Monthly Archives

April 2023

Apr 28
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5 Reasons to Consider Orthodontics

By Orthodontics No Comments

Did you set any health or wellness resolutions for 2023? If you are looking for a truly transformative experience in the new year, consider orthodontic treatment. Orthodontia is commonly associated with the teenage years. But adults can also enjoy the many benefits of orthodontics.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we offer clear aligner therapy. In most cases, clear aligners can straighten teeth just as well as traditional braces. But the appliances are much more discreet and comfortable, making them an ideal solution for teens and adults alike. 

To learn more about orthodontics and how treatment can benefit you, contact our practice today. We serve patients in Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, and the surrounding areas. 

1. Enhanced Appearance 

Of course, the most obvious advantage of orthodontic treatment is cosmetic. Straighter teeth can help you look younger and healthier. And if you have overall bite misalignment, orthodontia can even improve the contours of your face. 

2. Better Oral Function

If you have a very misaligned bite, your top and bottom teeth will not come together properly. This can make it difficult or uncomfortable to enjoy certain foods, like whole fruits, sandwiches, or tougher cuts of meat. Furthermore, severe misalignment can even impact your speech, making it hard to pronounce certain sounds correctly.

Orthodontics can help you comfortably enjoy a full range of foods. And you may be able to speak more clearly and articulately than ever before.

3. Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay

When teeth are crowded or overlapping, it’s easy for bits of food and bacteria to become trapped underneath. Even when you brush and floss, you may not be able to access these areas, providing a perfect opportunity for bacteria to proliferate and cause cavities.

According to one study following over 9,000 individuals, orthodontics reduce both the frequency and severity of tooth decay later in life.

4. Reduced Risk of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder occurs when the jaw joints are inflamed or damaged. Although there are many risk factors for TMD, dental misalignment is one of the most common. A misaligned bite can put uneven pressure on your jaw joints. For instance, one side of your mouth and one joint might bear more of the brunt of your bite. 

Orthodontics can lower your risk of developing TMJ Disorder in the future. And if you already have it, clear aligners can relieve symptoms such as jaw pain, chronic headaches, and neck and shoulder discomfort. 

5. Improved Self-Esteem

Mental wellness is a vital part of your overall health. But dental misalignment can take its toll. You could feel embarrassed to smile or speak in public. And eating certain foods in front of others could cause you anxiety. Orthodontic treatment can improve all of these areas, giving you a greater sense of confidence and the ability to share your smile freely. 

Our clear aligners can further enhance your self-esteem because they are virtually undetectable, even from a close distance. 

Learn More about Orthodontics at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre

Experience the benefits of orthodontia for yourself. Contact our office to learn more about our treatment and to find out if it is right for you. 

Reach any of our three locations online or give us a call.

Apr 20
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Common Questions about Teeth Whitening in Coffs Harbour

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

If you are looking to enhance the look of your smile, there are many cosmetic dentistry treatments to choose from. However, teeth whitening in Coffs Harbour is one of the fastest and most conservative options available. Quickly erasing mild to moderate external staining, teeth whitening can have a dramatic effect on your appearance. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we are proud to offer Zoom!, the leading method of teeth whitening. With both in-office and take-home treatments available, you are sure to find something that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and find out if teeth whitening is right for you.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening in Coffs Harbour?

If you struggle with extrinsic dental stains, located on the outer surfaces of your teeth, you are likely a candidate for teeth whitening. Note that Zoom does not remove internal stains, which are often the result of decay, trauma, or certain medications. If you wish to address this type of discoloration, you are a better candidate for bonding or porcelain veneers.

Will in-office whitening work better than take-home treatment?

During in-office Zoom, your dentist will coat your teeth in peroxide whitening gel, which will break down stains. During take-home treatment, you will wear custom-made trays filled with a similar gel, though one with a lower concentration of peroxide. 

