feel the features of your porcelain shells. These will be momentary distractions that will fade over the following days.
Some patients report heightened sensitivity to heat and cold. This sensitivity may be most noticeable when eating ice cream, for example. A small number of patients report that their speech is slightly impeded due to the porcelain restorations. This is no different than what our patients report after having braces or another attachment or prosthetic placed. Any chance to the surface of the teeth can require that your palate readjusts.
While you are on the adjustment period, go easy when your eat. Try not to eat something hard or chewy while you are getting use to your new bite and new restorations.
What If I Still Have Veneer Adjustment issues?
If you still have issues with your porcelain veneers more than two weeks after getting them, it’s a good idea to discuss these matters with us.
How to Make Porcelain Veneers Last
Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 to 20 years if properly cared for. They have the potential to last a lifetime if properly cared and maintained for. To get the most out of your restoration, you should adhere and implement some basic oral care guidelines and routine as recommended on this link here and some from this email.
To implement this new daily oral hygiene routine, you need to have first the knowledge on the how-to’s ( which is provided on this email and links), and second the strong desire and motivation to implement this as new routine. As you strictly implement this routine, things will become a new habit. On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behaviour or habit becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact according to study. And how long it takes a new habit to form can vary widely depending on the behaviour, the person, and the circumstances.
Bear in mind, developing this good new oral hygiene habit on your daily oral hygiene routine will not only be good for your new restorations but as well to the rest of your teeth.
Below you will find some few pointers on looking after your veneer and porcelain restorations.
Tips for Caring of Your Porcelain Restorations (Veneers, Crowns & Bridges)
Basic Oral Hygiene
Brushing
Do you know what’s in your mouth? It’s home to about 700 species of microbes or billions of bacteria that live in your mouth. In the ecosystem of the oral microbiome, certain healthy bacteria work to protect your mouth (some, for example, specifically help limit tooth decay). There’s also harmful bacteria that are known to cause cavities and disease. Together, they form a community called biofilm, probably better known to you as dental plaque—or that slimy feeling you may have on your teeth when you wake up in the morning. When the balance between these bacteria shift because of a poor diet, poor oral hygiene and other health issues, it can cause the harmful bacteria to take over. Left unchecked, this imbalance can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss..
Brushing and flossing help to keep your mouth clean. But after you brush and floss, germs grow again and more plaque forms. That’s why you need to clean your mouth regularly right away after eating or consuming highly sugary food or drinks. Different microbes grow in different places. Some stick to your teeth. Others prefer your tongue. Some lurk in the tiny pockets between tooth and gum. Once they’ve found their homes, they form diverse communities with the other germs. Certain things you may be doing can help bad microbes grow better than the good ones. Sugary foods and drinks feed some microbes and help them increase in number and spread out.
Some of these sugar-loving microbes can turn sugar into matrix and acid. The acid destroys the surface of your teeth. The more sugar in your diet, the more fuel is available for these microbes to build up plaque and damage teeth. The good news is that limiting sweets and brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent bad microbes from growing out of control.
As you probably know, brushing your teeth is one of the most important components of your oral hygiene It removes food particles, bacteria and plaque from the surface of your teeth and your gums, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.
Remember though that brushing alone will not remove all the bacteria, sugar and acid that have built up between your teeth. If you forget to floss or use an interdental brush, up to a third of each tooth doesn’t get cleaned! So it is important to floss your teeth as well.
Some foods and drinks, particularly those high in carbohydrates and sugars, can stimulate the growth of oral bacteria that attack your tooth enamel. By brushing your teeth after you eat, you reduce this bacteria and help protect your enamel from damage.
However, if you have consumed something acidic, you should avoid brushing your teeth for about 30 minutes afterwards. Foods that contain citric acid, like oranges, grapefruits and lemons, can soften tooth enamel for a time, and brushing too soon after eating them may damage the enamel while it’s in its weakened state.
In addition, prolonged exposure to phosphoric acid, which is often found in soft drinks, can erode your tooth enamel, exposing the more sensitive tissues beneath. Acid erosion can cause permanent damage to your teeth, so to keep it to a minimum, limit snacking between meals and limit your consumption of soft drinks and sugary snack foods.
So keep this things in mind. Again, Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including billions of bacteria that lives in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well and not flossing.
So remember to Brush your teeth right after every meal, unless you consumed acidic food or drinks
Take Note:
It is possible to get a cavity under your veneer, Crown or Bridges. Pay special attention to your gumline. Plaque and bacteria at your gumline will lead to decay that can cause your veneer to fail.
A mechanical or ultrasonic brush, will help you to adequately remove plaque and bacteria. In addition, most electric brushes have a timer that assists you in brushing for a full 2-3 minutes.
Use the right toothpaste
Some toothpaste brands may contain ingredients that are too abrasive for both your teeth and your veneers. When choosing your toothpaste, make sure to check the ingredients for substances like hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. The former will eat away at your veneers & porcelain restorations surface while the latter’s gritty nature can lead to the veneers losing their colour and sheen. In general, it may be wiser to choose gel products over those in paste form as they tend to contain none of the ingredients mentioned. Do not feel compelled to buy whitening toothpastes either, as they are not necessary and may even be detrimental to your veneers and they do not whiten porcelain restorations.
Avoid substances that may cause stains
Porcelain veneers & porcelain restorations are designed to be stain resistant, but that fact isn’t the same for your natural tooth structure. In order to keep your smile looking at its whitest, you should be wary of substances that might stain your veneers, including heavy cigarettes, heavy coffee, soda, red wine, tea, berries, and beets consumption. If you do enjoy one of these items, be sure to brush and floss your teeth immediately afterwards to minimize the likelihood that stains will develop.
Avoid Too much Alcohol
Consuming lots of alcoholic drinks will soften the bonding composites holding the veneers to your teeth. While this doesn’t mean the veneers & porcelain restorations will come loose, it will make the bonding line more prone to damage, deterioration, and stains. Alcohol is not found just in beverages though. When buying mouthwash or toothpaste, check the ingredient list to see if they contain alcohol as these can be just as damaging as liquor.
Flossing
Floss all of your teeth at least once a day. Ideally straight away after eating anything
Make sure that you insert your floss in between each tooth and follows the curvature of the side of the tooth
Wrap the floss around each tooth and move it up and down to loosen and remove food and bacteria.
Use a new section of floss for each tooth.
Regular Dental Exam and Hygiene
You should visit our office at least twice a year for professional dental cleanings or more often if directed.
