Ringwood Dental https://ringwooddental.com.au Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:27:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://ringwooddental.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/favicon-150x150.png Ringwood Dental https://ringwooddental.com.au 32 32 Occlusal Splint https://ringwooddental.com.au/occlusal-splint/ Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:27:01 +0000 https://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=2812 Often the worst damage to our teeth is self-inflicted from a grinding or clenching habit.

An occlusal splint, as seen here, is a device to protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding together.

Often this occurs at night and is not noticed by the individual.

Some may notice jawache, headaches. Over time teeth will wear down and become noticeably shorter.

We often see patients who suspect may be grinding. A splint may help protect their teeth from ongoing damage and premature wear.

We have discovered that the key to an effective splint is a balanced bite. This relies on a comprehensive set of bite records being taken to ensure the ultimate posture is not left to chance.

If you have a grinding habit, any jaw symptoms or need a new splint, let us know if we can help!

]]> Affordable Smile Makeover https://ringwooddental.com.au/affordable-smile-makeover/ Wed, 12 Sep 2018 01:17:31 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=2080
  • 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.

 

]]> Dental Care for Children https://ringwooddental.com.au/dental-care-for-children/ Mon, 21 Nov 2016 03:23:17 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1775

As your child progresses through different stages, it’s important that you guide them through good oral practices, as their teeth are theirs forever. For many parents, the process can become a bit confusing.

We hope this article helps to clarify crucial stages, but feel free to send us a message if you have any further questions.

6 Months
For most Babies, their teeth first appear between 6 to 10 months. However you can start cleaning your baby’s gums before the eruption of the first tooth. Wipe the gums gently using a clean, damp face washer or gauze a couple times a day.

As soon as teeth arrive, you can clean them twice a day (in the morning and before bed). Wrap a clean, damp face washer or gauze around your finger and wipe the front and back of each of your baby’s teeth. Using a small, soft toothbrush designed for children under two years. Use only water on the toothbrush until your baby is 18 months old.

Once your child is 18 months old, you can use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush.
Avoid giving your baby anything sweet to go to sleep with such as a bottle of formula, milk or juice and avoid dipping your child’s pacifier in anything sweet.

Remember to monitor your baby’s teeth for tooth decay, check their teeth for signs of white chalky lines or brown spots.

2-3 Years

By the age of 3, majority of your child’s 20 baby teeth will have erupted. Continue brushing their teeth twice a day (using small circular motions for at least 2 minutes) with a soft bristle children’s toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste (use toothpaste with LOW fluoride).

Your child can start helping with cleaning the teeth, let the child hold the toothbrush and feel the brushing action. Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and avoid them swallowing any (this can cause them to receive too much fluoride which causes fluorosis (white specks) on their adult teeth.

You should start flossing your children’s teeth (even when they have only their baby teeth) once a child’s teeth start to fit closely together, usually between the ages of two and six. Parents should start to get their children in the habit of flossing daily. You can use regular floss or special plastic floss holders. As they develop dexterity, you can help them learn to floss. Children usually develop the ability to floss on their own around the age of 10.

It is also important to book your child’s first dental appointment by the time they are 2 years old. It encourages the child to get to know the dentist in a happy and relaxed environment for the first visit and built up a lifetime of positive dental experience. It also gives you and your dentist a chance to talk about your child’s dental needs.

6 Years

At around 6 years old, your child’s baby teeth will begin to fall out and their first adult teeth will begin erupting, your dentist will run an orthodontic assessment in order to recognise any potential issues with the growing adult teeth and discuss a treatment plan with you if necessary.

Again, floss daily and brush twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes, in the morning and before bed at night; spit the toothpaste out, rinse and do not swallow toothpaste. Between 6- 8, you can begin teaching them/monitoring their brushing. But your child will need your help and supervision with cleaning teeth until your child is about eight years old.

Tooth decay affected a significant proportion of children: over 40% of Australian children aged 5-10 years had decay in their primary (baby) teeth. One quarter of children in that same age group had never received treatment for their tooth decay. On average, Australian children aged 5-10 had 1.5 primary teeth with decay. So it is important to avoid giving your child sweetened drinks or foods with high sugar or starch, instead provide a well-balanced diet including drinking water and milk.

TIP: Limit the number of snack times and choose nutritious snacks such as cheese, vegetables and yogurt.

8 Years

At around 6-8 years of age you can begin allowing your child to brush their own teeth. Continue brushing them twice a day, after breakfast and before bed while using a soft bristle brush.

