Monthly Archives

September 2022

Sep 27
Love0
A large family smiles after receiving excellent care with dentists in Coffs Harbour

Dentists in Coffs Harbour Review Advancements in Dental Technology

By Oral Health No Comments

We live in a fast-paced world, and keeping up isn’t always easy. But, there are some professionals, like our dentists in Coffs Harbour, that must keep pace with this ever-changing world. One way that our team stays competitive and sharp in today’s society is with modern advancements in dental technology. 

 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center, we take great pride in delivering the highest level of care. Our use of high-tech gadgets and imaging software allows us to do just that. So, don’t wait–come see how our dental technology can revolutionize your oral health. Request your appointment online or call our Coffs Harbour, NSW, dental office at (02) 6652-3242 to get started.

 

Here, we review some of the latest advancements in dental technology. You might be surprised to see just how comfortable and comprehensive contemporary dentistry can be!

Digital Oral Impressions

In the past, dentists had patients bite down on a goopy paste inside of a tray to get oral impressions. Dentists could then use these oral impressions to craft personalized dental restorations or orthodontia for each patient’s unique smile.

 

In theory, impression paste works well. In practice, it’s less than ideal.

 

The impression paste is often messy and difficult to work with. And, for many patients, the paste and impression trays are too large for their mouths, which can trigger their gag reflexes. As a result, traditional oral impressions are now an outdated way to map dentition.

 

Today, dentists in Coffs Harbour use digital oral impressions to gather highly-accurate images and topographical information about patients’ teeth. These impressions don’t use any messy paste, and they are far more comfortable than traditional impressions. And, our team can get digital impressions in a fraction of the time, which saves our patients time and money!

Digital X-Rays

Historically, dentists used film-based radiographic images to get pictures of underlying oral structures. Although traditional x-rays are incredibly useful to dentists in Coffs Harbour, they are not without their risks.

 

In fact, 2021 data suggest that film-based x-rays can deliver the equivalent of several days’ worth of background radiation. And, even though it may not feel like it, this amount of radiation can wreak havoc on cellular growth and regeneration.

 

Therefore, our dentists in Coffs Harbour use digital x-rays. These advanced radiographic images use 90% less radiation to capture crystal-clear images of the teeth and jaws. As a result, we can deliver better care without risking our patients’ overall health.

Soft Tissue Lasers

Some treatments, like treatments for periodontal disease or a gummy smile, require the removal of a small amount of gingival (gum) tissue. In the past, dentists in Coffs Harbour used razor-sharp scalpels to get the job done. But, even though it was effective, it wasn’t the most comfortable option for patients.

 

Today, laser dentistry has completely changed the game. Using gentle, soft-tissue lasers, our dentists in Coffs Harbour can comfortably and effectively remove gingival tissue without sacrificing our patients’ comfort. Not only that, but soft tissue lasers sterilize the treatment area, which leads to a better, faster recovery.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentists in Coffs Harbour

Are you ready to see how our team uses advanced dental technology to provide top-tier care in an inviting and inclusive atmosphere? Then, call Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center today to schedule your appointment!

 

Patients can reach our dentists in Coffs Harbour online here, or they may call (02) 6652-3242 to get started.

 

Sep 19
Love0

5 Surprising Facts about Baby Teeth from Your Children’s Dentistry Provider

By Dental Checkup No Comments

Teething is a milestone for every baby and parent. Though it doesn’t seem possible, as your child’s gummy smile transforms into a toothy grin, he becomes cuter than ever before. Unfortunately, children’s dentistry is not discussed as frequently as other topics, like feeding and sleep. Many parents, for instance, are not aware that babies should have dental checkups as soon as their first teeth appear.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we proudly provide quality care for patients of all ages. 

Read on to learn some fascinating and little-known facts about baby teeth. Then contact us to schedule an appointment for your child.