At least once per year x-rays will be taken and each tooth will be checked for cavities, cracks, and infection. Please call our office at any time if you are experiencing any tooth problem. We are here to help.
Proper brushing, flossing, and regular 6-month cleanings are necessary to the long-term stability and appearance of your veneers. Small problems that develop with veneers can usually be found at an early stage and easily corrected, but postponing proper care can result in the need to replace an entire restoration.
TAKE NOTE: NON-ATTENDANCE OF 6 MONTHLY CHECK-UP AND HYGIENE APPOINTMENT IN OUR OFFICE WILL MAKE OUR LIMITED WARRANTY VOID (See Implied 3 years warranty terms and conditions below)
Other Tips for Professional Care of your Cosmetic Dental Work
If you’re seeing a new dentist or hygienist, make sure to mention your existing work, and ask them to look particularly on the cervical and gumline margin of your restorations.
If you have cosmetic dental work, ultrasonic scalers must be used with great caution. Ultrasonic scaler can chip the margins of porcelain veneers. It’s not the water that is the cause for concern, but the metal tip that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. If used improperly around the margins of dental crowns, veneers, or composite bonding, they can damage the appearance and leave the restored teeth vulnerable to decay. These ultrasonic scalers are powerful and they not only have the potential to nick the margins of porcelain restorations, but they can nick the cementum of teeth, causing a roughness that will attract plaque and calculus.
Regular pumice polish should not be used on composite bonding & porcelain restorations as it can leave scratches and cause erosion. An aluminum oxide polishing agent should be used instead.
Polishing devices that use a powerful spray of sodium bicarbonate, prophy jet or other power polishing equipment should never be used on porcelain and composite restorations. They can break the glaze and roughen the surface, which can lead to easier staining. Although your restorations will look great immediately after the appointment, their appearance will rapidly deteriorate if these devices are used.
Some maintenance procedures that work well for natural teeth or metal restorations can ruin ceramic or composite materials. If you’re seeing a new dentist and you’ve had cosmetic dental work done in the past, make sure to mention your existing work to them.
The hydrofluoric acid contained in some fluoride treatments can etch porcelain restorations and break the surface glaze. Any treatments used on cosmetic dental restorations should contain neutral fluoride only.
Whitening (if Applicable)
In order to keep your natural teeth the same color as your new restorations, periodic whitening is recommended.
The most economical way to keep your smile white is to use custom whitening trays with a strong whitening solution. Most patients find that the best time to whiten is after a professional dental cleaning. Your teeth are plaque and tartar free thus allowing your teeth to respond positively to the whitening gel. Let your teeth be your guide on how often you should whiten.
Keep in mind, teeth whitening procedure only whiten natural tooth surface and does not whiten any restorations.
Occlusal Night Guard
Bruxism or Night Grinding is harmful to your oral health and to your Porcelain restorations
Clenching and grinding exerts pressure that can be generated across the teeth that can range from 100 to 600 psi (pounds per square inch). That incredible amount of force can cause many different problems related to your gums, jaw, and teeth. It put a lot of strain on your teeth and gums and to your porcelain restorations. This serious damage doesn’t occur overnight but occur over time. It can worn, chipped, cracked, or breaks your teeth including your porcelain restorations
Night guards, dental appliances worn on the upper or lower teeth while sleeping, not only prevent additional damage from grinding and damage. They also protect veneers and defend against bruxism symptoms.
An occlusal guard is an appliance designed from dental models of your teeth and made of a rigid plastic. It covers either your upper or lower teeth and prevents the teeth from coming together while sleeping at night. It also provides a guide for your jaw so that muscles can relax and bite problems will not trigger the bruxing action.
How Do I Know if I Clench or Grind My Teeth?
Many people suffer from symptoms of bruxism, so they know they clench or grind while they are sleeping. These symptoms may include headaches or facial pain upon waking, a feeling of tightness or muscle tension in the jaws, generalized sensitivity of the teeth or pain in the jaw joints (TMJs). Others are heavily clenching or grinding without having any idea they are doing so. This is both good and bad. Obviously, it is good to not suffer from symptoms. It is bad, though, because it may allow you to miss a problem.
Will an Over-the-Counter Appliance Protect my Veneers?
Great question, and we have a slightly roundabout answer for you. In general, over-the-counter mouthguards provide far less protection than a custom-made acrylic night guard from your dentist. Their generic fit and mouldable material does not reduce the forces of clenching or grinding, and in some cases, it can actually increase your muscle force. Many people find that they will grind right through an Over the counter night guard in less than a month.
Things can change in dental health. If you feel you are not grinding, clenching or have any abnormal biting habits right now and decided not to get the recommended night guard, you have to redecide if in the future things change and you start grinding your teeth. If in the future you are getting into this habit, you have to tell us or go to your local dentist and get a night guard constructed, to protect your porcelain restorations.
We highly recommend that you use a professionally made night guard (and not those Over the counter night guard), you should do so to protect your restorations. By not protecting your porcelain restorations with wearing a night guard will make our warranty void. This night guard should be constructed right after cementation of your Porcelain restorations.
Mouthguard (if needed)
If you play any contact sports or any games or sports that can potentially damage your porcelain restorations at the front, make sure to wear a mouthguard.
Don’t Chew on Inedible Items
Do you have a bad habit of chewing on pens, or are you a nail biter? Not only are these habits gross and a social faux pas, but they can also actually lead to damage of your Porcelain restorations over time. To protect your cosmetic dental work, make an effort to keep inedible items out of your mouth.
Do not bite into very hard objects
Everybody knows the teeth are not just used for eating, but they can also be used as tools for, say, opening bottles. Unfortunately, such activity is harmful not just for your teeth, but also for your It put a lot of strain on your teeth and gums and to your porcelain restorations. This serious damage doesn’t occur overnight but occur over time. It can worn, chipped, cracked, or breaks your teeth including your porcelain restorations. Very hard objects, such as metal caps and glass bottles can chip the porcelain. If you have the habit of biting into random things, such as pencils, pens, or even ice, it would be helpful if you can take steps to end the mannerism.
As with natural teeth, avoid chewing excessively hard foods on the veneered teeth & Porcelain restorations (hard candy, ice, nuts, ice, raw carrots, bones, raw apples, hard chips, and meat cuts that contain bone etc.) because the porcelain material can break under extreme constant pressure.
The gums may eventually recede from the veneers, allowing discoloured tooth structure underneath to show. This generally takes place after many years and at that time veneer replacement is necessary.