Continue to help the child to floss daily. During this age, it is important to monitor them whilst they brush to ensure they are learning correct techniques and not overusing toothpaste. Ensure you praise them after brushing to encourage regular brushing and flossing.

12 Years

By the age of 12 the majority of your child’s adult teeth have erupted (except wisdom teeth). More than one third of children aged 9-14 years had decay in their permanent teeth, and one in seven children in this age group had not previously been treated for decay in permanent teeth.

By this age, it is important that you maintain a well-balanced diet, avoid sweetened drinks like soft drinks and sports drinks and take your child to the dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleans as well as monitoring the progress of their adult teeth. Continue to enforce correct brushing and flossing techniques.

If your child begins playing sports such as football, basketball, soccer etc it is important that they wear a professionally fitted mouthguard to prevent trauma to their teeth.

A few last pointers:

  • Ensure toothbrushes are thoroughly rinsed after brushing and shake off water to help dry.
  • Rinsing under fast running water will help remove toothpaste, food and any plaque left behind.
  • Store the toothbrush upright in an open container to allow it to air-dry.
  • Do not share toothbrushes between family members. One for each family member so that decay causing germs will not be shared.
  • You should replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get worn or frayed.

Some useful links:

Read more on claiming your free kids dental

Learn More

]]> Teeth Whitening for your Wedding Day https://ringwooddental.com.au/teeth-whitening-for-your-wedding-day/ Mon, 05 Sep 2016 06:30:09 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1678

With spring fast approaching, so starts the wedding season. Every bride wants to shine on her big day and walk down the aisle beaming. Teeth whitening is a fast and easy way to enhance the smile. While there are many teeth whitening options in the market, many brides (and grooms) choose to have professional teeth whitening treatment as the results usually last longer and teeth are whiter in comparison to other short-term solution such as whitening strips.

Q: How long before the wedding should I start professional teeth whitening?” 

A: The most appropriate time for teeth whitening is around a month before the wedding as teeth whitening sometimes can cause sensitivity and may last for a few days.  It is important to have a full dental examination and assessment to ensure that professional teeth whitening is suitable for you. Many factors affect the results of whitening and therefore the choice of teeth whitening options, such as antibiotic usages during childhood, previous history of teeth trauma, any root canal treated teeth, teeth sensitivity and presence of any other fillings, crowns, veneers and dentures as they don’t change colours like the natural teeth. Some people will need to have fillings replaced following their whitening treatment so that the new material matches your brighter, whiter smile.

A professional teeth cleaning is also required prior to teeth whitening to remove tartar and surface stains to allow teeth whitening gel to work better.

 Q: What teeth whitening options are available to me?

  • In Office whitening uses a high concentration gel that is activated by laser, UV or LED light.
    • Pros: Faster results.
    • Cons: more expensive, can cause greater sensitivity so best to avoid if you have teeth sensitivity.
    • Time: takes about 60-90 minutes at the surgery
  • Take home DIY alternative, your dentist will take molds of your teeth and make custom-fitted bleaching trays. A lower concentration gel is applied to the inside of the trays and trays are worn during the day or overnight. Depending on the concentration of the gel, it may take few times, ranging from 15-30 minutes each time during the day or overnight.
    • Pros: gentle, good for people with sensitive teeth, effective and cheaper, trays can be used again later for future teeth whitening treatments if they are still well fitted. Teeth whitening does not last forever and future treatments may be required to maintain their brightness.
    • Cons: time consuming, may take between a few days to 2 weeks for results

Q: How do I keep my teeth whiter for longer?

Regardless of your whitening options, post treatment the enamel pores are still open so avoid dark coloured soft drinks, red sauce, strong coffee and tea, red wine and coloured foods such as curry, cherries and blueberries. Anything will stain your wedding gown will stain your teeth. Smoking cigarettes can also cause teeth staining. Regular brushing, and flossing will help to remove surface stain mechanically.

Teeth whitening pens are available and can be used for touch ups on the big day and can be easily kept in your purse.

 Q: What are other ways to improve my smile for the wedding day?

A: A growing number of brides and grooms are choosing cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile for the special day as the photos and videos last a lifetime, liked, shared and tagged on Facebook and Instagram. Some options available are tooth bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges and implants. But because some procedures typically require more time to complete, approximately 1 to 4 months, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time before your big day. 

If you have any questions please feel free to send us a message! We’d love to help you prepare for your special day.