In-office Zoom can lighten your teeth by as many as 8 shades in a single office visit. Take-home treatment can also have noticeable results, but they will not be immediate. Typically, you will need to wear your whitening trays 30 minutes a day for about two weeks. 

Note that take-home Zoom, which is provided by your dentist, is much more effective than do-it-yourself treatments. More importantly, it could be safer. Some store bought whitening products have excessive levels of peroxide, which could cause sensitivity or even damage your teeth.

Does whitening hurt?

Whitening may cause some minor sensitivity during treatment. This may linger for a few days afterwards, especially in response to heat or cold. Monitoring your diet and using over-the-counter pain medication can reduce sensitivity. 

If you already suffer from dental sensitivity, be sure to let your dentist know ahead of time. That way, he or she can take appropriate steps to limit additional discomfort.

How long do results last?

Professional teeth whitening results typically last several years. Of course, this will depend on your oral health and lifestyle. Fortunately, it is safe to undergo repeat teeth whitening in Coffs Harbour, with the appropriate supervision of your dentist.

How can I make my results last longer?

Aside from routine dental hygiene, being vigilant about your diet is one of the best ways to prolong your teeth whitening results. Dark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee, red wine, and tomato products, are notorious for causing dental stains. Acidic products, such as soda and citrus, can also lead to discoloration by eroding tooth enamel. Enjoy these things moderately, and be sure to brush and floss afterwards. 

You should also avoid smoking and tobacco use. 

Contact Us to Learn More about Our Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments 

If you are interested in teeth whitening in Coffs Harbour, contact our office today! We are happy to answer any additional questions and explain our other cosmetic treatments, if desired. 

Contact us online or call us at (02) 6652-3242.

Apr 12
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Smiling girl with brown hair wearing red shirt

Top 7 Benefits of Dental Implants

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

A missing tooth or gap between your teeth leaves your smile incomplete. Just one lost tooth can negatively impact both your appearance and your oral health. While there are a variety of options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are one of the best restorative options available. Dr. Arpit Pathak and the team at Magic Smiles provide dental restorations for residents in and around Coffs Harbor. 

Here are the top seven reasons why we love dental implants.

1. Dental Implants Provide a Solution to a Variety of Dental Issues

Many restorative options provide a limited amount of help. While full dentures, partial dentures, and bridges replace teeth, they come with a range of potential issues, such as slippage, poor fit, and a challenging care regimen. Dental implants, however, can replace one tooth or permanently stabilize a bridge, partial, or denture. This level of versatility allows our dental team to customize the perfect treatment for you–a treatment that could last the rest of your life!

2. Implants Look and Feel Natural 

One of the worst things about losing a tooth or teeth is how uncomfortable you feel. With dental implants, the jawbone and gums grow around the implant over time, creating the feel of natural teeth. We understand the importance of cosmetics, as well as oral health. Our team will shade-match your dental implants so that they perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. You’ll end up with a smile that feels and looks natural. 

3. They Can Restore Your Ability to Speak Naturally

Slurred or difficult speech is a common issue with tooth loss and also with wearing dentures. Missing teeth and dentures often impact the ability to speak comfortably. Patients may slur words and inadvertently whistle or spit when talking. Since dental implants mimic a natural tooth, they fit comfortably and will restore your ability to enunciate words, without causing embarrassing side effects. 

4. Dental Implants Will Return Your Bite Force to Natural Levels

When you have a damaged or missing tooth, your bite force becomes impaired. A dental implant will replace your original tooth’s root and crown, so it also restores your ability to bite down. In the dental implant process, dentists anchor the implants to your jawbone, giving you the same strength and bite force as you previously had.

5. Implants Prevent Bone Deterioration and Sagging Facial Structure

To keep bone mass healthy, your jaw needs teeth roots. When you lose teeth, jawbone mass deteriorates. Over time, you will also lose your youthful, full facial shape. Without teeth as a supporting structure, cheeks become sunken, and the face takes on a sagging appearance. With dental implants, our dentists restore the foundation of your face and help you prevent early aging. 