Foods to Avoid With Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain restorations including veneers are extremely durable, so you can enjoy most of your favourite foods and beverages without fear of your veneers chipping, fading, or otherwise becoming compromised. There are, however, a few food interactions to be aware of. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to eat hard candy, corn on the cob, or even alcohol, we’re here to clear the air. Read more on this link.
Extra Tips for Caring if you have Dental Bridges done
Your Dental Bridge Requires Special Care
Chances are you already have good oral hygiene habits. It is rare for a dentist to advise a patient to get a bridge if that patient does not take care of their teeth. To keep the bridge viable, good oral hygiene must be maintained.
A Little More Than Brushing and Flossing
You are going to maintain your routine of brushing and flossing your teeth. Additionally, you will do some extra flossing underneath and around your bridge to keep plaque from building up. This added step in your oral hygiene routine will keep the gums beneath your bridge healthy and the abutment teeth on which the bridge sits free from the plaque which could cause gingivitis.
Vulnerable Areas
The reason why it is not enough to just brush and floss as usual is that you will miss areas on both teeth supporting the bridge. The sides of the teeth that face the bridge are very vulnerable. Food is going to get trapped under the artificial teeth (pontics) and food debris along with bacteria will cause plaque to build up around the gum line of the teeth in these areas. If it is not cleaned carefully, gingivitis can begin or/and cavities can develop.
Clean underneath the bridge. You must clean underneath your bridge regularly. Once you have finished brushing and flossing, remove debris and flood particles in the space between your bridge and gums. To do this, use floss threaders, dental picks, or interproximal brushes.
Dental Bridge Cleaning Techniques and Methods
Cleaning your fixed bridgework can take some getting used to. Some patients may find it difficult to adequately clean underneath the pontic at first. However, special tools, and practice, can help you clean better for optimal oral health.
We recommend patients try these different methods, to find the cleaning technique that works for them:
Floss threader
Flossing a bridge is different than flossing regular teeth. A floss threader is essentially a large soft plastic needle. This thin and flexible plastic needle can be pushed or threaded under a bridge. The threader has a loop to pull the floss with it. Using a threader is one of the most common methods for cleaning bridges. With a gentle cleaning motion, remove the food particles and plaque.
Toothpick
When you can’t floss due to poor dexterity, consider using a toothpick. Carefully, move the toothpick under the false tooth to remove any lingering bacteria. Take care to do this slowly as hard force could injure your gum line.
Interdental / Interproximal brushes are very helpful with cleaning dental bridges
These tiny “proxy” brushes can be pushed between your teeth. They are often used by patients with metal orthodontics such as braces. Complete with bristles, an interdental brush (or “interproximal”) is quite effective at removing plaque and food. Using one is easy—just move the brush under the bridge and gently scrub away the germs. Get the smallest diameter.
Oral irrigators
Oral irrigators such as the Waterpik are well liked by patients. This water based flosser releases a stream of pulsating water to remove both food debris and plaque—which is water soluble.
The stream of high-pressure pulsating water this device releases is strong enough to remove plaque between the teeth and gum line, making it more effective than dental floss.
A water flosser is also a handy device to use for cleaning the areas around dental bridges. The combined effect of the released stream and pulsating water effectively remove leftover food particles and bacteria under and around the dental appliances.
To keep your dental bridges and mouth clean, rinse with mouthwash after using your oral irrigator.
Porcelain Restorations: How Long Do They Last?
Porcelain restorations have traditionally been known to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care, your porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years or more with potential to last a lifetime if properly maintained. This, however, should not be the expectation. In most cases, your veneers will need to be replaced once or twice during your lifetime. Nothing last forever. Just like with anything else, they are also subjected to wear and tear, thus require maintenance or replacement. This means that at some point in the future, you have to prepare to get repaired or replaced. Other types of permanent restorations cannot compete with this level of durability.
Longevity of your porcelain restorations will much depends on how you look after your teeth and gums and how you follow our recommended guidelines on looking after your teeth and restorations.
The Future
If you implement all these recommended instructions, we expect that you will receive many years of service from these new restorations. However, after watching new porcelain/ceramic restorations for many years, we have seen the following situations occur occasionally. They are unavoidable and may require restoration replacement.
Extreme force or trauma can break porcelain restoration just as the same force can break natural teeth. Use care in sports or other potentially traumatic situations. Do not bite extremely hard objects with one tooth. Breakage usually requires remaking the restorations, but occasionally they can be repaired.
After a few years, some porcelain restoration may show slight stains on some locations around the edges. Please tell us if this occurs. Repairs can usually be accomplished. If you are having periodic 6 monthly hygiene, this occurence can be minimise or prevented.
The gums (gingival) may recede from the veneers, displaying discolored tooth structure underneath. This usually takes place over several years and requires replacement if aesthetically unacceptable to you. If you follow proper brushing habits, this occurence can be minimise or prevented.
We have done our best to provide you with the finest quality oral restorations available today including providing you will all the knowledge on how you care for your porcelain restorations. However, as with many restorations, nothing will last forever. Replacement of these restorations may be required in many, many years to come. Longevity will much depends on how you look after your teeth and porcelain restoration and strict adherence to this recommended care of your restorations.
Most porcelain veneer and restorations emergencies are related to the following below
Breakage, Cracking, Chipping or Fracturing
Porcelain restorations and Veneers are made to be durable, but they are not indestructible. Veneers, like any other type of dental restoration (or natural teeth), can chip and break.
What Causes Porcelain restorations and Veneer Breakage?
They can break or crack for a variety of reasons
As a result of grinding your teeth on a regular basis and not wearing your professionally fabricated night guard
As a result of biting into hard foods such as ice or jawbreakers (especially on a regular basis)
As a result of a direct blow to the face
As a result of tooth decay behind the veneer
Debonding (when the veneer separates from the tooth without physically breaking)
Following our detailed care instructions on your new porcelain restorations will ensure that they will last as long as possible, problem-free. Read more on this link.
Can a broken porcelain veneer be repaired?
If it’s just a very small portion of your veneer has come off, it may be possible for us to create a patch. However, this is not a first choice but simply one that’s used as a practical solution.
Generally, there are two main problems that tend to come into play with this type of plan.
Your laminate is made out of porcelain but the only material for us to make a repair with is plastic (dental bonding/dental composite). These materials have different optical qualities and properties. Depending on the location of the patch and the size, they may not be durable or be unsightly visible.
That means that even if the repair looks satisfactory initially (which it very well may), over the long haul (months and years) the less durable bonding will deteriorate (pick up stain, fleck off at the junction with the porcelain) and a distinction between it and the veneer will become obvious.