1. Teeth Are One of the First Things to Grow in the Womb.

While the heartbeat is one of the first developments for an unborn baby, the growth of baby teeth is not far behind. Teeth begin forming as early as six week’s gestation. At this time, dental lamina form tooth buds, which will later grow into teeth. Around 3 to 4 months in utero, hard tissue begins to form. 

When a baby is born, she already has all 20 baby teeth below the gum line! 

2. Some Babies Are Born with Teeth.

In about 1 out of every 2,000 to 3,000 births, babies are born with teeth. These are called natal teeth and are most often normal teeth that have simply erupted early. They can, however, cause complications with nursing, and they may be weaker than teeth that develop on a more regular timeline. But sometimes they cause no complications whatsoever.

3. Some Babies Have Extra Teeth.

3.8% of the population is born with hyperdontia, a condition that causes extra teeth to develop. Many times, only a dental professional can diagnose hyperdontia in infants since the extra teeth tend to look normal and align with the rest of the teeth. Nonetheless, it is important to diagnose this condition, as it can cause problems with normal dental alignment and development.

4. Baby Teeth Are More Susceptible to Cavities Than Adult Teeth.

Enamel forms the outer layer of teeth and helps to prevent cavities. In babies, however, the enamel layer is thinner, meaning children are more prone to tooth decay than their parents! In fact, 42% of Australian children have experienced decay in their baby teeth.

5. Baby Teeth Play an Important Role in the Development of Adult Teeth.

Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. If your child loses teeth too early, they could suffer from pronounced misalignment later down the road. In addition, children who experience dental decay are more likely to develop cavities as adults. 

This is why early dental care is so vital. To prevent cavities, brush your little one’s teeth twice a day, and begin flossing as soon as she has two teeth that touch. You should also begin biannual dental checkups no later than age one, or whenever teeth start to come in, whichever comes first. 

Schedule an Appointment with a Children’s Dentistry Expert

To learn more about baby teeth and to protect your favorite little smile, contact our practice today.

Sep 13
Love0
A woman puts a clear aligner in her mouth after visiting an Invisalign doctor in New South Wales.

How to Choose the Best Invisalign® Doctor Near You

By Invisalign No Comments

You’re ready to straighten your smile and enhance your appearance with Invisalign®  treatments. Congratulations on taking the leap! But, now you might be faced with a dilemma: choosing the best Invisalign doctor near you.

 

With so many options available to patients, it can feel overwhelming to find the right dentist to help you correct a crooked smile. At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, however, we make it easy. 

 

Our experienced team members, advanced technology, and contemporary techniques make our dental clinics in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW, the top-ranking locations for all of your smile and Invisalign needs. Simply send our team a message to schedule your consultation with our Invisalign doctor today!

 

Meanwhile, let our team give you tips and tricks on how to find an expert Invisalign doctor near you. Using this information could save you money on your unique treatment plan.

Look for Experienced Invisalign Doctors

Invisalign treatments can be costly for patients and dentists alike. Therefore, Invisalign offers incentives to dentists who provide Invisalign smile-correcting systems in their practices. This allows Invisalign doctors to reduce their overhead, which saves them money in the long term.

 

The idea of incentive programs is to help dentists pass the savings on to their patients. So, the longer a dentist has been offering Invisalign, the more likely they are to offer reduced rates.

 

At Magic Smiles, our team of experts has been offering smile-enhancing Invisalign treatments for years. This means that we are ready, willing, and able to make clear aligners more affordable and accessible to patients from all backgrounds.

Consider a Specialist

When it comes to getting a perfectly straight and beautiful smile, patients should consider a specialist, like an orthodontist. An orthodontist has unique training in correcting numerous alignment issues. As a result, patients can get highly-personalized care that doesn’t require additional expertise when they visit an orthodontist.

 

The team at Magic Smiles knows that you and your family are busy. That’s why we offer a wide range of dental specialists, including a licensed and experienced orthodontist. So, when you choose our team, you’re choosing convenient, comprehensive care in a single, friendly location.

