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Jul 23
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Invisalign aligners

YOUR FIRST WEEK WITH INVISALIGN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

By Invisalign No Comments

Are you an adult who would like to reap the benefits of straight teeth? Do you need to find a discreet way to improve your smile? 

More than 10 million people have used Invisalign, a set of clear braces that realigns even extremely crooked teeth. Instead of metal braces, which can be uncomfortable, Invisalign uses a series of clear retainers. 

In general, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months, and there is a slight adjustment period. Patients often see results in just a few weeks. To find out the best way to care for new Invisalign aligners, keep reading. 

MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN ALIGNERS

During the first few weeks, Invisalign retainers may be a bit uncomfortable. Patients should wear them for 22 hours per day to get the maximum benefits. Patients will feel pressure as teeth move into their new positions, but there shouldn’t be any sharp pain. Here are a few ways to adjust to the aligners:

  • USE AN ALIGNER CHEWIE

So much depends upon getting a tight seal between the Invisalign retainer and the teeth. One simple way to accomplish this is to use an aligner chewie, a small device that patients bite down on while wearing the braces. They put the chewie over different sections of teeth, then bite. 

This tightens the seal and makes the aligners more comfortable. There shouldn’t be any sharp pain or bleeding from the gums. If this occurs, it’s time to meet with the dental team in person.

  • MONITOR DAILY WEAR

If possible, remove the Invisalign aligners every day at the same times. These breaks can occur at any time of day, but make sure the total “off” time is no more than two hours. The braces might irritate the tongue at first, but it’s important to leave them in place. 

There are several free apps to help track daily wear time. Use these if you aren’t sure if you are meeting the required time. Patients who are inconsistent with wearing their braces could extend their treatment time past 18 months. 

  • REMOVE PROPERLY AND CLEAN THOROUGHLY

Although it’s tempting to remove aligners by hand, it can scrape the gums and lead to infection. To properly remove Invisalign aligners, use an Orthokey. This small hook is specific to Invisalign appliances and is safe to use at home. 

Cleaning aligners takes a few steps, but this process is vital to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup. First, remove the aligners and rinse them under warm water. Next, brush them with toothpaste and rinse again. Soak the aligners in a special cleaning solution and then rinse one more time. 

Taking the time to care for Invisalign aligners helps maintain oral health during the realignment process. Teeth and gums are extremely vulnerable to bacteria, and proper care will prevent gum disease from taking hold. 

Talk to your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.  

TEETH WHITENING AFTER INVISALIGN

After our patients’ teeth are nice and straight, we recommend that they get teeth whitening. Our friendly team at Magic Smiles can do in-house whitening procedures that give you a dazzling, natural-looking smile. 

In addition to clear Invisalign braces, we also offer traditional metal braces. Adults who wish to improve their smiles are welcome here! We have offices in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

Talk to us about your oral health goals and we can chat about the Invisalign process. Contact our experienced team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced dental specialists.

Jul 16
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a tooth with a blue arrow

DENTAL IMPLANTS VS. DENTURES: WHICH IS BEST?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Adults need dental implants or dentures for a number of reasons. Poor oral hygiene, untreated gum disease, and heart disease can all lead to tooth loss. Diabetes and COPD are also common culprits. 

Surprisingly, about two-thirds of all senior citizens have gum disease. That’s about 36 million people who are at risk of losing teeth. What’s the solution? 

Dentists work with patients to prevent tooth loss, but if it occurs they have a few solutions. Dental implants are one treatment option, but how do they stack up against dentures? To find out more about these procedures, keep reading. 

DENTAL IMPLANTS: A PERMANENT SOLUTION

Dental implants consist of a post made from titanium, which is implanted in the gums, and a crown made from ceramic or porcelain. There are several steps involved with dental implants. First, the oral surgeon removes the tooth and allows the gums to heal. If necessary, he or she will graft bone into the empty spot in the patient’s gums. 

After this heals, the oral surgeon implants the post in the gums. They may top it with a porcelain or ceramic crown, or use it as an anchor for dental bridges or dentures. With proper care, dental implants can last for 30 years or more. 