6. They Require No Extra Care

One of our favorite things about dental implants is how easily they are maintained. You won’t need to reline your dentures or follow up with any special instructions to keep your dental implants healthy and strong. Simply follow the provided instructions for regular, daily oral health care at home. 

7. Dental Implants Provide a Lifetime Solution for Missing Teeth

Many dental prosthetics (replacement teeth) provide durable, long-lasting solutions. However, most will need replacement over time. Bridges usually need replacement in 7 to 10 years. Dentures need to be refitted regularly and replaced every 8 years or so. In contrast, dental implants don’t need readjusting, refitting, or replacement. They can last thirty years or longer. 

 

Transform Your Smile and Your Health with Dental Implants

Missing or damaged teeth weaken a person’s self confidence and oral health. Dr. Pathak and the team at Magic Smiles offer a wide range of treatment options, including dental implants, to improve your smile and dental health. Come visit us at our Coffs Harbor location and we’ll get started on the perfect treatment plan for you. Call us today at (02) 6652-3242.

Apr 02
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Mugs of tea

Dentist in Woolgoolga Explains How Your Favorite Beverages Affect Your Smile

By Oral Health No Comments

When it comes to a healthy diet, it’s not just about what you eat. What you drink can play a big part in your wellbeing, too. And both food and drink can impact your oral health, as well as your physical health. Your dentist in Woolgoolga is committed to your healthy smile and to educating you about the best ways to care for your teeth. 

Read on to learn more about how some of the most popular drinks can impact your mouth. Of course, though you might be inspired to make a few changes, it is still important to maintain your routine dental care at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre. 

Contact your dentist in Woolgoolga to schedule a dental checkup and clean.

Coffee

Thanks to its dark color, coffee is one of the most notorious causes of dental staining. To minimize the effects on your teeth, finish your coffee at a set time, rather than drinking it throughout the day. Be sure to brush your teeth 30 minutes after you are done.

And, if your coffee habit is a hard one to kick, your dentist in Woolgoolga can provide teeth whitening to reduce coffee stains.

Tea

Tea has been shown to have many oral health benefits. Green tea specifically is rich in antioxidants and can help fight cancer. And it may limit the growth of the oral bacteria that lead to gum disease. 

Both black and green tea contain fluoride, a mineral that combats tooth decay. When you make your tea with fluoridated water, you will get even more of these benefits.

Juice

Juice can be great – but be careful about what type of juice you buy! According to a survey from the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 100% fruit juice does not increase the risk of tooth decay in children. Unfortunately, many products labeled “juice” are actually concentrates and contain sugar, corn syrup, or other additives.

Milk

Milk is rich in calcium, a nutrient essential for strong bones and teeth. Dairy products also contain casein proteins, which may help to prevent tooth decay by forming a protective coating on teeth.

But even with these benefits, you should never put your child to bed with a bottle. And be sure that he or she brushes her teeth after drinking milk.

Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are high in pure sugar. Plus, both regular and diet soft drinks are very acidic, which can wear down enamel. Once the more porous enamel is exposed, you face a much higher risk for decay and discoloration. 

Water

Looking for a drink with zero negative consequences for your smile? Water is the way to go! Water helps to wash away bits of food, sugars, and stain-producing molecules. It keeps your mouth moist to eliminate bad odors. And when you drink fluoridated water, it can help to combat tooth decay. 

In fact, if you choose to enjoy any of the other drinks listed above, drinking water simultaneously can help to counteract their negative effects. 

Contact a Dentist in Woolgoolga for More Oral Health Tips 

Your dentist in Woolgoolga can offer more tips for improved oral health. Our preventive services can also help to combat tooth decay and staining. 

Contact Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre online or call our Woolgoolga location at (02) 6654-0650. We also have locations in Coffs Harbour.