Dentist – Ringwood Dental

Affordable Smile Makeover

Dr Yee Han Chaung — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 01:17:31 +0000

Want to improve your smile but want to be kind to your teeth and your budget?
Do you have concerns about the colour, shape or position of your teeth?
You may be a candidate for composite veneers and whitening.

Both these procedures offer great value for money versus full crowns, or porcelain. In cases of mild tooth malpositioning, this can be a less costly and time consuming alternative to orthodontics.
Unfortunately composite veneers are not as well known and considered the poor relation to porcelain veneers.
The reality is that done with care and attention to detail, this is far from the case and can surpass that of a poorly done porcelain veneer.
Why is this? Let’s dispel some myths.

Myth 1: Only porcelain can look natural with character like a real tooth

False

Porcelain veneers rely on a technician’s skill and dentist communication with them as to your expectations. So there are three people that are involved in the communication, i.e. you, the dentist and the technician. Done properly, they can look amazing, but…

Composite veneers can look amazing when you communicate your expectations with the dentist and they are able to deliver your smile. Let’s face it, two people communicating will be easier. And it is up to the dentist’s skill to sculpt the composite, see the detail of your natural tooth, and simulate this. There are less people involved, but you will rely 100% on the dentist, so find one you are comfortable with. Look at their previous work, look for detail.

Myth 2: My teeth need to be filed down.

True and False

This is true where there is space required for placing the veneers, whether composite or porcelain, although composite may be placed into situations where porcelain is not suitable due to more flexibility of placement.

Myth 3: Porcelain costs more than composite veneers

True

This is usually the case, although there may be an overlap between a “cheap” porcelain and an expertly done composite veneer. A cheap anything will always look cheap.

Myth 4: Porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers

True and False

Porcelain, while being a harder material, may be more brittle. When it comes to repairs, composite is easier to repair. In the event of chipping, porcelain may need to be replaced.

Your Teeth Whitening Options

Ringwood Dental — Mon, 23 May 2016 07:12:19 +0000

One of the most common concerns we hear from patients is regarding the colour of their teeth. Most people tell us they want whiter teeth and understandably so, as many of us associate a whiter smile with a more youthful glow. As a dollars per tooth proposition, whitening provides the best bang for buck for your smile.

Firstly to understand the process, it is important to understand the causes and types of tooth discolouration.

External Stains on the enamel of your teeth are generally caused by foods and drinks such as coffee and wine as well as smoking. These stains usually appear as dark/yellow streaks and spots.
Internal stains occur within the inner structure of the tooth and causes the dentine to darken/yellow. Internal stains are usually a result of too much exposure to fluoride, antibiotics and/or trauma.
Lastly, tooth discolouration can occur from ageing. It is generally a combination of internal and external stains, naturally your dentine will begin to yellow over time and as your enamel begins to thin, your dentine will show through.

So, what are my options I hear you ask?

1. In-office whitening.

This is the fastest way to achieve a whiter smile. Typically a gel is applied to your teeth in the chair, then a light is applied to speed up the reaction. So for those in a hurry for a whiter smile, this is your ticket – it only takes an hour to an hour and a half. However, this is generally more expensive (typically more than $500) and may lead to greater sensitivity due to more concentrated gels.

2. Custom-made whitening trays.

A popular choice as it allows you to whiten in the comfort of your own home. Typically gels are applied with the trays and inserted to allow precise contact with your teeth for 30-60 minutes. Cost is usually $300-500.

3. Pre-made whitening trays.

These are becoming more readily available. Lower cost would appear enticing, but as the fit is rather uneven, so too can be the whitening effect. Also stray chemicals may cause gum reactions.

4. All the rest

You may have seen the whitening strips, toothpaste, even chewing gum. Less customised, usually the least effective, and in the case of some toothpastes, can cause harm if all they do is to strip off the enamel of your teeth.

Please be aware that some teeth may not change colour with any of the above methods. These include any fillings or crowns you may have. A darker tooth may also be a sign of decay or a dead tooth which may require more urgent dental treatment. Indeed, a thorough professional examination (and any necessary treatment) to establish sound dental health would be strongly advised prior to considering any cosmetic treatment.

Give us a call to find out more about our Teeth Whitening Services.

How to Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist

Ringwood Dental — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 21:36:13 +0000

Looking back at my dental career – which started twenty years ago – one common complaint we hear from people is that they do not like their smile. Concerns we hear time and time again are crooked teeth, dark teeth, gaps in between teeth, or chipped and broken teeth. This often leads them to feel embarrassed and shy away from cameras, and long term often results in lower self esteem and confidence.

As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there is no right or wrong. Indeed, your personal opinion is most valued.

While all dentists are technically qualified to perform cosmetic dentistry, not all have the necessary skills, attention to detail or experience to achieve a top result.

SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR ARE:

Advanced training after university graduation by Internationally renowned cosmetic dentistry gurus
A compendium of previous cosmetic cases – not stock photos
High resolution digital photography
A willingness to listen to your concerns in detail – before and after treatment
Dedication to continuing education – a willingness to advance the art and science of cosmetic dentistry

Our greatest reward is seeing someone blossom with renewed self esteem and confidence.
If this sounds like you, please call our friendly team for a complimentary smile assessment.

Technology in Dentistry

Ringwood Dental — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:00:02 +0000

Technology exists to make our lives easier. Unfortunately, new emerging technologies often need time to mature.

While we are presented with new technology by our dental companies for evaluation.

I am amazed that we are now able to have all our patient information at our fingertips.

We can blow up x-rays on LCD screens. Email x-rays to specialists for opinions. There are so many benefits for technology in dentistry.