Dental implants strengthen the gums and do require a healthy, robust gumline for optimal insertion. They provide a natural-looking, enduring solution to tooth loss. 

The only drawback for some patients is the cost. Dentists may discount multiple implants and they can provide guidance regarding health plans. 

DENTURES: AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE

Dentures are ideal for patients who have lost several teeth in a row or entire arches. They also work well for patients whose gums cannot support dental implants. Dentures are custom-made, typically from acrylic resin. 

Patients who have remaining healthy teeth may be good candidates for partial dentures. These dentures may be anchored to implants or the patient’s teeth. Often, they are removable. 

Full dentures are another option for patients who have had a full arch removed on the top, bottom, or both. Again, specialists craft natural-looking, custom appliances that help patients talk and chew normally.

The cost of dentures is typically less than that of implants, but dentists can advise as to the final price. 

Whether patients choose dental implants or dentures, the goal is always a healthy mouth and a bright smile. Restoring your teeth can make you feel more confident, boosting your ability to get jobs and make friends. 

It’s always a good time to address your oral health. Even if you haven’t been to a dentist for years, let us help you by starting with a tooth cleaning. We can discuss your smile goals and see if implants or dentures are a viable option.

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY IN COFFS HARBOUR

Tooth loss happens, but our friendly team at Magic Smiles offers dentures and dental implants that give you a dazzling, natural-looking smile. 

We also offer a wide range of cosmetic procedures including tooth bonding, contouring, and clear Invisalign braces. Adults who wish to improve their smiles are welcome here! We have offices in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

It’s never too late to invest in a healthy, full smile. Talk to us about your oral health goals. Contact our experienced team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation with our dental specialists. 

Jul 09
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Attractive senior man with nice smile

FAQ ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS WITH COFFS HARBOUR DENTIST

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Did you know that tooth implants have been around for thousands of years? Bamboo, copper, and iron have all been used to replace missing teeth. Some civilizations even used human or animal teeth, to varying levels of success. 

Nowadays, experienced oral surgeons use titanium dental implants. Your local Coffs Harbour dentist performs dozens of implants each year and is happy to answer commonly asked questions about this procedure. 

With proper care, dental implants can last for more than 30 years. Keep reading to learn more about this attractive, durable solution for missing teeth. 

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate and the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Dentists first remove the infected or broken tooth, creating a gap in the gum line. They allow that to heal and may graft in some donor bone if the gum line is not strong enough. Once that heals, it’s time to focus on the implant. 

  • WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS? 

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the gumline. They strengthen the patient’s gums and, as they heal, integrate themselves into the jaw bone. The titanium bonds with the patient’s bone and does not move around like some dentures. 

Implants are natural-looking and long-lasting solutions for people with one or two missing teeth in a row. Larger gaps may require bridges or dentures. 

  • WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

People with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone are good candidates for dental implants. If the jaw bone has deteriorated, oral surgeons graft in healthy bone. This supports healing and promotes acceptance of the implant. 

At the time of the implant, patients should be in good physical health. Dentists may need to confer with patients’ doctors in the event of an ongoing physical illness. 

  • WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Depending upon the patient’s preferences, dental implants may be better than traditional dentures or dental bridges. They are permanent, don’t shift around, and look natural. Dentures can be uncomfortable at first, and bridges may require filing down existing teeth. 

Our Coffs Harbour dentist will discuss your options to make sure you’re getting the right procedure. 

  • HOW MUCH DO IMPLANTS COST?

Even though implants cost more than other options, they are an investment in your smile and overall health. Missing teeth diminish oral health and weaken the jawbone, so it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.

Costs for implants vary according to each patient’s health plan, and dentists may be able to discount multiple implants. The operation can be performed with or without general anesthesia for nervous patients or complex cases. Talk to your local Coffs Harbour dentist about what we can do for your smile!