With repairs located in areas where substantial forces are involved (like the biting edges of teeth), the bond between the veneer’s porcelain and the dental composite patch may (likely will) prove to be troublesome.
Managing minor chips
If only a small bit of porcelain has flecked off, one solution is for us to trim and buff your veneer until the chip’s divot has been polished out.
This makes a very lasting solution. However, neighbouring teeth may need to be recontoured in a similar fashion so the symmetry of your smile is maintained.
Debonding
The veneer has come off, generally intact. As dental veneers are bonded to the tooth, there is some chance that the bonding agent may fail, resulting in the veneer “popping” off the tooth. If this happen, bring the veneer with you to our office. We may be able to easily re-bond it to your tooth. Place your debonded Veneers on sturdy small box.
Chances of porcelain veneers falling off?
On an average, the ratio of falling of porcelain veneers is minimal compared to its success, still, it cannot be denied that they may fall off or break down in some cases, for a variety of reasons.
The common reasons are as follows
-Damage to the frontal face, Habit of grinding teeth, Tooth decay behind the veneer, Eating very hard foods like ice or candy and sugary sticky foods regularly.
-When there is a strong impact on your face, the teeth takes the brunt, it may cause the porcelain veneers to loosen from the bond it has with the original teeth. Damage to the face has a natural consequence of teeth taking some of the damage.
-Many people have a nervous habit of grinding teeth when they are angry, upset or stressed out. The constant abnormal pressure from this grinding or clenching habit may eventually lead to loosen up the veneers from the bond that attaches them to the original teeth and may cause a fall off the veneers. This adverse effect of constant pressure to your veneer sometimes will take time, months or years to happen. But it will definitely happen.
-Sometimes the tooth decays and the decay causes the chemical in the bond to loosen making the porcelain veneers detaching from the tooth and fall off.
-Ice is one of the hardest food to bite into. If you keep biting onto hard foods like ice, and candy, it will cause the veneers either to break or loosen up and fall.
-Similarly, sticky foods like candy and sugary sweets stick to the teeth and are difficult to remove, causing veneers to lose contact with the original tooth.
-Negligence: Your veneers will be more prone to breaking or coming off if you treat them harshly. Veneers are durable, but if you often chew on hard things like ice and hard candies, or grind your teeth, your veneers won’t last quite as long. All of these things damage both your veneers and your natural teeth, so it’s best to stay away from them.
What to do if one of your Veneer Pop off or debonded?
What you should do in the unlikely event of the veneer breaking or falling off
–Call us immediately
-Place your Veneer on the sturdy small box to keep them safe
-Bring it to the office. No need to make a booking. We will send your veneer to our lab to clean and prepare the internal surface of your veneer.
-Once we receive your veneer from the lab, we will call you for recementation appointment.
But in the event that the veneer is broken beyond repair, then we will order a new veneer and during the time the veneer gets ready, we will apply a temporary treatment till the broken piece is replaced with a new one.
You should never try to glue back the fallen off veneer yourself.
TAKE NOTE: Very important to place your debonded Veneers on a small sturdy box to protect it.
What is our Clinical Process of recementing a debonded Veneer?
We send your case back to our Dental laboratory for them to remove excess used cement and prepare the internal surface of your veneer ready to be cemented. The lab use a sandblasting process, which involves an operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to remove cement and smoothen a rough surface. There is a small, remote RISK involve in cleaning your thin veneers is that it may crack or break during sandblasting procedure. The lab is not giving warranty nor do we. Our warranty includes our service of recementation but not the lab related fees of cleaning your veneers or redoing a new one. If your veneers breaks, you will be charge with the lab fees of redoing you a new veneers.
After the Lab clean your Veneers and return your Veneers back to us, we will need to schedule you for recementation appointment.
You can hand us your veneer but if you live far away to the CBD or is working, you can send us your veneer by registered express post.
At Vogue Smiles Melbourne, we take pride in delivering high-quality dental care. To support your satisfaction, we may offer a limited warranty on certain services and products. This warranty is a voluntary benefit, provided in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
2. Scope of Our Limited Warranty (Dental Services)
Our 3-Year Limited Warranty may apply to select dental treatments as outlined below provided the following conditions are met:
Treatments Under Limited Warranty
PORCELAIN VENEERS, PORCELAIN CROWNS, TRADITIONAL PORCELAIN BRIDGES AND MAYRYLAND PORCELAIN BRIDGES, PORCELAIN INLAYS AND ONLAYS
TAKE NOTE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SET OUT BELOW, in addition to the consumer rights you have under Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
2.1 Eligibility for warranty coverage will be assessed and determined during the initial pre-treatment consultation. This evaluation will be based on the patient’s individual oral health condition, pre-existing dental factors, and the type, complexity, and suitability of the proposed treatment. The scope, duration, and applicability of any warranty, including the 3-Year Limited Warranty, may vary accordingly and are subject to the professional judgment of the treating practitioner. Any warranty offered will be clearly outlined or verbally discussed and agreed upon prior to the commencement of treatment.
2.2 If a patient elects to proceed with a treatment option that is deemed suboptimal or not clinically ideal for their specific case—despite being fully informed of the associated risks, limitations, and alternative options—and provides either verbal or written informed consent to proceed, such treatment will not be covered under any warranty, including the 3-Year Limited Warranty. By consenting to a compromised treatment plan, the patient acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for the potential outcomes, and waives any claim to warranty coverage related to that treatment.
3. Exclusions from Warranty Coverage
The warranty does not apply where failure or damage results from:
3.1 Patient- or client-related actions (e.g., trauma, misuse, neglect, or non-compliance).
3.1. 1. Failure to Follow Aftercare Instructions:
If the patient does not adhere to the recommended aftercare instructions given by the dental practice, such as proper oral hygiene, dietary restrictions, or wearing protective devices (like a night guard), and this directly results in the failure of the treatment, this could be deemed the patient’s fault. For example:
If a patient does not maintain proper brushing and flossing after receiving veneers, leading to decay or damage, the failure may be attributed to their lack of proper care.
3.1.2. Failure to Attend Regular Check-ups:
If a patient fails to attend follow-up appointments or regular check-ups, this may contribute to undiagnosed issues that could affect the success of a treatment. For instance, a patient may not notice or report early signs of gum disease or decay that could compromise the longevity of a dental restoration, which could be considered the patient’s responsibility.
