All the things you need to know about "Dentist in Melbourne Services"
Dental Cleanings Q & A
Why is it important to get dental cleanings?
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
Professional teeth cleanings and routine checkups are a critical part of your oral health care strategy. Although you may maintain impeccable oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing daily, you can still benefit from the professional care
It takes specialized instruments to really remove tough tartar, and we can see parts of your mouth that are completely out of your view.
Aside from keeping your teeth clean, it’s important to come in for routine dental exams to prevent minor problems from developing into major ones. For example, it’s much simpler to fill a small cavity than restore a severely decayed tooth.
Regular dental cleanings:
- Prevent cavities and tooth loss
- Brighten your smile
- Freshen your breath
- Increase the overall health
- Prevent costly dental procedures, thereby saving money
Depending on the condition of your teeth, Dr. Castro may recommend getting a cleaning once or twice per year.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
The entire cleaning should be relatively quick and painless.
First, we use special instruments to gently scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. Then, they polish your teeth with a rotating toothbrush and gritty paste. After you rinse your mouth, we may also apply a fluoride gel to strengthen your teeth.
Once your teeth are clean, we reviews tips on how to maintain a healthy smile with proper home care. These tips may include:
- Techniques for effective brushing
- Daily flossing
- Using mouthwash
What does a dentist check for during a routine exam?
Dr. Castro may perform a comprehensive routine exam after your dental cleaning. She checks your entire mouth, including all teeth and soft tissues, for any abnormalities.
We are going to refer you to have a FREE OPG xray before your appointment with us for us to see and catch any problems early on before they develop into significant issues.
During your exam, Dr. Castro checks for the following oral health problems:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth grinding
- Misaligned teeth
- Signs of oral cancer
If you want to maintain a healthy set of teeth, set up a regular schedule of dental cleanings and preventive care exams with Dr. Castro by calling or clicking online today.
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Fillings & Restorations Q & A
What are tooth restorations?
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
If your tooth is decayed, damaged, or missing, you may need a tooth restoration. Common examples of tooth restoration procedures include:
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dental implants
- Dentures
How do I know if I need a filling or tooth restoration?
Dental fillings and restorations fix problems caused by decay, grinding, or other damage to the surface of your teeth. Often, decay causes a cavity to form in your tooth.
If you have tooth decay, you’re not alone. Cavities and tooth decay rank high among the world’s most common health problems. You may need a filling if you experience any of these common signs and symptoms of cavities:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Spontaneous tooth pain that starts without any obvious cause
- Visible holes or pits in your tooth
- Pain while eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
- Black, brown, or white stains on the surface of your tooth
- Discomfort when biting down
As with any health problem, early detection is key. The best way to prevent a costly tooth restoration is to get routine exams on a regular basis.
What are my options for dental filling materials?
Dental fillings come in a variety of different materials. Talk to Dr. Castro about the pros and cons of each to determine which type of filling is right for you.
Common materials for dental fillings include:
- Tooth-colored composite resins
- Silver amalgam
- Gold fillings
What should I expect from my dental filling or restoration procedure?
Dental fillings are simple and common procedures that require no downtime for recovery. First, Dr. Castro prepares your mouth by numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic. This may leave your mouth numb for an hour or so after your appointment. Most fillings don’t require sedation, and you’re conscious throughout the procedure.
If you have extensive tooth decay or serious damage, Dr. Castro may recommend a more complex tooth restoration procedure.
If one or more teeth are missing, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. A missing tooth can cause the rest of your teeth to shift or lead to jawbone deterioration. In these cases, Dr. Castro may suggest replacing missing teeth with a bridge or dental implants.
If you suspect you may have tooth decay, act quickly to save your tooth. Call Dr. Castro or book an appointment online today.
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Crown Lengthening ("Gummy" Smile, Overgrown Gums)
Crown lengthening can be a confusing term to some since it sounds like it involves adding length to the tooth. A more accurate term is crown exposure since gum tissue is cut away to reveal more of the tooth. You may consider crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons if you want to improve a “gummy” smile. It could also be performed if not enough of your crown is visible to support a filling, dental crown, or other restoration.
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
Best Candidates
If you are considering crown lengthening, you should be in good general health, especially when it comes to the gums. Problems, like periodontal (gum) disease, may need to be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Most often, crown lengthening is done for cosmetic reasons to correct a “gummy” smile. In these instances, excess gum tissue could be removed to improve the ratio of tooth to gums and provide you a raised, even gumline. In some cases, crown lengthening can also be needed to perform a restoration. We may want to reveal more of the tooth so as to place a crown, bridge, or filling.
