Monthly Archives

May 2022

May 30
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Dental Cleaning Close-up

Book Dental Cleanings Before Whitening Treatments

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

When people want to improve the way their smile looks, they often look towards teeth whitening. In fact, the Australian Dental Associate reported that 1 in 5 people bleached their teeth in 2020. Do you want to whiten your teeth but haven’t scheduled a dental cleaning appointment in quite some time. If this sounds like you, then slow your roll. For many reasons, it’s wise to schedule dental cleanings before teeth whitening treatments. Dr. Arpit Pathak of Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre thoroughly explains why:

You might discover that you don’t need teeth whitening.

Teeth cleaning doesn’t whiten your teeth. Still, it is an effective way to remove surface-level stains. Professional dental cleanings aim to remove pesky plaque, tartar, and food particles that cannot at-home flossing and brushing cannot reach.

Specifically, tartar is infamous for staining dental enamel with a yellowish-brownish color. Once the plaque on your teeth calcifies into tartar, dental team members must use a scaler. A scaler is a specialized dental hygiene tool that effectively removes tartar. Removing gunk from your mouth not only improves the way your teeth feel. It can also lead to less intense dental staining.

Your dentist can spot tooth decay and gum disease before it worsens.

Dentists can look at their patients’ teeth close up during dental cleanings. Here, they can spot dental issues that aren’t always noticeable to the naked eye. Before any cosmetic dentistry treatment, it’s wise to treat any oral health issues to maximize results.

Furthermore, powerful bleaching agents found in teeth whitening products can extensively damage your teeth and aggravate your gums. Consequently, you might suffer further discomfort or irritation if you bleach your teeth with existing dental issues. If your teeth are already compromised before treatment, you might experience irreversible damage after whitening.

Usually, dental insurance covers dental cleanings.

Even though insurance companies deem dental cleanings medically necessary, they don’t believe this same sentiment towards whitening treatments. Cosmetic dentistry treatments (like teeth whitening) only improve the way your smile looks and must be paid for in full by the patient.

By undergoing teeth cleaning first, you’ll have better results.

If you have food particles, plaque, and tartar on the surface of your teeth, bleaching agents in teeth whitening treatments cannot work as effectively. So, removing plaque and tartar yields more effective and noticeable results. You might be more satisfied with the dramatic transformation by cleaning your teeth before whitening treatments.

Visit us for dental cleanings, whitening treatments, and more!

Aside from normal discoloration, you might accumulate staining from neglecting dental health for an extended period, smoking, drinking dark-colored liquids, and natural aging. If you’re still unhappy with the color of your teeth after dental cleanings, you might want to consider adding on whitening treatments to gently bleach your enamel. However, it’s possible that your staining won’t budge with a traditional whitening treatment. If deep, intrinsic staining is causing your discoloration, then you might have to consider more extensive cosmetic dentistry treatments (for example, veneers).

Are you self-conscious about your teeth? First, schedule a standard dental cleaning at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre by calling (02) 6654-0650 or messaging us online. If you are still insecure about your teeth, there’s no shame in adding on or coming back in for teeth whitening treatment at our Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour, NSW locations. We look forward to helping you feel more comfortable and content with your smile.

May 19
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older woman smiling with dental implants

Dental Implants: Are they justifiable?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Generally, you only get two chances to have nice teeth. The first set is free because you were born with them. The second set could be dental implant-supported restorations. Unfortunately, if you disregard your dental implants, your only option will be removable prosthetics (such as dentures).

When you decide that dental implants are worth the investment, our Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre team can help you determine if they are suitable. So, feel free to book your first dental implant consultation at one of our three convenient New South Wales locations. Here, we describe five “highs” you can expect with dental implants and how to start the dental implant process.

1. High Self-Confidence

Your smile might be the first thing that someone sees. Are you embarrassed by how your smile looks with visibly missing teeth, or don’t trust your loose teeth? If so, you might feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks. Furthermore, you might feel reluctant to live your life to the fullest since missing or loose teeth can pose a challenge for eating, speaking, and smiling.

If this all sounds too familiar, consider dental implants. Dental implants might restore your self-esteem because they closely mimic natural teeth in appearance, feel, and durability. Plus, the dental implant mechanism helps stimulate the jawbone, meaning that you shouldn’t have to worry about further jawbone loss or facial distortion if correctly implanted.