3.1.3. Parafunctional Habits (e.g., Bruxism or Teeth Grinding):
If a patient engages in habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, especially if they were advised to use protective devices like a night guard, and this leads to the failure of dental work (e.g., cracks in crowns, veneers, or fillings), the failure may be deemed due to the patient’s fault if they do not use the prescribed appliances or modify their habits.
Parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism) without the use of protective appliances.
Parafunctional habits, including bruxism (the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth), chewing on non-food objects, or any other repetitive, non-functional use of the teeth, may have a significant impact on the success, durability, and longevity of dental treatments. These habits place excessive stress on dental restorations, such as crowns, veneers, fillings, and other dental materials, which can lead to premature wear, damage, or failure of the treatment.
When bruxism or other parafunctional habits are present, the force exerted on the teeth during grinding or clenching can cause:
Cracking, fracturing, or loosening of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings.
Wear and tear of the dental material, leading to surface degradation and the potential need for earlier replacement or adjustments.
Misalignment of dental work due to the continuous pressure exerted on the teeth, which could compromise the intended result of the treatment.
In cases where parafunctional habits are identified, the patient is advised to use a protective appliance, such as a custom-fitted night guard, to reduce the impact of grinding or clenching on the dental work. Failure to use such protective appliances, as recommended, may result in increased risk of treatment failure and may invalidate warranty coverage related to the affected dental work.
By proceeding with treatment without addressing these habits, the patient acknowledges that these habits could compromise the long-term success of the treatment, and the dental practice will not be liable for issues arising due to parafunctional habits if protective appliances are not worn.
3.1.4. Non-Disclosure of Medical or Dental History:
If a patient fails to disclose relevant medical or dental history that affects the treatment’s success—such as pre-existing conditions (e.g., active gum disease, bone loss, or systemic health conditions)—this can lead to complications or treatment failure. In such cases, the failure could be attributed to the patient for withholding crucial information.
3.1.5. Lifestyle Choices Affecting Dental Work:
Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can affect the success of dental treatments, particularly in the case of implants or periodontal health. If a patient is advised against these behaviors and continues them, the failure could be deemed their responsibility.
3.1.6. Failure to Comply with Treatment Recommendations:
If a dentist recommends a course of treatment that is optimal for the patient’s dental health, and the patient opts for a compromised or suboptimal treatment (either out of personal choice or cost concerns), and this leads to treatment failure, it may be attributed to the patient’s decision.
3.1.7. Delayed Treatment or Non-Compliance with Urgent Procedures:
If a patient delays necessary treatment (for example, waiting too long to address cavities, infections, or other dental issues) or refuses treatment when recommended, leading to the failure of a dental procedure or condition worsening, this may be considered the patient’s fault.
3.2 Pre-existing dental conditions or anatomical limitations that compromise longevity.
Pre-existing dental conditions or anatomical limitations that may affect the longevity, success, or durability of the treatment refer to any existing oral health issues, structural concerns, or anatomical features present prior to treatment that could hinder or negatively impact the outcome of the dental procedures performed. These may include, but are not limited to, conditions such as advanced periodontal disease, severe tooth wear, malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth or jaws), bruxism (teeth grinding), inadequate bone structure for certain restorative treatments, or any other dental or medical conditions that may impair healing or the ability of dental materials to perform as expected.
Patients acknowledge that, where such pre-existing conditions or anatomical factors are identified, these may compromise the expected longevity and effectiveness of the treatment. In such cases, the dental practice will clearly communicate these risks during the treatment planning process, and it will be the patient’s responsibility to decide whether to proceed with the treatment, fully understanding the potential limitations.
Please note, that in cases where pre-existing conditions or anatomical limitations are present, the dental practice may not be liable for failure or suboptimal outcomes related to these factors, and such factors may not be covered under any warranty or guarantee.
3.3 Treatment types explicitly accepted as non-ideal or compromised
This refer to dental procedures or treatments that, based on professional clinical assessment, are not the most optimal or appropriate for the patient’s specific dental needs, condition, or long-term oral health. These treatments may be considered “compromised” due to factors such as pre-existing dental conditions, anatomical limitations, patient preferences, or financial constraints that prevent the selection of the most suitable or effective treatment option.
Such treatments may include, but are not limited to:
The use of materials that are less durable or effective than those typically recommended for the patient’s condition.
Procedures that do not fully address the underlying cause of the dental issue, but are undertaken as an interim or temporary solution.
Treatments that carry a higher risk of failure or require more frequent maintenance due to the patient’s oral health status or treatment limitations.
The dental practice will fully inform the patient about the nature of such treatments, including their potential risks, benefits, and limitations. By proceeding with a non-ideal or compromised treatment, the patient acknowledges that the treatment may not provide the same level of success or longevity as an ideal solution and may be subject to increased risks of complications or failure.
It is understood that such treatments are excluded from warranty coverage if the outcome is not as expected due to the compromised nature of the treatment selected. The patient’s decision to proceed with these treatments, after being made aware of their limitations, will be made voluntarily and at their own discretion.
3.4 . Modifications or repairs by another provider or third party.
4. Treatment Warranty Assessment
Eligibility for limited warranty coverage will be determined during your pre-treatment consultation, based on:
Your individual case.
The nature and complexity of the treatment.
Our professional judgment of clinical suitability.
All agreed warranty terms will be documented and shared with you prior to treatment.
Treatment Warranty Assessment
Eligibility for limited warranty coverage will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted during your pre-treatment consultation. This assessment will take into account the following factors:
Your Individual Case: A thorough review of your dental health history, existing conditions, and any specific considerations related to your oral anatomy, medical conditions, or personal habits that may impact the success or longevity of the treatment.
The Nature and Complexity of the Treatment: An assessment of the specific dental treatment being proposed, including the procedures involved, the materials used, and the expected outcomes. More complex treatments or those involving higher risk may be subject to additional considerations regarding warranty eligibility.
Our Professional Judgment of Clinical Suitability: Based on our clinical expertise, we will evaluate whether the proposed treatment is suitable for your specific dental needs, ensuring that it meets professional standards of care and will be likely to achieve the desired results.
Following this assessment, the agreed-upon warranty terms, including the scope, duration, and limitations of the warranty, will be clearly outlined and documented. These terms will be discussed and/or shared with you prior to treatment commencement and must be acknowledged by you before proceeding with any treatment. By proceeding with treatment, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of the warranty as discussed and/or outlined in the documentation provided.
5. Right to Modify or Withdraw Offerings
We reserve the right, at our discretion, to modify, suspend, or discontinue any warranty, promotional offer, or special condition, including but not limited to treatment offers, discounts, and limited-time warranties, at any time and without prior notice. This includes, but is not limited to, changes to the terms, conditions, or availability of any offer or warranty that may be extended to our patients.