What To Expect
To begin the procedure, local ansesthesia is applied to the needed areas to minimize your discomfort. You may discuss other sedation methods in your consultation to help keep you calm and comfortable during the process. Once your mouth is prepared, the gum tissue is removed in small slivers to gradually reveal more of the teeth, and the gumline will be shaped for an even look. Once the crown lengthening process is complete, we will close the gums to stop bleeding and clean your mouth.
Recovery
After your crown lengthening procedure, your mouth could be sore and swollen. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can usually be used to lessen your discomfort, but we may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics. It may be good to adhere to a liquid or soft food diet for many days as your mouth heals. You should keep your mouth clean at home with mouthwash and soft brushing, but avoid flossing. In some cases, you may need to make a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing. We will also continuously check your gums at your annual dental exam.
Insurance Coverage
The cost of a crown lengthening procedure may vary, depending on why the treatment is being performed. Dental insurance providers may cover a portion of the cost in some scenarios, but they may not. In any event, our financial team will contact your provider to determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be before discussing your options for payment. If you do not have dental insurance, our financial team will help estimate your costs in your consultation and give you more information on low-interest financing that could help make your dental treatments more affordable.
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics for an Infected Tooth)
If detected early on, tooth decay can be treated with a dental filling or a similar procedure to clean the enamel and seal the area. However, if the decay spreads past the enamel and infects the inner pulp of the tooth, you will likely need a root canal. Often called an endodontic treatment, root canal therapy removes the damaged pulp from the tooth, sanitizes the cavity, and then uses a filling material to seal the tooth. Root canal therapy not only treats the infected tooth, it prevents the decay from moving to other teeth (creating a larger issue).
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
If you believe you need to have a root canal, we understand if you have reservations about the procedure. A root canal is a very common dental therapy, yet many people avoid going to see a dentist for a toothache because of common dental fears. Our dental team makes every effort to help you feel at ease and relaxed naturally, but we also offer a number of sedation options for any anxiety. Contact us to set up a consultation to learn more about sedation options and root canal therapy.
Best Candidates
An infection in the pulp of a tooth may be caused by a cavity, a deep crack in the tooth, or a physical trauma. The most obvious signs that you could have an infection are tooth or jaw pain, swelling or discoloration of the gums around the tooth, and changes in the color of the tooth. If the infection is not addressed, the infection will spread, causing increased pain. Schedule an appointment right away if you feel or notice something abnormal in your mouth. If you have fears or reservations about visiting the dentist, please ask us about sedation options to keep you calm and comfortable during your dental appointments.
What To Expect
Before the procedure, you will discuss your sedation and/or anesthetic options. We do not want you to feel anxious, nervous, or fearful while you are at our office. Our team is very sympathetic about dental fear and will help you make the necessary decision about your sedation needs.
During an endodontic procedure, the inner chamber of your tooth will be assessed and the decayed pulp will be extracted. Afterward, the inside of the empty chamber will be carefully sterilized to remove any leftover debris. To finalize the therapy, the tooth will be filled with a special material to seal and protect it.
Recovery
Depending on the type of sedation that was used, you may need to have a responsible adult take you home after your root canal. Your mouth may feel sensitive or swollen, but these are normal symptoms and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. We recommend that you set up a follow-up six months after your root canal. We will check to make sure the infection has been eradicated and that your mouth has healed. After that, you should continue to schedule annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings to maintain your dental health.
Insurance Coverage
At your consultation, we will give you cost estimates so your treatment fits both your needs and budget. If you currently carry dental insurance, we can call your carrier to determine your coverage. If you do not have dental insurance, we accepts several payment methods and may be able to help you find low-interest medical financing.
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Night Guards (Custom Dental Appliance for Teeth Grinding, Bruxism)
The grinding of your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that affects many individuals. Although the most obvious symptom is wear on the surface of the teeth, nocturnal bruxism may also cause tooth pain, headaches, and inflammation, as well as discomfort in your jaw and neck. To protect your mouth against these effects of teeth grinding, we offer custom night guards that help defend your mouth while you sleep. Custom night guards are created with high-grade materials to comfortably fit in your mouth and help improve the quality of your sleep by eliminating teeth grinding and jaw clenching. If you would like to learn more about custom night guards, schedule a consultation at our office
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
Best Candidates
A number of indicators may suggest that you are clenching your jaw and/or grinding your teeth at night. Maybe you frequently wake up with pain in your jaw, a headache, and swelling in your lower face. Other symptoms include loose fillings or teeth, worn down enamel on the top of your back teeth, tooth sensitivity, and a receding gumline. Grinding and clenching at night are usually caused by stress but can also be the result of a sleep disorder, misaligned teeth, allergies, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). While your bruxism is being diagnosed, we will also find out the cause so your night guard may be combined with another treatment for more effective results.