DENTAL IMPLANTS WITH COFFS HARBOUR DENTIST

If you are considering dental implants, the first step is an evaluation and x-ray. Our experienced team at Magic Smiles will determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We provide gentle dental checkups and will only recommend you for implants if it’s the right next step. 

Patients who are getting implants for a special event, such as a wedding or graduation, should know that implants can take up to six months from the initial exam to the final crown. 

Let’s talk! Contact our friendly team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation with our dental specialists. 

Jul 02
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Coffs Harbour Invisalign Dentist

Your Coffs Harbour Invisalign® Dentist Explains Clear Braces

By Invisalign No Comments

Do you dream of a beautiful smile but hate the idea of metal braces? Have you thought about Invisalign® clear orthodontics but fear they will be ineffective?

At Magic Smiles Dental, Dr. Arpit Pathak has helped hundreds of patients achieve a beautiful, straight smile with Invisalign clear aligners. Here he explains how Invisalign works to correct misaligned teeth and bites.

Why should I consider Invisalign orthodontics?

Aside from the obvious aesthetic improvement orthodontics provide, straight teeth offer much more than a beautiful smile. Over half of our patients report improved confidence and happiness after treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. Also, crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth are much harder to keep clean, so straightening your teeth also comes with enhanced oral health.

While traditional metal braces effectively move your teeth into proper alignment, Invisalign offers several advantages that attract many patients.

One of the most popular reasons patients choose Invisalign orthodontics is because they are so discreet. With their perfect fit and clear design, they are virtually invisible. In fact, people standing right next to you probably won’t even notice them.

Another reason people love Invisalign is that they are removable. This makes oral hygiene much easier and more effective and means none of the food restrictions metal braces require.

Aside from those reasons, patients find the clear aligners much more comfortable than metal brackets and wires that can poke and injure soft tissues in the mouth. There’s also no need for emergency dental visits for a broken wire of lost bracket.

Moreover, because of how Invisalign aligners work, most patients only have to wear them for 6 to 18 months, compared to the usual 2 years for traditional braces.

How do I get started with clear aligners?

The first step in the process is an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Good oral health is vital, so any dental decay or gum disease issues will need treatment before beginning with orthodontics. The evaluation will also include photographs, x-ray images, and a model of your teeth and bite.

At Magic Smiles Dental, we use digital x-rays for reduced radiation exposure and improved image quality. We also utilize state-of-the-art intraoral scanners that produce an instant 3D surface model using advanced imaging sensors. This allows you to avoid the traditional dental molds that are unpleasant and messy.

Your Invisalign dentist will then utilize all your information to generate a computerized treatment plan. A special Invisalign lab will fabricate your clear aligner sets with advanced dental technology so that they will fit perfectly.

As you progress through treatment, each new aligner set will progressively move your teeth into the desired positions.

Do clear aligners really move teeth effectively?

All orthodontics, including Invisalign clear aligners, reposition teeth through force. The force breaks down bone surrounding teeth, allowing them to move. Once a tooth moves to the desired position, bone regeneration holds it firmly in its new place.

To achieve continued force, traditional metal braces require frequent visits to the dentist for wire tightening. Rubber bands are also commonly employed to achieve the correct force.

With Invisalign, however, the force is progressively changed by micromovements through a series of aligners. Each new set is created to move your teeth gently but continually toward their desired positions. During treatment, you will progress to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. And since you progress at home on your own, you won’t have to see your dentist as often.

As you progress in treatment, tooth movement will be noticeable when you see your smile in the mirror. The final set of aligners is meant to be your retainers, and just like retainers after traditional braces, you will need to wear these until bone regeneration is complete.

While not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign aligners, they are highly effective in patients with mild to moderate crowded and crooked teeth.

Are you a candidate for Invisalign Clear Orthodontics?

Would you like to know if Invisalign will give you the smile you have always dreamed of? If you are in the Coffs Harbour area, contact our friendly, knowledgeable dental team today at (02) 6652 3242 to schedule an appointment. We would be honored to help you fall in love with your smile!

Jun 23
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woman sitting in office chair holding face because of dental pain

Dental emergency? Contact our Coffs Harbour emergency dentist now!