2. High Satisfaction

Many patients walk out of our office satisfied with their new smiles. Nonetheless, our responsibility is to set realistic expectations for dental implants and other restorative dentistry procedures. In a study published in the International Journal of Dentistry, researchers discovered that patients tend to have higher degrees of satisfaction when providers fully inform patients about dental implants and when patients have realistic expectations.

As responsible healthcare community members, it’s part of our job to virtuously inform patients of what to expect before, during, and after their treatment process. For this reason, our team takes the time to go over all the ins and outs of dental implants before you commit to treatment and are available to answer questions during any point of the process.

3. High Success Rate

Dental implants rarely fail, and success rates are 90-95%. Furthermore, factors that impact the survival rate include:

  • Bone quality
  • Age
  • Length of implant
  • Diameter of implant
  • Region of the implant

4. Highly Biocompatible

Generally, dental implants are made of titanium and zirconium, but a porcelain prosthetic is placed on top. Titanium, zirconium, and porcelain are biocompatible materials, meaning the materials don’t cause adverse consequences to a patient’s biology.

In recent decades, dentists started using biocompatible materials for dental implants due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Also, the dental prosthesis undergoes modifications so that microorganisms struggle to amass (but cannot inhibit peri-implantitis).

5. Relatively High Cost

We’ll admit it: cheap can be good. Sure, you might feel lucky if you catch bargains on groceries, clothes, or other necessities. However, we don’t recommend skimping out on your dental care.

While it’s true that dental implants can cost a pretty penny (upwards of $2,850), they are considered the most effective tooth replacement method. For some, the exceptional benefits of this procedure are priceless.

Are you interested in dental implants?

If the answer to the questions is an astounding “YES!” then message us online or feel free to call at the closest Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre location near you:

  • Woolgoolga, NSW (02) 6654-0650
  • Coffs Harbour, NSW (02) 6652-3242

We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

May 12
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dentist holding prosthetic dental dentures in hands

Traditional Prosthetic Dental vs. Implant-Supported Devices

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Have you lost some, most, or all of your natural teeth? If so, you might be wondering how much you can realistically expect from dental appliances. Is it possible to restore how your smile looks, functions, and feels? The Magic Smiles Dental Implant Centre team offers two options: traditional prosthetic dental devices and implant-supported devices.

There are fundamental differences between these two types of prosthetic dental devices. Whether you need a crown, bridge, or denture, here are some things that you need to consider before scheduling your consultation with a trusted NSW dentist.

Removability and Stability

Dentists secure traditional prosthetic dental devices in different ways. Crowns and bridges are attached to existing teeth—thus, deemed non-removable. On the other hand, denture prosthetists craft traditional dentures from an acrylic base with artificial teeth. Traditional dentures float on top of the gums, and wearers attach them with denture adhesive. Some denture wearers complain about shifting because it creates particular challenges, including:

  •       Slippage
  •       Difficulty eating and speaking
  •       Discomfort
  •       Mouth sores

Famously, implant-supported devices are secure and non-removable because the implant is directly inserted into the jawbone. Thus, creating a stable foundation for a prosthetic dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Procedure

Typically, dentists fit and install traditional prosthetic dental devices in just a few visits. However, the procedure process for dental implant-supported restorations is much more complicated. Dental implants require straightforward oral surgery and healing phases. Depending on the health of your jawbone, you might need a bone graft. Furthermore, bone grafting can solidify a base for the implant. Every patient heals differently, but it can take several months for your dental implant site to heal.

Jawbone Health

Did you know that your teeth are a critical component of preserving your jawbone density? Your natural teeth are embedded into your jawbone, and they are responsible for stimulating it through chewing and biting.

The alveolar bone is the portion of the jawbone that affixes the teeth in the mouth. It no longer receives stimulation when you lose a tooth. Consequently, the jawbone resorbs (begins to break down) when the tooth root is no longer present. This happens because the body believes it no longer uses or needs the jawbone, deteriorating and disappearing.

The key feature that distinguishes dental implant-supported devices from traditional prosthetic dental devices is the implant itself. Unlike traditional prosthetic dental devices, the dental implant mimics the natural tooth root, preserving the jawbone.