Modifications may include, but are not limited to, changes to eligibility requirements, duration, scope, or the extent of coverage or benefits provided under any offer or warranty. Any changes made will take effect immediately upon notice, which may be provided via written communication, website updates, or other reasonable methods.
However, please note that any modifications, suspensions, or discontinuations of offers will not affect services or transactions that have already been completed under the terms that were in place at the time. All agreements, services, and sales finalized prior to the effective date of any changes will remain governed by the original terms under which they were agreed.
We encourage all patients to regularly review our current terms and conditions to remain informed of any updates that may apply to ongoing or future treatments and offers
6. Other Terms and Conditions
6.1 The limited warranty for retreatment is offered only once and applies solely to the same type of treatment and material initially paid and provided. For example, if you received a prepless porcelain veneer, any retreatment under the warranty will be with the same prepless porcelain veneer. Should this retreatment also fail, it may indicate that this specific type of treatment and material is not suitable for your case. In such instances, you will be presented with alternative treatment options.
If it is determined that porcelain veneers are not appropriate for your dental condition, an upgraded treatment—such as a full dental crown—may be recommended instead of a veneer. Please note that any retreatment beyond the initial one covered under the limited warranty will be considered a new procedure and will incur the full cost of a new crown or new treatment procedure.
6.2 The Warranty refer to the entire work done, i.e. all materials, labour work/our own services and treatment EXCEPT LAB RELATED FEES. It is only valid for procedures that we’ve done in our clinic. Costs arising from work done in other dental offices are not covered under our warranty. The warranty of any of our treatment is only valid if we complete the full work.
6.3 As a pre-condition to the operation of any limited warranty provided by the Company, the Patient agrees that following the completion of treatment, a Patient will attend a FREE CHECK-UP AND POLISHING OF YOUR PORCELAIN RESTORATIONS minimum every 6 monthly in each year in our office for 3 succeeding years. This excludes scaling and cleaning your other natural teeth if you have a plaque build up. It remains the Patient’s responsibility to contact our dental clinic to make an appointment, and attend the six-monthly exam and prophylaxis failing which the limited warranty will be forfeited.
TAKE NOTE: NON-ATTENDANCE OF FREE 6 MONTHLY CHECK-UP AND POLISHING APPOINTMENT IN OUR OFFICE WILL MAKE THIS WARRANTY NULL AND VOID
For our cosmetic patients who live interstate or in regional Victoria, we will honour this warranty if you can provide receipts or proof (such as treatment records) from your local dentist that you are having a 6 monthly check and hygiene treatment
6.4 There is no outstanding balance on the Patient’s account or monies owing to the Company
6.5 This warranty covers recementation of INTACT debonded Veneers, Crown or Bridges due to normal use, or if it’s deemed clinical or technical faults (but does not apply if it’s a users fault)
If the newly cemented Veneers come off within 1 month after the cementation appointment, we will recement it for free if your veneer is intact and not broken – we will absorb all the lab fees.
Recementation of debonded restoration after the one month free period is free except for the lab fees incurred for cleaning your veneer. The lab fees at this current moment is $40 per veneer and this may changed.
6.6 Three year limited warranty for Porcelain restorations does not include free redoing of a broken, damage, chipped, cracked porcelain restorations or lost debonded restorations. If this breakage occurs there will be a 50% discount fee of redoing a new porcelain restorations, this discount only applies on our porcelain restoration which were charged with our normal fees and doesn’t apply to any work with a discounted or on special offer.
6. 7 The following events and circumstances are not covered in general by the Company’s three year limited warranty:
Failure due to a change in the patient’s perception of the aesthetics of the final case after completion of treatment
Failure due to Neglect to oral hygiene and safeguard such as new decay, misuse, abuse, accidents or additional dental treatment done elsewhere.
Failure or damaged cause by trauma, accidents, injury
Overload failure due to patient non-compliance in wearing a prescribed professionally constructed night guard or splint for grinding or clenching habits that could also break normal healthy teeth; warranty does not cover over-the-counter chemist or online purchased night guards or non-dentist fabricated night guards.
Failure due to wilful or habitual damage (eg. nail biting, cracking an ice cubes etc) and accident due to biting on hard food and objects
Failure of supportive tooth or tissue structures. Root fillings and other non related treatments such as gum problems are not covered by warranty, should your teeth develops problems such as infections from roots or gums. We cannot give a 100% foreseeable prognosis if and/or when gum or nerve treatments may be required on a covered tooth. If needed, such additional Services will require additional fees.
Failure due to loss or damage whether or not due to negligence on the patient’s behalf.
Failure of treatments performed by other practitioners is not warranted.
Failure resulting from a Force Majeure Event,
Failure due to wilful damage to the restoration and improper adjustments done by the patient itself.
Failure to follow and attend the recommended periodic free check-up and polishing minimum every 6 monthly
Failure to complete necessary dental treatments as prescribed by the Company. The Company is not liable or responsible for the treatment or dental work done by any other dentists and there remains no obligation on the Company to rectify other dentist’s work.
Teeth whitening is not included or covered by the Company’s limited warranty under this clause or under the Supply Contract due to its high unpredictability.
7. Claims Process
To make a warranty claim:
Contact us in writing within the applicable warranty period.
Provide all relevant documentation and photos (if applicable).
Attend a clinical review or inspection of the product.
If deemed eligible, rectification or replacement will be provided free of charge. Subsequent failures beyond the first redo may incur full treatment or replacement costs.
8. Discontinuation of Treatment and Refund Policy
By providing your consent and making payment for dental services, you and our practice enter into a contractual agreement that is governed by both statutory rights and obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), as enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
We are committed to delivering the services and treatments you have paid for in accordance with the terms agreed upon. Throughout your treatment journey, we will ensure you have ample opportunity to review and approve the treatment progress. This includes obtaining your explicit consent prior to the completion or cementation of the treatment. Upon your approval and consent to proceed with the final steps, including the cementation of any dental work, our contractual obligations will be deemed fulfilled.
Please Note: Once treatment is completed and cemented, refunds will not be provided, however, remedies may be available under our 3-Year Limited Warranty Policy.
Refunds Are Not Provided for the Following Conditions:
Change of mind: A patient’s decision to alter the course of treatment after commencing or approving it.
Decision to discontinue treatment for personal reasons: If you choose not to proceed with treatment for any reason, including dissatisfaction with progress or a change in preference.