By Emergency Dentist No Comments

Dental emergencies can’t wait. Unfortunately, not all dentists are available for immediate dental treatment. Our Coffs Harbour emergency dentist at Magic Smiles is available when you need him most.

Not sure if you have a dental emergency? Severe oral pain, bleeding, and trauma are three factors that require urgent attention. Give our office a call and we can help you determine if you need immediate care or if it can wait until later.

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat:

1. A knocked-out tooth

Sports injuries, roughhousing, and car accidents are a few of the most common causes of an avulsed tooth. In these instances, all hope is not lost.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, call an emergency dentist first. Then, pick up the tooth by the tip, not the root. Rinse it with water if you have it and try to place it back in its place. If you can’t, place it in a glass of milk (preferably) or water. Bring it with you to the dentist’s office. The dentist may be able to preserve the tooth if he gets to it fast enough.

2. Broken or cracked teeth

Teeth become broken or cracked for numerous reasons, such as eating crunchy, hard foods, chewing on nonedible items, sports injuries, and car accidents. A broken tooth should be treated the same as an avulsed tooth.

For a cracked tooth, bite on a clean cloth or gauze until you reach the dentist’s office. If your tooth is cracked, but not painful, it’s still worth a trip to the dentist. An untreated cracked tooth can lead to severe dental pain because of disease-causing bacteria that infiltrate the inner tooth structure.

3. Severe dental pain

Tooth pain that cannot be resolved by over-the-counter pain medications or other home remedies require emergency dental care. The pain could be a result of an untreated infection, cavity, or trauma. Only a dentist can find the root cause of the pain and treat it appropriately.

4. A broken jaw or severe jaw pain

Doctors and dentists can treat a broken jaw, but a dentist might be your best option. Severe jaw pain is the first and most obvious symptom of a broken jaw. You may also experience immobility of the jaw, bruising along the jawline, and misalignment of the jaws or teeth.

In the meantime, put ice on your jaw and tie something around your jaw and face if necessary. Then, get to the dentist’s office as soon as possible.

5. Abscess

An untreated dental or gum infection can lead to an abscess near the tooth root or soft tissues surrounding the teeth. An abscess typically looks like a pimple on the gum tissue.

Dental abscess pain is persistent and throbbing. It might radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear. Patients with a dental or gum abscess may also have a fever, swelling, and tender lymph nodes.

When dental or gum abscesses are ignored, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone, soft tissues, and sinuses. It can also result in tooth loss and the spread of infection throughout the body.

Coffs Harbour Emergency Dentist

Don’t wait any longer to receive the emergency dental treatment you need. Our Coffs Harbour emergency dentist is here to help when you need us most. Call (02) 6652-3242 now.

Jun 17
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coffs implant dentist

Your Coffs Implant Dentist Explains the Implant Process

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

If you are missing a tooth, whether from trauma, extraction, or hypodontia (tooth did not form), it is essential to replace it to restore the function and beauty of your smile. While there are several restorative options, a dental implant is the closest you can get to a natural tooth. It replaces the missing tooth root and is the only permanent option.

Are you considering a dental implant? Your Coffs implant dentist, Dr. Arpit Pathak, explains the procedure for replacing a natural tooth with an implant. Dr. Pathak has extensive training and experience with dental implants.

First, you need a consultation with your implant dentist.

After completing diagnostic imaging and collecting your medical history, your implant dentist will perform a thorough oral exam. He will then determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant.

To be a candidate, you must have adequate jawbone to support the pressures chewing and biting place on the implant. If your jawbone has deteriorated or weakened, you may be able to get a bone graft to build up the jawbone. This, however, requires additional surgery. It also requires a healing period before implant surgery.

If you are a candidate, your dentist will go over your unique needs and goals to create a customized treatment plan. Then, we will discuss sedation options, answer all your questions, and schedule you for surgery.

Before Your Implant Surgery

If you have had a joint replacement or are on medications, discuss this with your implant dentist. You may need to take antibiotics or stop a medication before surgery.