What to Expect
After your diagnosis is made, impressions and digital x-rays of your mouth will be taken to help create your custom night guard. We will send these details to the dental laboratory where your night guard will be made from high-quality materials. When your night guard is complete and sent back to us, we will inform you so you can come in for a fitting. Minor adjustments can be made so your night guard fits correctly. You will also be given directions on how to care for your night guard so it lasts a long time.
Follow-Up
For your night guard to be effective, you will need to wear it every night. Your night guard will relieve or eliminate the pain and dental issues caused by bruxism, but if it does not, please call our team so we can consider other issues or try other therapies. To help keep your night guard and mouth in good condition, you should properly clean both prior to and following each use. Be sure to bring your night guard to all future appointments, exams, and cleanings so we can repair and adjust the guard as needed.
Insurance Coverage
If you have been diagnosed with nocturnal bruxism or jaw clenching, part of the cost of your night guard may be covered by your insurance company. If you have dental insurance, our team can contact your insurance carrier to obtain your benefits and coverage. During your consult, we can discuss cost estimates with or without dental insurance and payment methods. For more affordable dental care, we can help you apply for medical financing.
Custom Night Guards
Teeth grinding can cause discomfort and pain in a number of ways. Night guards are a safe option to diminish the fatigue that results from the unpleasant side effects of nocturnal bruxism and jaw clenching. Customized night guards also give benefit the overall health of your mouth and deter future issues. If this sounds like a solution to your worries or you are interested in learning more, contact our team to schedule a consultation.
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Dentures (Partial or Full Removable Dental Restorations)
Custom dentures can be a good option if you want to replace several missing teeth. Removable dentures can renew your smile and help you speak and eat with more confidence. We can provide either full or partial removable dentures. Full dentures can replace your entire upper arch, lower arch, or both while partial dentures use your remaining teeth as support. We will help you decide whether full or partial dentures fit your needs, and then have them custom made to look beautiful. Schedule a consultation to learn more about removable dentures.
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FULL AND PARTIAL DENTURES
Do you know the important differences between full and partial dentures? Below we will review the main types of dentures, which are full and partial dentures, and the benefits they have to offer.
Dentures replace missing teeth in your smile to keep other teeth from changing their position. Dentures are customized for your mouth to fit comfortably and can be removed for cleaning. Today’s dentures are more natural-looking than ever so that your appearance and smile remain natural. Without dentures, missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to droop and you may appear to age prematurely. Dentures also help you chew comfortably and speak clearly again when they restore missing teeth in your smile.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are designed to offer full tooth replacement by filling a full arch of missing teeth with a beautiful and natural-looking appliance. To place full dentures, it may be necessary to perform a tooth extraction to make space for this appliance if there are still teeth lingering in your smile. The conventional denture is made after your teeth have been extracted and after the gum tissue has started healing. These are typically ready to be worn about eight to 12 weeks after your teeth are removed. Your oral appliance is placed over your gums and held securely using suction to attach to the roof of your mouth. Full dentures are removable and can be taken out at night and for cleanings.
Partial Dentures
If you have a few missing teeth in a row, partial dentures can restore your beautiful smile. This removable oral appliance is used to fill the gap from missing teeth so that you can have a beautiful and functional smile again. These partial appliances clasp to the neighbouring teeth in your smile to help you speak, smile and chew properly. These replacement teeth are attached to a coloreud plastic base that looks like your natural gums. If you have a fixed bridge to replace one or more of your teeth, crowns are placed on the teeth that border the space with artificial teeth and are cemented into place.
In addition to full and partial dentures, there is a third option for some. Implant-supported dentures are an overdenture which is attached to dental implants for support and are most often made for the lower jaw. These are often done if there are no teeth in the jaw but there is sufficient jaw bone material to support implants. These have special attachments that snap them onto the implant.
No matter which type of denture you wear, you want to take good care of your oral health to keep your gum tissue healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits. You will also want to make sure you see our dentist regularly to make sure your dentures fit correctly and ensure they are comfortable and that your gums are healthy.