Risks

Tooth and jawbone loss is an ongoing issue with some traditional prosthetic dental appliances (such as bridges and dentures). Some potential issues include:

  •       Misalignment of remaining teeth
  •       Collapsed, distorted facial features
  •       Limited lip support
  •       Skin wrinkling around the mouth
  •       Communication challenges
  •       Temporomandibular joint pain
  •       Inadequate nutrition
  •       Sinus expansion

Although dental implant complications are rare, they do happen. Generally, the risks are easily treated and minor, including:

  •       Nerve damage
  •       Sinus problems
  •       Injury or damage to teeth, blood vessels, or other surrounding structures
  •       Infection at the implant site

Lifespan

There’s a common misconception that you’re set for life when you get traditional prosthetic dental devices or dental implant-supported appliances. However, both types of prosthetic dentistry devices require maintenance and possibly replacement. For example, dentures should be replaced after 10-15 years.

Although the implant is intended to be a permanent fixture, the prosthetic dental device (such as a crown) may need replacement eventually. In fact, 50-80% of single crowns should are replaced after 15-20 years of use. Although implant failure is unusual, factors that influence dental implant failure include:

  •       Unsatisfactory care and maintenance
  •       Inadequate bone density
  •       Smoking
  •       Teeth grinding
  •       Medical conditions (such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, and osteoporosis)
  •       Older age
  •       Radiation therapy
  •       Immunosuppressive drugs and blood-thinning medications

Ready to get started with traditional prosthetic dental or dental implant-supported devices?

Whether you’re interested in traditional prosthetic dental devices or implant-supported devices, Magic Smiles Dental Implant Centre can help. Find out more information by calling (02) 6654-0650 or messaging us online.

May 05
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woman smiling after cosmetic dentistry services

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

Your smile plays a much more significant role in your life than you might believe. Smiling more can positively impact your mood, relationships, and even success. When you feel content about how your smile looks, you’ll probably want to smile more. Still, cosmetic dentistry is the field of dentistry that exists for those who want to enhance the way their smile looks. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on positive aesthetic changes, including whitening, straightening, and shaping the teeth.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our talented dental team provides comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services at our Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW locations. Message us online today if you’re unsatisfied with your smile when you look in the mirror.

Although having healthy teeth and gums should be prioritized, addressing shortcomings that detract from your smile’s appearance is also valuable. Outside of improving aesthetics, here are several ways that investing in cosmetic dentistry can benefit your life and might make you smile more:

Straightening your smile impacts your dental health.

Beyond beauty concerns, uncorrected alignment of the teeth and jaws can pose health problems. Generally, overcrowded teeth are more prone to trauma and are abnormal enamel wear. Additionally, crooked teeth can contribute to poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, and periodontal disease since they are more challenging to clean. If your teeth or bite are misaligned, starting orthodontic treatment (for example, Invisalign®) may be a worthy venture.

Cosmetic dentistry can be a step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Cosmetic dentistry is an investment, and it’s sensible to proactively protect your investment. To prolong the effects of cosmetic dentistry treatments, you may be keener to kick the bad habits holding your smile back.

For example, it’s no secret that using tobacco stains your teeth. If you want to keep your dramatic, professional teeth whitening results for as long as possible, you may not be as tempted to smoke or chew tobacco products.

Improving the way your smile looks may improve your mental and physical health.

Taking pride in a sparkling smile can cause a ripple effect on your overall well-being. Theoretically and empirically, self-esteem is associated with mental and physical health. Research indicates that positive self-esteem is linked to happiness, adjustment, satisfaction, and even better recovery after severe disease.

Scientifically, smiling makes you feel good.

According to Ron Gutman, the author of “Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act,” investigators discovered that one smile can produce the same level of neurological stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars. Simply, the act of smiling releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin that signal to your body that you’re happy and make you feel happier.

Smiling more might make you live a longer life.

If you’re happy and you know it, you might live longer. While many studies focus on positivity, smiling, and lifespan, let’s focus on one. After studying an old baseball team photo, American scientists concluded a seven-year average lifespan difference between big smilers and non-smilers in this specific photo.

See How Our Cosmetic Dentists Can Help You Smile More

Self-care isn’t selfish. If you want to finally feel better about your smile, set up a cosmetic dentistry consultation at any of our Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre sites by messaging us online or calling:

  •       Woolgoolga, NSW (02) 6654-0650
  •       Coffs Harbour, NSW (02) 6652-3242