The best way to prepare for implant surgery is to go shopping. Stock up on soft foods for the days following surgery. Cool options, such as ice cream, pudding, yogurt, and applesauce, are good options. Some patients find warm foods more comforting, such as broth, cream soup, oatmeal, or eggs. It’s also a good idea to pick up some small re-freezable ice packs.

If you want sedation for surgery, you may need to arrange for someone to bring you to your appointment.

Implant Surgery Process

Dental implant placement is a minor surgery that has few risks. The most significant risks include discomfort, infection, bleeding, and implant failure, but the success rate of implants is 95%. An implant is a titanium screw that your implant dentist will surgically place into your jawbone.  Actual surgery time is about 20 minutes.

Most patients need only local anesthesia, but you may choose another option, such as laughing gas or oral sedation. Once you are comfortable and numb, your implant dentist will make a small incision in your gum line where the implant will go.

Next, he will screw the titanium implant into your jawbone. Titanium is compatible with human tissue and will not rust or corrode.

Once the implant is in place, your dentist will close the site with a few tiny, dissolvable stitches.

After Dental Implant Surgery

You may be asked to continue biting down on gauze to keep the bleeding at a minimum. Sometimes it is necessary to continue doing this for several hours after surgery, and you may need to change the gauze. Your dental team will go over this with you in more detail.

Avoid drinking and eating anything while your mouth is still numb to keep from injuring the surgical site. When the numbness wears off, it is best to stick with soft foods for a couple of days.

Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications should keep your swelling and discomfort tolerable. If not, there may be something unexpected occurring, and you should call your implant dentist to let him know.

If needed, your dentist may prescribe a special mouth rinse or an antibiotic for you to take. If so, be sure to follow the directions and complete the antibiotics.

Good oral hygiene is essential for the healing process and to avoid infection. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush and floss gently but effectively.

Dental Implant Healing Process

Titanium attracts bone cells and encourages new bone growth around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This process fuses the implant to your jawbone, holding it securely in place. However, it will take about three to six months for this to occur, so you will have to wait for complete restoration of the tooth.

Once the implant is a permanent part of your jawbone, your dentist can complete your new tooth.

Your implant dentist will top it off.

A dental implant replaces the tooth root, but not the visible part (crown). Therefore, completing your dental restoration may involve a crown, a bridge, or permanent dentures.

A connector, called an abutment, is placed on the implant. Depending on your treatment plan, we may get impressions at this time for fabrication of your restoration. You may also get a temporary to fill in the gap while waiting for your permanent device.

Once your crown, bridge, or denture is completed, your implant dentist will connect it to the abutment and cement it in place.

Looking for an implant dentist?

If you are in the Coffs Harbour area, the dentists at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center have the experience, skills, and technology you want. And we can take care of all the steps, including completing your restoration with a crown, bridge, or denture.

Call (02) 6652-3242 today to schedule your implant consultation and examination.

Jun 10
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cute cartoon wisdom teeth

7 Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth

By Oral Health No Comments

Wisdom teeth get their name because they develop between the ages of 17 and 25. These third molars used to be much more necessary than they are today. In fact, most people have their wisdom teeth removed soon after they erupt.

Long ago, people used wisdom teeth to break down raw vegetables and tough meats. Today, we cook our foods and use utensils to break them into bite-sized pieces. Because of this, our jaws have evolved so that wisdom teeth don’t always fit in the mouth properly, leading to several dental issues.

Want to learn more? Here are the most frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth:

1. Who needs to have their wisdom teeth removed?

When the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt, it’s called impaction. There are three types of impacted wisdom teeth:

  • Soft tissue impaction means the gum tissue surrounding the tooth prohibits adequate cleaning.
  • Partial bony impaction, meaning the tooth won’t function properly and creates cleaning problems.
  • Complete bony impaction where there is not enough space for the tooth to erupt.

Impacted wisdom teeth cause several dental issues, including infection, damage, disease, and dental pain. Patients who experience these symptoms or have x-rays that show their wisdom teeth aren’t developing properly should have them removed as soon as possible.