Both full and partial dentures can be very functional and make excellent choices when it comes to tooth loss and tooth replacement. If you would like to learn more about your options for the types of dentures, please feel free to call today for a consultation with our team!
Types of Partial Dentures Materials
Flexible dentures
One popular alternative to conventional false teeth is flexible dentures such as Valplast flexible partials. These don’t have the rigidity of acrylic and are also less bulky. This means they are more comfortable to wear and are less likely to cause difficulties with speech.
The flexible material is more comfortable to wear
Benefits of Valplast flexible dentures include:
- Extremely durable material
- Soft material which is gentler to gums
- No unsightly metal clasps
- No adhesive needed
- Translucent resin material blends with natural gum color
- Thin and lightweight, less effect on speech
Valplast dentures are not a more affordable alternative to dentures, as they cost more than those that use traditional rigid materials. However, they are still a cheap alternative to implants and don’t involve any surgery.
Note that these can only be used for partial teeth replacement – they are not available as a full set.
Acrylic Partial Denture (otherwise referred to as a “Flipper” Denture) is usually used as a transitional or temporary replacement of missing teeth. They are meant to tide the patient over until an ultimate type of prosthesis can be done. Unfortunately, these temporary Partial Dentures often become permanent. Don’t let it happen to you! They tend to be brittle, unsightly and allow for teeth to shift. The only neat trick that a “flipper” Partial Denture can do is to act as an Immediate Partial Denture. This means that the appliance can be made before the teeth are removed, and inserted immediately after the extraction of the offending teeth. This can be done in the course of a single day.
The metal/acrylic partial denture— commonly called a Cast Partial Denture— is probably one of the oldest forms of dentistry. It is usually a more rigid and permanent style of partial denture. The metal is typically either a highly compatible chromium cobalt alloy or titanium, which are ultra-thin, light and very strong. This type of partial denture tends to be extremely stable and retentive.
Best Candidates for Dentures
You may be a good candidate for removable dentures if you are missing most or all of your teeth, but your gums and jawbone are still healthy. If you have natural teeth, these may either be extracted for a full denture or kept with a partial denture. At your initial consultation, we will examine your oral health and explain your options based on your budget and needs.
What To Expect
If needed, any remaining teeth will be extracted before taking oral impressions, which will be used to customize your dentures. Partial dentures will be coloured to match your natural teeth for a seamless finish. Once your custom dentures are made, they will be fitted so they are secure and comfortable. We will talk with you about how to care for your dentures.
Follow-Up
It may require some time before your new dentures feel natural, but it should eventually be easier to eat and speak normally. If your dentures feel loose, return to us to have your dentures refitted. At home, you will need to keep your dentures clean by brushing them twice daily. At night or whenever you remove your dentures, they should be soaked to prevent them from drying out. Continue to schedule cleanings and exams so we can examine the wear and fit of your restoration and the health of your jaw and gums. We will let you know if your dentures need to be repaired or replaced, but with ideal care, your dentures should last for several years.
Insurance Coverage
If you have dental insurance, part of the cost of your dentures will usually be covered. We will contact your dental insurance to understand your benefits and out-of-pocket costs. At your initial consultation, your treatment plan will be developed so your dentures fit both your needs and budget. For help making your dentures affordable, whether you have dental insurance or not, we accepts many forms of payment, including dental financing.
Removable Dentures
Get back your confidence to eat and speak when your mouth is restored with custom dentures. We are happy to be able to offer custom-made removable full and partial dentures . To receive more information on how custom dentures can restore your oral health by scheduling a consultation
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Dental Bonding and Contouring (Cosmetic Improvements with Composite Resin)
Sometimes, accidents happen. You may take a bad fall and chip a tooth. Sometimes a tooth can get discoloured for any number of reasons, such as a medication or illness. We offer dental bonding and contouring to improve small cosmetic flaws, effective cosmetic treatment, bonding and contouring applies composite resin (the same material used for tooth-coloured fillings) to hide tooth discoloration, fill gaps between teeth, make a tooth longer, or even change the shape of a tooth. If you want a great way to improve your smile, schedule an appointment to learn more about bonding and contouring
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
Best Candidates
Dental bonding and contouring can improve chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, tooth length, and other flaws. Bonding and contouring is an affordable cosmetic procedure and can usually be done in one appointment. It also does not need prep work, like veneers or crowns; however, it is not as strong and typically does not stay on as long. Bonding and contouring is ideal for minor flaws so if you want more extensive changes, another cosmetic or restorative procedure may be better. During your consultation, we will listen to your needs and wants and then go over your options.
