Dundas Dentist and Orthodontics

Many of us develop problems with our teeth. And many of us were born with teeth that were less than ideal. So we seek dental and orthodontic treatment to fix our less-than-perfect teeth.

Modern treatments for teeth include orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign. These will straighten teeth and jaw so that they look better and function well. We can also have dental treatments like implants and crowns. These fix individual teeth, with an individual tooth sometimes being connected to larger problems, like a misaligned jaw.

Of course, there is a right order for these treatments. Generally, we have orthodontic work when we are in our late teens, so as to have straight teeth for the rest of our life. Then we might have implants or crowns later on.

Braces Dundas

Braces are very effective for aligning natural teeth. They will also move teeth that have been crowned or fitted with veneers, though the technique will be slightly varied. But they cannot be used to move any implanted teeth. This is why braces are also almost always used before any other dental restoration.

Invisalign Denistone

Invisalign is an alternative to braces. It will effectively align slightly to moderate tooth problems. If can be used to move crowns if necessary, but it will not move implants.
It is possible to use Invisalign to move other teeth relative to the implant, but not the implant itself.

Crowns Oatlands Dentist

A crown replaces the outer section of a tooth with a realistic-looking replica. The root of the crowned tooth is still natural, so this can still be moved with braces or Invisalign.
When braces are used on a crowned tooth the orthodontist will use a different adhesive technique. This is to avoid damaging the tooth surface. Excellent alignment results are still possible when using braces on crowned teeth.

Implant Dundas

Implants consist of an artificial tooth affixed to the jawbone with a titanium post. This titanium post is permanently bonded to the jawbone at a molecular level, and cannot be moved without surgery. Implants cannot be moved with braces or Invisalign.

Veneers at Newington Dentist
Some teeth have their front surf
ace covered with a veneer. Some veneers are like a crown, but only cover one surface of the tooth. Other veneers are a resin that sets hard on the tooth surface. 
Braces can be used on teeth with veneers.

Telopea Dentist

Your dental and orthodontic treatment will work together to give you the best results possible, with treatments conducted in the right order.

Brushing Advice Dental Denistone

Brushing advice is simple but fundamental. Our mouths are full of bacteria, both good and bad. The bad bacteria break down sugars, turning them into acid that quickly damages teeth. Brushing is important because it removes the sugars and bacteria from the tooth surface, greatly reducing any problems with decay. Mouthwash and flossing are also important for removing bacteria, plaque and food debris.

Failure to remove bad bacteria from the mouth will quickly lead to a build-up of plaque. This is a sticky film of bacteria that coats the teeth. Left for any period of time this plaque will harden, turning into tartar, which is very difficult to remove.

Electric toothbrushes Dentist Dundas

Electric toothbrushes clean at least as well as traditional, manual toothbrushes. And they require less effort.

• Electric toothbrushes can provide 3000 strokes per second when cleaning teeth. This is more than ten times as many strokes as a manual toothbrush.
• Electric toothbrushes can clean hard-to-reach places in the mouth. This may be hard to move the manual toothbrush when brushing the molars at the back of the mouth, but electric toothbrushes can clean this with minimal effort.
• Electric toothbrushes are useful for people who are still wearing braces; the electric brush can be held against the teeth to clean between the braces. This is difficult with a manual toothbrush that must be physically moved.
• Electric toothbrushes are the best option for those with limited dexterity. Traditional brushing is difficult for the elderly, the disabled, or those with arthritis. But electric toothbrushes require only moderate effort.
• Children often like electric toothbrushes, and this encourages them to brush.
  Timers on electric toothbrushes remind us not to cut the brush time too short.
• Ultrasonic toothbrushes vibrate at even higher speeds than regular electric toothbrushes. This super high speed breaks down bacteria.

Looking for a Dentist in Newington?

Clean teeth have many health advantages. Apart from less decay, and subsequently less expense from the dentist, clean teeth and a healthy mouth mean a lower risk of developing cardiovascular and cognitive problems later in life.

It can be hard to dispel a myth. Sometimes advice sounds reasonable, or we are so used to an idea because we have heard it all our life. But occasionally the truth shows that some beliefs are myths.

Only sugar causes tooth decay

Sugar is definitely bad for teeth and general health, and we tend to eat far too much of the sweet stuff. But any starchy foods can cause the same type of decay problems. And anything acidic, like lemon or fruit juice, is almost as bad.

The bacteria in our mouths turn all sorts of food into decay causing acid. Sugar and starch are the worst of the lot.

We should brush our teeth straight after eating and drinking

This was thought to be true until research showed that many foods and drinks would weaken the tooth enamel. This means that the brushing would wear the tooth away! The teeth became sensitive as the enamel became thin.

Wait 30 minutes after meals before brushing your teeth. In the meantime, it helps to drink water or chew gum.

Diet drinks are a healthier option

Most diet drinks are still acidic, so they will damage teeth pretty badly. And at least some artificial sweeteners are bad for health.

Only teenagers wear braces

There are adults who straighten their teeth with braces, or perhaps Invisalign. It is just as effective.
The advantage of using braces as a teenager is that your teeth will be straight by the time you are an adult, so you can enjoy them for the rest of your life.

Bottled water is best

Water is definitely healthy. It cleans teeth and keeps us healthy. But bottled water has one small disadvantage is not containing fluoride. The fluoride in tap water helps reduce tooth decay. If the local water supply is good (as it is in Sydney) then tap water is a good reliable option.

Women lose a tooth each time they have a child

This is not literally true, but there is a certain poetic truth in this. Pregnancy does strain health. So in older generations, many women tended to lose teeth for this reason. But modern dental care can largely prevent this.

Well-aligned teeth are just for aesthetic value

A neat appearance tends to go with good functionality. Neatly aligned teeth will make chewing and speaking easier and tend to be free from jaw pain. They are almost always easier to clean.

Baby teeth are expendable

Decay in a baby tooth increases the risk of problems in the permanent teeth. Keep the baby’s teeth healthy.