2. Do all four have to be taken out at once?

No. Sometimes, one or more of the wisdom teeth will develop properly while the rest of them are impacted. In these instances, only the ones that are impacted need to be removed. If all four need to be taken out, the dentist or oral surgeon will most likely recommend one procedure to extract all four, but ultimately, the patient makes the decision.

3. What is the best age to have them removed?

The earlier the better. When it comes to oral surgery, younger people tend to heal much faster than when they are older. So, when a dentist predicts a patient’s wisdom teeth will be impacted, many patients choose to have them removed immediately. This could be as early as age 11!

4. Can I wait to have mine removed?

Yes. Patients can decide not to have their wisdom teeth removed at the time it is suggested by their dentist. However, those patients will likely develop the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth and experience much more pain and discomfort than if they had them removed at their dentist’s recommendation.

In other cases, patients live their whole lives without too much trouble from their wisdom teeth.

5. Does the extraction hurt?

Dentists strive to make every dental or oral surgery as comfortable as possible. Most patients report feeling pressure and a little discomfort during their extraction but minimal pain. During the treatment planning appointment, the dentist and patient will discuss sedation and anesthesia to determine how much should be used on the day of the surgery.

6. How common are complications from wisdom tooth removal?

Complications from wisdom teeth extraction are few and far between. However, with any surgery, there are always risks. Dry socket is the most common complication. This occurs when a blood clot doesn’t form or is lost too early. A dry socket is dry and painful and inhibits healing and the formation of new bone.

Other rare complications include temporary loss of feeling in the lower lip, chin, and tongue and sinus complications. These issues typically resolve themselves on their own over time.

7. Does it take long to recover?

When patients follow their dentist’s recovery protocol, they can typically resume normal activities in three to five days. Complete healing can take up to two weeks.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Coffs Harbour

Are you experienced unexplained dental pain? Have you been told recently that your wisdom teeth aren’t being cleaned properly? Our specialists at Magic Smiles are prepared to relieve your pain and restore your smile to health.

To schedule an initial consultation or to get a second opinion, contact our friendly dental team today at (02) 6652-3242.

Jun 09
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coffs general dentist

Why You Need a General Dentist

By Oral Health No Comments

Your smile is important to you. A general dentist can provide many services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, Dr. Arpit Pathak has extensive training to use to the latest technologies, techniques, and materials that modern dental care offers. He provides comprehensive dental care, and he can help you enjoy good oral health for the rest of your life.

Here are five reasons that you need a general dentist.

5. Regular Checkups and Dental Cleans

You should visit a general dentist twice a year – or every six months – to have your teeth and gums checked and cleaned. A general dentist can check for early signs of dental issues and take immediate action to correct or prevent them.

Even with the best personal care at home, you may have enamel stains and plaque buildup that can only be removed professionally. General dentists provide dental cleans to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile white and beautiful.

4. A Variety of Dental Services at One Place

You need a general dentist so that you and your family have access to many different dental services in one office, where you know the team and feel comfortable and well cared for. In addition to checkups and dental cleans, general dentistry includes:

The value of having all of your family’s dental care at one office cannot be overstated. In our modern culture, time is tight and responsibilities are great. Save time by booking your children’s checkups, cleanings, and other dental visits back-to-back so you only have to make one trip to the dentist.

3. A Trusting Relationship

If you have good oral health, you probably see your dentist only twice a year. By choosing a Coffs general dentist who can provide all of your family’s dental care, over time you will see that same dentist at many visits.

This more consistent interaction will contribute to you being able to develop trust in the dentist, as you witness his compassion, knowledge, and dedication in treating your family. In addition, you will get to know the hygienist, assistant, and front office personnel. Dr. Pathak has a great team!

You can feel confident at your appointments, in a familiar setting where the doctor answers all of your questions and the team makes sure you’re comfortable. You can also know that medications are available to help alleviate dental anxiety or nervousness during dental treatments, so you can relax. If you cannot develop trust with your dentist, then perhaps you need to find another.