What To Expect
Dental bonding and contouring will be typically done in one. You should not need any anaesthesia, but options for sedation can be discussed during your consultation for concerns, like fear, anxiety, and a strong gag reflex. Once you are ready, the composite resin will be applied to the needed areas. The composite resin will be hardened with a special light before more layers are added. Once the bonding process is set, the composite resin and your natural teeth will be contoured and polished for an even result.
Recovery
Once you have had dental bonding and contouring, you should avoid staining foods and drinks (like tea, coffee, and tobacco) for two days. The bonding material can chip and stain so do not bite down on hard objects, such as ice cubes, pens, pencils, and your fingernails, and brush your teeth immediately after eating. Teeth that have been bonded and contoured should be cleaned, like regular teeth, with regular flossing, brushing, and mouthwash. Dental cleanings will help to remove stains from the composite resin. With good care, dental bonding can last up to ten years. During your annual dental exam, one of our dental professionals will help you decide if the dental bonding and contouring procedure needs to be redone to maintain your smile.
Insurance Coverage
Dental bonding and contouring is a cosmetic procedure so it is typically not covered all by insurance. Our office can contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage, but most patients will pay out-of-pocket for this procedure. At your consultation, we can discuss an estimate of cost and payment options we accept
Bonding and Contouring
Bonding and contouring can be a wonderful procedure if you want to enhance minor flaws in your teeth without the expense and time needed for other cosmetic procedures. Find out more about bonding and contouring at your consultation at our office . Contact us to schedule your appointment and get started toward a beautiful smile.
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
What is Cosmetic Recontouring?
Cosmetic Recontouring is the reshaping of the teeth to achieve a more aesthetic appearance. Cosmetic Recontouring, also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping or slenderizing, is a procedure that involves removing small amounts of enamel. By removing the tooth enamel, this allows the dentist to change, alter or switch the appearance. Additionally, Cosmetic Recontouring also helps to retain the shape, change the shape or alter the teeth for either increased cosmetic appearance or a myriad of other reasons.
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
How is Cosmetic Recontouring Performed?
Cosmetic Contouring is performed by changing the enamel in the teeth that enables the dentist to change the appearance of the tooth and also create a more aesthetically appealing mouth, shape and look. Cosmetic Contouring is important to ensure that the teeth are appealing and is also utilized to correct small cosmetic issues in the teeth.
What are the benefits of Cosmetic Recontouring?
The main benefit of cosmetic recontouring is that they are extremely simple and a conservative way to improve the overall appearance of the teeth as well as to increase the aesthetic appearance and appeal of the teeth. Tooth reshaping is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and for that reason, is very beneficial to patients that are looking to increase the attractive appeal, change the shape, or alter the teeth in various fashions. In order to ensure that the enamel is restored and back to good health, he will add enamel back to the tooth to ensure its longevity and protection.
Additionally, tooth reshaping helps to correct and fix the following issues:
- Fixing Small chips
- Smoothing out bulges or pits in the tooth’s enamel
- Adjusting slight irregular tooth shapes caused by too many or uneven teeth
- Adjusting the length of the canines
- Fixing Cosmetic issues
- Fixing small cracks
- Adjusting the natural shape of the teeth
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Mouthguards
Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, or wrestling, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard.
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
Types of mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly.
Pre-made mouthguards and boil-and-bite mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, while custom-made mouthguards are specially designed by your Dentist to provide optimal protection against mouth injuries. It is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Your doctor can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.
Taking care of your mouthguard
Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by storing it properly and keeping it clean, as well as knowing when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:
- Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store your mouthguard in a protective case.
- Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water, because it may melt or become deformed.
- Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season. You should also replace your mouthguard if you notice it has become worn and no longer fits properly.
- Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you wear braces, your dentist will help design a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.
- Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard. Mouthguards come in different shapes and sizes; ask your dentist which is best for you.
- Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup, so your dentist can check to make sure it’s still in good shape!
Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries incurred by athletes. Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports-related injury to your smile. Be sure to ask your doctor about mouthguards at your next appointment .
VOGUE SMILES MELBOURNE provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic, Family dentistry services to complex full-mouth reconstructions. Call us now on 9629-7664 for all you dental care.
GENERAL DENTISTRY MELBOURNE CBD WITH AFFORDABLE DENTIST PAYMENT PLAN / DENTAL FINANCING »
GENERAL DENTIST MELBOURNE NEW PATIENTS SPECIALS AND PROMO »
Orthodontic Retainers
Every orthodontic treatment plan ends with a customized retention program. Without retainer wear, teeth can slip back into their original positions. Once you complete your treatment with braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, a retainer will ensure your teeth remain straight for years to come.