A Great Invisalign Doctor Should Have Great Technology

Dental technology is constantly improving, which allows Invisalign doctors to deliver more effective and comfortable care. However, if a dentist is using old technology, then you may not be getting the best results from clear-aligner systems.

 

At Magic Smiles, we prioritize your care and comfort by staying current on all the latest dental technology and trends. Using advanced software (like Digital Smile Design), our team can intricately plan each step of your treatment. Not only that, but this cutting-edge technology allows our team to show you what your straightened smile will look like before you even begin Invisalign. Talk about advanced technology!

Looking for an Invisalign doctor near you? We can help!

Stop searching for a needle in a haystack and start calling the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre. Our team of skilled professionals has the credentials, expertise, and technology to give you the perfectly straight, tailor-made smile of your dreams. 

 

New and existing patients can schedule their Invisalign consultations by sending our team a message here.

 

Sep 12
Love0
Girl slips clear aligner over her teeth after visiting an Invisalign doctor in New South Wales

Looking for an Orthodontist in Coffs Harbour?

By Orthodontics No Comments

The benefits of properly aligned teeth range from improved appearance and self-confidence to better oral health and function. If you’re searching for a great orthodontist in Coffs Harbour, you may already know the benefits of straight teeth. But do you know the difference between choosing an orthodontist versus an orthodontics provider?

“Orthodontics” refers to the movement of teeth with traditional braces or an alternative system, such as clear aligner therapy. An orthodontist is a specialist in orthodontics.

All dental specialists, like periodontists and orthodontists, must first become general dentists. From there, a general dentist may opt to become a specialist and undergo the required additional two years of intense training in one specialty area. 

General dentists who don’t become specialists can focus on specific treatments through continuing education. Dr. Arpit Pathak of Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center focuses his continuing education on orthodontics, namely clear aligner therapy. While he is completely trained and competent in providing clear aligner orthodontics to Coffs Harbour patients, he is not an orthodontist.  

What is clear aligner therapy?

A Coffs Harbour orthodontist will usually offer traditional braces with brackets, wires, and bands. In contrast, clear aligner therapy, like Invisalign, uses a series of custom-made, transparent aligners that shift teeth a predetermined amount. For instance, aligner A will move teeth toward their ideal position for aligner B to begin. Once that position is reached, the patient will discard aligner A and move to aligner B. Then he will wear each  consecutive aligner for approximately 2 weeks before moving to the next. 

Traditional orthodontics usually takes about 2 years to produce desired results. Clear aligners, on the other hand, can take from six to 18 months to complete a treatment plan. No “tightening” appointments are necessary, and the patient will not have to worry about painful sores caused by metal components in the mouth.

Does clear aligner therapy work for all orthodontics patients?

Clear aligner therapy is well suited for simple cosmetic cases, but it can be effective for improving a patient’s bite, or occlusion, as well. Aligners are ideal for teenagers and adults. Children are best served by traditional orthodontics.

What are the benefits of clear aligner therapy compared to traditional braces?

  • Inconspicuousness – Instead of metal brackets and wires, you’ll wear clear, comfortable, acrylic aligners that are barely noticeable. 
  • Ability to remove aligners – Having your picture taken? Giving a presentation? Simply remove your aligners for the special event, then put them back on afterward.
  • Easy to clean teeth and aligners – Remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth, and to clean the trays.
  • No mouth sores from metal components – Comfortable, flexible acrylic won’t irritate soft oral tissues.
  • Shorter treatment time, in most cases – Treatment time is generally six to 18 months, whereas braces usually take two years.
  • No dietary restrictions – Because the clear aligners are removable, you’ll have no dietary restrictions at all. 

Need an orthodontist in Coffs Harbour?

As an orthodontics provider, Dr. Arpit Pathak and the team at Magic Smiles will help you achieve and maintain straight teeth, for a head-turning smile! Call our dental office today in Coffs Harbour at (02) 6652-3242 to schedule your clear aligner consultation.