2. Multi-generational Dental Care

Another benefit is that many general dentists will see patients of any age: your children, spouse, and parents. This makes creating the family schedule convenient, because dental visits can be booked back-to-back to reduce the number of trips to the office.

Many general dentists send appointment reminders. If you have just one dentist for the whole family, you won’t risk confusion on which reminder is for which dentist!

A general dentist should genuinely care about your family’s long-term oral health. The hope is, your family’s general dentist will see your children throughout childhood and into adulthood. You’ll never have to transfer records or be a new patient again.

1. Healthy Smile

Preventive dental care involves treatments and procedures to help your mouth stay healthy, long term. If you attend regular checkups and dental cleans, you’ll greatly reduce your potential for developing serious dental infections or gum disease. The dentist and hygienist will ensure that your teeth are tartar-free so that your gums stay strong and healthy.

Many general dentists offer fluoride treatment, a procedure that bathes teeth in fluoride to strengthen enamel and deter cavities. Some also offer sealants for children. Dental sealants coat the rough, top surfaces of molars, where kids have trouble brushing. Sealants create a barrier so that tooth enamel doesn’t come in contact with bacteria that cause cavities.

Your Coffs General Dentist

If you need a general dentist to provide comprehensive dental care for you and your family,  choose our team at Magic Smiles, We have the knowledge and experience you can trust. We also offer a relaxed environment, where your family will feel well cared for. Call us today at (02) 6654-0650 to make your appointment.

May 19
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Cosmetic dentistry services

What services does a cosmetic dentist offer?

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

 

Your smile is one of the most compelling gifts you share with other people. But when you don’t feel comfortable with the appearance of your teeth, you may purposely try to hide your smile.

Cosmetic dentists offer many services that can restore your teeth’s healthy appearance and give you the confidence to smile openly and broadly at the world again. Let’s take a look at a some of the cosmetic dental services that you can benefit from.

Repairing Chipped or Broken Teeth

Chipped and broken teeth are more common than you might think. Chipped teeth are usually caused by some sort of injury, like a fall or a car accident. However, sometimes teeth can become chipped because the enamel of your teeth weakens over time.

Broken teeth are often caused by excessive pressure. This pressure might come from routinely chewing on ice, biting into hard candies, or grinding your teeth.

Whether your teeth are chipped or broken, they need to be repaired. There are several different ways that a cosmetic dentist can repair your chipped or broken teeth, but the two methods that are most used are bonding (for chipped teeth) and crowns (for broken teeth).

Cosmetic dentists bond matching-color resin to the tooth that has chipped to make its appearance whole again. This is usually done with your front teeth when they have sustained damage.

Broken teeth that have healthy roots that need to be protected are crowned. Crowns are made from durable materials and they will usually last you a lifetime.

Aligning Teeth for Adults

You may think that teeth-straightening and braces are just for children. However, if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth’s alignment, this is a cosmetic dental option for you.

Cosmetic dentists have the latest types of aligners that can address things like overbites or crooked teeth. Many of these teeth aligning options are removeable – and they are practically invisible.

Adults like the fact that they can choose clear braces and not have to endure wearing metal braces for several years. If you want to improve the alignment of your teeth or correct your overbite, a cosmetic dentist can help you achieve this.

Enhancing Your Teeth’s Appearance Using Veneers

Cosmetic dentists use veneers to help give you the perfect smile. Dental veneers can change the size, length, shape, and color of your teeth, giving them a beautiful and uniform appearance.

Your teeth grow naturally a bit more haphazardly that you may like. You may teeth that are uneven in length or you may have some teeth that look smaller in proportion to your other teeth. Veneers are a great way to address this.

While some people choose to have veneers installed on all their teeth, others choose just to have them installed on the teeth that show when they smile. Whatever your preference, the right veneer solution is possible.

Whitening Your Teeth

You may have looked in the mirror and noticed that your teeth don’t exactly look pearly white anymore. That is because the food and drinks that we consume cause our teeth to lose their luster with time.