General Dentistry Melbourne CBD
How a retainer is different than braces
Unlike braces or aligners, a retainer isn’t designed to move your teeth. It is designed to hold them in place. A retainer is built to fit perfectly over your straight new smile and hold the teeth in place over the months and years following your treatment plan. Most people are instructed to wear their retainer consistently for the first year after treatment, and with the guidance of your orthodontist or Dentist, less as time goes on.
We use two different types of retainers at our clinics, removable and permanent. We will determine which type is right for you based on your unique case and lifestyle needs.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers are made from either wire and acrylic or clear plastic. With wire and acrylic retainers, a wire is secured by an acrylic plate that fits snuggly to your upper palate. The wire is visible as it wraps around the front of your teeth. Clear plastic retainers are very similar to Invisalign® clear aligners and fit over your entire top and bottom teeth to hold them in place.
In general, we recommend you wear your removable retainers all day and night for the first three months after your braces are removed. After that, if everything looks good, you can wear them only at night. The more consistent you are with your retainer, the better your long-term results will be.
Permanent retainers
A permanent or “fixed” retainer is a single, thin, strong wire that is attached to the back of your front 4-6 teeth. It is invisible to the outside, and most people forget it’s even there after a few weeks. A permanent retainer takes a little more effort to clean because you’ll have to floss around it, but it has the best outcomes since it remains in place 24/7.
Retainer Types and Cleaning
1. Removable Hawley Wire Retainers
Advantages:
- Last a long time
- Can be tightened or repaired
- Allow the bite to “settle” into a more comfortable position over time
- Can be custom designed with many colors, logos, etc.
Disadvantages
- Do not cover the biting surface of the teeth, so do not protect against grinding
- Allow slight movement of the teeth
- Are more expensive to replace
- More noticeable visually as the the metal wire can be seen
- Bulky coverage of the palate is bothersome to some patients
- Can be lost or broken
2. Removable Clear Plastic Retainers
Advantages:
- Hold the teeth in the exact position there were moved to
- Protects the teeth against wear from grinding
- Almost invisible
- Are less expensive to replace than other retainer options
- If slight movement occurs, wearing them full time can help move the teeth back into the proper position.
Disadvantages
- Don’t last as long at the other retainers
- Are easy to lose because they are so clear
3. Bonded Permanent Retainers
Advantages:
- Can last for many years if properly maintained
- Can’t be lost as they are permanently glued in
Disadvantages
- Are much more difficult to clean, brush and floss
- Care must be taken not to eat things that are too hard
Important information on wearing retainers:
- Wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
- Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
- Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush water. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing for the clear retainers, but should not be used with metal retainers.
- When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
- Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
- Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
- Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they can last for years!
- Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
What do I need to consider when using a retainer?
There are a few basic things to consider for proper use and maintenance of your retainer.
- Don’t lose the appliance – Removable retainers are very easy to lose. It is advisable to place your retainer in the case it came in while eating, drinking, and brushing. Leaving a retainer folded in a napkin at a restaurant or in a public restroom can be very costly if lost because a replacement must be created. A brightly colored case serves as a great reminder.
- Don’t drink while wearing a retainer – It is tempting to drink while wearing a retainer because of the unobtrusive nature of the device. However, excess liquid trapped under the trays can vastly intensify acid exposure to teeth, increasing the probability of tooth decay.
- Don’t eat while wearing a retainer – It can be difficult and awkward to eat while wearing a removable retainer and it can also damage the device. Food can get trapped around a Hawley retainer wire or underneath the palate, causing bad breath. When worn on the upper and lower arches simultaneously, VFR retainers do not allow the teeth to meet. This means that chewing is almost impossible.
- Clean the retainer properly – Removable retainers can become breeding grounds for calculus and bacteria. It is essential to clean the inside and outside thoroughly as often as possible. Hawley retainers can be cleaned with a toothbrush. Because harsh bristles can damage the PVC surface of a VFR, denture cleaner or a specialized retainer cleaner is recommended for this type of device.
- Wear the retainer as directed – This phase of treatment is critical. The hard work has been done; the braces are off, and now it is tempting not to wear the retainer as often as the orthodontist recommends. Retainers are needed to give the muscles, tissues, and bones time to stabilize the teeth in their new alignment. Failure to wear the retainer as directed can have regrettable consequences, such as teeth returning to their original position, added expense, and lost time.