]]> Women and Oral Health https://ringwooddental.com.au/women-and-oral-health-2016/ Fri, 29 Jul 2016 04:17:28 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1667 Women have special oral health needs. Major life events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause, as well as menstruation and oral contraceptives affect women’s dental health dramatically. Changes in female hormone levels can have significant effect on the way gums react to plaque. Commonly the gum disease is painless and many women do not find out until the disease is at advanced state which leads to teeth loss.
Research has shown that gum disease is linked to a number of health problems that affect women such as heart disease, Diabetes and pregnancy outcomes.

Puberty

Increased production of hormones change the way gums react to
plaque leading to more sensitivity, swelling and
bleeding. If braces are present, they also increase the difficulty of oral hygiene which impact on gum health and increase risks of decay.

Menstruation

Some women experience bleeding, sores and
ulcers in the lead-up to their period while others
may develop temporary gingivitis. For women who are on oral contraceptive pills, due to the increase of hormone, in the first few months the gums may become swollen and red.

Pregnancy

The gums of some women may bleed more easily
due to “pregnancy gingivitis” while vomiting from
morning sickness can erode away more enamel
from your teeth. Many women during pregnancy also have unusual food cravings including sugary food which may cause decay.

Menopause

There is significant reduction in hormone level which can have oral health effects including inflamed gums,
burning sensations, altered taste sensations and
dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase the risks of tooth decay. Osteoporosis can also cause the bone in the jaw to recede, leading to gum reduction and tooth loss. Osteoporosis medications can also affect healing after tooth extractions.

Women do not need to suffer through these hormonal changes. Thorough brushing, flossing and regular dental check- up and cleaning is paramount to prevent gum disease. Seeing your dentist regularly will also ensure that those conditions can be managed effectively. If you’d like more information or advice feel free to give us a call on (03) 9870 6030.

]]> Dental Health Week August 2016 https://ringwooddental.com.au/dental-health-week-august-2016/ Tue, 26 Jul 2016 03:56:19 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1645 Dental Health Week 2016, runs from 1st to 7th August and focuses on Women and their Oral Health.

Hormones play a significant role in woman’s oral health, with various life stages like pregnancy, puberty, menstruation and menopause, dramatically affecting the state of a your dental health.

Throughout the course of Dental Health Week, we will encourage you to take a more preventive, hands-on approach to your dental health as you learn more about the ways your teeth, gums and mouth are affected during each of the pivotal phase of your life. Below are some resources which can assist you in learning more.

Dental Health Week Promotion

RESOURCES

Pregnancy

Puberty

Menstruation

Menopause

Brushing

Flossing

Gum Disease

Women and Oral Health Competition Terms and Conditions

  • Entries open on 27/07/2016 and close 07/08/2016.
  • Females aged between 18 – 60 who attend an appointment in our clinic will automatically go into the draw.
  • Winner will be announced on the 8th of August 2016 and be contacted directly.
  • Winner will also be announced on Ringwood Dental Facebook Page.
  • Delivery/Collection of prize will be organised directly with the winner.
  • Prize is for a $100 Gift Voucher to Endota Spa and cannot be redeemed for cash.
]]> Your Teeth Whitening Options https://ringwooddental.com.au/your-teeth-whitening-options/ Mon, 23 May 2016 07:12:19 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1607 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

]]> Andy’s Philippines Dental Mission Trip https://ringwooddental.com.au/andys-philippines-dental-mission-trip/ Thu, 28 Apr 2016 07:12:02 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1511 It is with our best wishes and support that we send Andy off on his three week mission trip, looking forward to his regular updates and photos.. But before he leaves, he has a few words to say…

“To think that it was 2011 when I made my first trip to Philippines to do medical aid work, time really flies.
It is one of the most fruitful things I have done in the my life.
Some of the locals in slum areas have so little. Some haven’t read for 1-2 years because they cannot get prescription glasses.
But all of them come in with a smile and are content and happy with their lives.
In theory I am providing them with help, but so often it is them whom have taught me what happiness is all about.
Thank you to Ringwood Dental for supporting me. Hopefully I will come back re-energised and recharged for the rest of the year.”

]]> How to Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist https://ringwooddental.com.au/how-to-find-the-right-cosmetic-dentist/ Sun, 14 Feb 2016 21:36:13 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=1260 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 https://ringwooddental.com.au/technology-in-dentistry/ Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:00:02 +0000 http://ringwooddental.com.au/?p=751 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.  

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