Coffee, tea, and wine are big offenders, and they can leave your smile a little dingy. Fortunately, one of the services that cosmetic dentists offer is teeth whitening. While there are many over-the-counter products that claim to whiten your teeth, they may not be as safe or as effective as professional teeth whiteners.

Having your teeth whitened as a cosmetic dental procedure is easy. It is completely safe and it will produce the results you want in a very short period of time.

Abrasing Your Teeth’s Enamel

If the stains on your teeth are superficial, enamel abrasion is a perfect solution to restore their gleam. With this cosmetic dental procedure, a micro-abrasion tool removes discoloration on the outside of the enamel with a pumice stone.

Enamel abrasion, however, will not remove deeper stains inside the enamel or inside the tooth, so you can talk with your dentist about whether this option is right for renewing your smile.

Schedule a cosmetic dental appointment with us today.

If you are looking for a Coff cosmetic dentist with the knowledge and experience to make your smile the best it can be, then you want to entrust your dental care to our team at Magic Smiles.

Call us now at (02) 6654-0650 to make your appointment.

May 15
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How To Find the Best “Coffs Dentist Near Me”

By Woolgoogla and Coffs Harbour Dentist No Comments

Excellent dental care shouldn’t be hard to find. Unfortunately, there are bad apples in every industry. That doesn’t mean the whole bunch is ruined! There are great dentists everywhere who desire to help their patients achieve optimal oral health through compassionate and gentle dental care—you just have to know how to find them.

The formula is simple, and we’re going to walk you through each step. At the end of this process, you should know exactly where to go in Coffs Harbour for all your oral health needs.

1. Decide what you want

Do you want a dentist with lots of cosmetic dental experience? Should your dentist’s office be a one-stop shop for all oral health needs? How important is proximity? Do you prefer a more traditional or modern treatment style?

Ask yourself these questions before beginning the search process, so you know exactly what to look for. Here are five qualities of a great dental practice to get you started:

  • Offers a wide range of services
  • Has specialists in the office
  • Uses modern technology
  • Prioritizes patient comfort
  • Offers emergency dental care

2. Ask for recommendations

A few of your friends and family members likely have a dentist that they love, and a few probably know one they wouldn’t recommend! Gathering information from their first-hand experiences is one of the best ways to find a reliable and compassionate dentist.

Jot down their suggestions and do some research on those dentists on your own.

3. Search the web

Not satisfied with recommendations from friends and family? Let the internet guide you! Type “Coffs dentist near me” in the browser’s search bar, then start reading patient reviews. Look for a majority of good reviews and a few that stand out and show that the dentist goes above and beyond for their patients.

The long list of nearby dentists can be overwhelming but it’s important to go through as many as you can to find the best fit. From here, choose up to three dentists to look deeper into.

4. Dig deeper

Digging deeper simply means clicking on the dental practice’s website to find out more information. Check out the “Our Team” page, their various services, and any other pages that are of interest to you.

Go back to your list and make sure the dental practice meets at least most of those specific needs and expectations. For example, if you think oral surgery may be in your future, check to see if the dental practice has an oral surgeon on staff. This way, you’ll be able to receive the proper care in a place, and with people, you’re already familiar with.

A dentist’s website usually reflects his or her dental practice. It should be professional, easy to navigate, and informative. If you don’t find the answers to all your questions, call the office! The front office team should be eager to speak with you.

5. Schedule an initial consultation

The final step is to choose a dentist to meet with in person. Keep in mind that an initial consultation isn’t a commitment, it’s more of an interview for the dental practice!

During this appointment, expect to meet several team members, the dentists, and experience first-hand the type of care the team provides.

“Coffs Dentist Near Me”: Dr. Pathak

At Magic Smiles, Dr. Arpit Pathak is dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve optimal oral health. Dr. Pathak truly cares about his patients and offers modern techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure each one receives the care they deserve. In addition, Dr. Pathak has several specialists on his team, including an oral surgeon and orthodontist.

To learn more about our practice or to schedule an initial consultation, call (02) 6652-3242 today.