Finding a cheaper alternative: If you find a more affordable service elsewhere after committing to your treatment.
Completion of treatment: Once treatment has commenced, and the final cementation or completion steps have been carried out, the treatment is considered concluded, and no refund will be offered. Any post-treatment concerns will be handled through our 3-Year Limited Warranty Policy, which offers resolution and remedy where applicable.
Eligibility for a Refund:
You may be entitled to a refund under the following circumstances:
Failure to fulfill the treatment: If we are unable to complete the treatment you have paid for, or if we are unable to provide a resolution to issues arising from the treatment.
Failure to provide a satisfactory remedy or resolution: If the dental treatment fails to meet the expectations set out in your treatment plan, and we are unable to provide a remedy under our warranty policy.
Refund Policy for Incomplete or Discontinued Treatment:
In the event that we are unable to complete the treatment, or if you choose to discontinue treatment after commencement, the following refund policy applies:
Refund for Work Already Completed:
A refund will be issued for the portion of the treatment not yet completed. For example:
For porcelain treatments (such as veneers, crowns, or bridges), which involve two key stages (preparation and cementation), the work is divided as follows:
Preparation Stage (including consultation, scanning, and temporary procedures) accounts for approximately 60% of the total fee.
Cementation Stage (the final placement of the dental work) accounts for the remaining 40% of the total fee.
If you decide to discontinue treatment after the preparation stage, you will be charged for the 60% of the treatment already provided (including preparation and any temporary work), and a refund will be issued for the remaining 40%, subject to deductions for other applicable costs, including lab fees and miscellaneous charges as outlined below.
Cancellation After Treatment Commencement: If treatment is halted for any reason, you will be charged the 60% of the service fees plus any lab fees already incurred. This charge will also cover any treatments that have already been completed, including any free treatments provided during your care.
Dental Financing Fees: If you financed your treatment through a dental financing provider, you will be charged for any merchant fees or transaction fees incurred by the practice in securing that financing, in addition to the charges for the completed treatment.
Other Miscellaneous Charges:
Refunds may be subject to deductions for any additional fees, including but not limited to:
Lab Fees: Charges for dental laboratory services already completed.
Administration Fees: Any processing or handling fees incurred in relation to your treatment.
Consultation Fees: Charges for consultations or examinations prior to the treatment.
Financing Fees: If financing was used, any costs associated with the arrangement of payment may be deducted from the refund.
Any Free treatment given and completed will be charged
9. Complaints Policy and Procedure
At our practice, we are committed to ensuring that all patients have a positive experience with our services. We understand that sometimes things may not meet your expectations, and we highly value your feedback, as it helps us to continually improve our services.
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, we aim to address your concerns promptly, courteously, and efficiently to ensure the matter is resolved as swiftly as possible.
How to Lodge a Complaint:
If you wish to make a complaint, please do so through one of the following methods:
Feedback Form: Complete the complaint form available on our website here
Direct Email: Alternatively, you can contact Dr. Zenaidy Castro directly at [email protected]
Phone: Call us at 03 9629 7664 to speak with a member of our team.
To assist us in investigating your complaint quickly and efficiently, please include the following information:
Service Details: A description of the service you received.
Staff Involved: The name of the staff member or dentist who provided the service.
Date of Service: The date on which the service was provided.
Relevant Supporting Documents: Any supporting documents or evidence related to your complaint.
Details of the Issue: A specific description of the behaviour or service that you were dissatisfied with.
Resolution Request: Clearly outline what you would like us to do to resolve the issue.
Complaints Handling Procedure:
Once we receive your complaint, we will follow these steps to resolve the matter:
Acknowledgment of Receipt: We will confirm receipt of your complaint and inform you that we are reviewing it.
Initial Review: We will review the complaint and determine if any additional information or documentation is required. If necessary, we may contact you to clarify details or request further information.
Investigation: We will investigate the issue to understand what happened, the cause of the problem, and its impact.
Resolution Discussion: We will discuss the findings with you and any actions taken to resolve the matter.
Prevention Measures: We will explore solutions to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
Complaint Acknowledgement Procedure:
First Point of Contact: Whenever possible, we will attempt to resolve your complaint during the initial contact. If we cannot resolve the issue at that time, we will continue with an investigation and share our findings with you.
Escalation Process: If you are not satisfied with the outcome or how the complaint has been handled, you may formally escalate the matter to the relevant consumer complaints channels. We will inform you of the steps you can take in such instances.
Consumer Rights and Remedies:
As part of our commitment to providing high-quality care, we ensure that any complaint falling under Australian Consumer Law will be handled in compliance with your statutory rights.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is for information purposes only. Is not a substitute for a proper professional care and advice. Each patient’s outcomes, risks, potential complications, and recovery differ. Any dental procedure, minor or major, carries risks, some minor and some serious. Before and after images seen on our Social Media and website pages are our actual patient and have been published/posted with our patients’ permission. All of our patients photos are subject to Copyrights protection. We are strong believers in responsible aesthetics. Every cosmetic, medical, or dental procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Cosmetic Dentistry results will vary from patient to patient. Call our office and book for an actual in-office consultation for us to assess if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment. All of our Specials and packages posted on this site are subject to terms, conditions and availability.The exact fee for a particular cosmetic procedure will be determined after a preliminary assessment distinguishing your unique personal needs and the type of work needed. The prices mentioned on any of our website as well as any mentioned payment plan by a third party source, are just a guide and is subject to change. Call the third party financing providers or visit their website for more info. Please call the office on 9629-7664 for further queries or clarification.
Staying Safe at the Dentist with our COVID Office Protocols
COVID-19 has impacted our lives significantly. The truth now is that we will be a part of a new world and we have to try our best to mould ourselves according to these circumstances.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected how everyone carries out their business and that includes dental professionals. To ensure your safety and our safety, below you will find some changes on how we operate from this stage forward until we defeated this invisible enemy with the available vaccine.
Please read the email carefully as we need to implement these protocols before and during your appointment with us. We understand this is an unprecedented step, but these are unprecedented times. We greatly appreciate your understanding as we work hard to provide you with safe dental care.
THINGS YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
FOR NEW PATIENTS AND PATIENTS OF RECORD WHO HAVE NOT SEEN US IN A YEAR
Pre-filling and emailing us back the Questionnaires that we have sent you by email. Upon confirmation of your appointment, we will email you 4 different forms as below.
TAKE NOTE: Except for Covid questionnaires form, You only have to pre-fill the form that is specific for your appointment with us.
1. New Patients Registration form – For General Dentistry Patient
2. New Cosmetic Patients Registration form -for Cosmetic Dentistry patients
3. Dental problems prediagnostic questionnaires -needed if you have a toothache, sensitivity, lost a filling, gum problems or any dental related problem.
4. COVID Questionnaires.
Please send us by email the pre-filled questionnaires including attachment of any needed photo of the OPG radiograph.
For Cosmetic Consult appointment, please include attachment of few close-up photos of your front teeth.If you recently have any kind of pain, discomfort or any dental and gum related symptoms since we last saw you, we need you to have a new OPG radiograph taken. About 40% of tooth pathology or disease is not visible to the eye. Without dental Xrays we won’t be able to give you a thorough diagnosis. Even if you have had a recent radiograph on the recent past, if you have a current new pain or symptoms, we might need a new one as Dental disease is in progressive states. See attached referral form on our email
ON THE DAY AND TIME OF YOUR DENTAL APPOINTMENT
DO NOT PROCEED TO OUR OFFICE DIRECTLY. WAIT FOR THE STAFF TO CONTACT YOU.
This will help minimise the amount of waiting time at our reception and limit the number of patients at one time.
We ask if you can stay in your car or downstairs and you will be called in by phone or text when the treatment room is ready.
Before entering our office, please go to the bathroom (which is next to the lift), to initially cleanse your hand properly and then do a hand sanitiser again which is available on the table next to our main door, upon entering our office.
To minimise or prevent the generation of respiratory aerosols prior to your actual treatment in the reception and treatment room, Bring your own mask or any clothing cover and wear it before entering our office and wear it all the time until we get you to the dental chair ready for treatment. If you don’t have any of this, we can provide you with a mask for $1.
Bring also your own sunglasses as well.
Come alone with your appointment. Don’t bring anyone with you as a companion. If you need assistance or escort for medical purposes, just bring one.
Your temperature will be check and will do quick screening questions again if there have been any changes since you last submitted our online form.
While in the reception, please sit on the designated area and try not to touch anything other than your personal belongings, hand sanitizer and card for payment after the treatment. This will help us limit the area of infection control processing on the reception after each and every patient.
PLEASE BE ON TIME
As we don’t overbook our appointment and see a patient only one booking at a time, we appreciate if you can come on time. We book each of our patients with 1 hour to give us 30 minutes buffer to thoroughly disinfect the surgical room TWICE. If you are running late for a very long time, this will affect how we can adhere to strict infection control procedure, and depending on how much time you are running late, we might have to reschedule your appointment. IF we are running late, we will keep you informed way ahead of your booking time or readjust our schedule accordingly without upsetting the next patient.
If you have any concerns, questions or suggestion, please let us know by email or calling our office on 9629-7664
We thank you for your efforts to assist us during this unprecedented time
As far back as I can remember, art in various mediums has always fascinated me; as a child, I enjoyed drawing and painting. My visual affinity for arts and aesthetics led me to choose a career and fulfilment as a cosmetic dentist. I found fulfilment in giving and assisting my patient in achieving the confident and beautiful smile that they desired.
Visual creativity appears to be built into me, a passion written into my DNA that never ceases to amaze and flow through me.
Outside from my commitment to my private dentistry career and running a successful private practice, I decided to pursue my passion for art. Over the years, I continually took several visual arts lessons and short courses on different Arts and Paintings studies. Using a variety of media and subject, I painted different subjects including: landscape photorealism, Still Life, Abstracts, and Life drawings and painted on a large scale in both Oil or Acrylic. My favourite is Abstract painting.
In late 2015 I found photography and I love every part of the craft, and I soon found that what I lack in knowledge and technique, it make up for with my inherent artistic inclination, talent, intuitive visual acuity and earlier art studies. Even in just short span of less than a year doing and learning the craft of photography, my works showed strong artistic merit. I won multitude awards and honours from my photographic works.
My love for black and white photography and for the beauty in the world lead me to travelled extensively throughout the world and captured anything and everything that resonated with me.
My photography spans many different genres, From minimalist snaps of landscape to travel documentary and cultural portraits.
Black and white photography has been a romantic medium since its inception. That romance lives on today, with black and white photography being easier and more accessible than ever.
Color and black-and-white photography, according to American Black and White photographer Edward Weston, were two different means to different ends with nothing in common. Furthermore, author of How to look at photographs: reflections on the art of seeing Black and White Photographer David Finn states: “In some respects black-and-white photographs are more ‘real’ than colour photographs because they represent the subject without embellishment.
They speak to the viewer more simply and directly, and their images appear more authentic. Color photographs, on the other hand, are more ‘real’ because they are closer to what we actually see.”
Black-and-white photography is timeless, but it also transcends reality, transforming an image into a realm that is neither abstraction nor reality. A black-and-white image deconstructs and simplifies a scene to its forms and tones.
My continued love of brightly coloured abstract art and painting was balanced by my strong interest in monochrome black and white photography. My artworks is like “ying and yang”.
I have a wide range of photographic interests, including landscapes, still lives, wildlife and horses, travel documentary and cultural portraits, genre scenes, and so on. During the early years, I photographed and learned at the same time, mostly through trial and error.
Despite by my inexperience, my early photographs demonstrated careful composition and sensitivity to expressionistic photographs and won several photographic awards internationally. My award-winning photographs are mostly in black and white.
It didn’t take long for me to realise that I have a passion for creating beauty in this world after spending over 30 years as a Cosmetic Dentist helping patients have a beautiful smile. My job has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, and the more people I meet, the more I realise how uniquely and spectacularly created we all are.
The realisation that each person is unique, with their own path and story, has fueled my inspiration as an artist and photographer, Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery.
I’ve always been a visual and artistic person, and the Heart & Soul Whisperer online art gallery allows me to finally pursue my dreams.
Every one of us has a story to tell, and my art is about finding your place in this sometimes chaotic world. It is my hope that you will find yourself and enter a new world here, or that you will take a moment to appreciate and connect with the wonders and harmony of nature and realise that there is something bigger than us.
This passion project, “Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery,” was created to assist you in finding empowerment as you move closer to discovering your ultimate destiny and how you can add a spark of magic to this world, as well as searching for what truly matters.
Learning that sometimes the best decisions come from the heart. Listening to your inner whispers, whether it’s making a life-changing decision or simply selecting a Cosmetic Dentist or an Art, is a reminder that our deepest wisdom lives within us. The answers we seek can be found within.
Listen to your Heart Whispers is about leaning into our heart’s wisdom and allowing our big decisions to emerge from that pure place.
