Jan 15
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close up of woman's smile

6 Common Question About Dental Veneers

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

Want a smile that turns heads? Consider porcelain veneers! These tooth-colored shells provide patients with picture-perfect smiles that last. Dental veneers began as a temporary solution for famous actors and actresses to use during photo shoots and red-carpet events. Fortunately, veneers are now available to everyone!

In this blog, we’ll address the most common questions about dental veneers so you can decide if this cosmetic dental solution is right for you.

1. How are dental veneers placed?

Once a patient is approved for dental veneers, he or she will meet with their dentist to talk about the design of the veneers and any concerns he or she may have. Then, the dentist takes x-rays or impressions of the patient’s teeth. The final step of the first appointment is to prepare the tooth for the veneers. This process includes removing dental enamel from the teeth, then taking another impression to ensure the veneers fit perfectly. Temporary veneers are placed on the patient’s tooth until the permanent ones are ready.

During the next appointment, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent ones are placed. If the veneers aren’t perfect when they arrive, the dentist can make small adjustments to the shape and color to meet the patient’s expectations.

2. Do veneers require special care?

In short, no. Patients can treat their veneers like they treat their natural teeth by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthguard at night if necessary. Those with veneers may want to visit the dentist more frequently to ensure their teeth, gums, and veneers are healthy.

Patients should also avoid bad habits, such as biting their nails, chewing ice, using their teeth to open certain items, and using tobacco.

3. What are Lumineers?

Dentists often call Lumineers “no-prep veneers” because they don’t require any enamel be removed from the teeth. Rather than being made from porcelain, Lumineers are made from thin laminate. Also unlike porcelain veneers, Lumineers can be removed without causing severe damage to your teeth.

4. Are there any drawbacks to veneers?

Dental veneers cannot be removed without being replaced because the natural teeth are permanently damaged. Additionally, they are more expensive than Lumineers and other cosmetic dental procedures.

5. What alternative cosmetic procedures provide similar results?

Veneers can correct multiple aesthetic issues at one time which makes them superior to other cosmetic procedures. However, there are ways to achieve similar results. Patients may require one or more of these cosmetic solutions:

  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Dental bonding
  • Orthodontics
  • Tooth contouring

6. Who is a candidate for veneers?

Dental veneers are best for patients who have cosmetic concerns and an otherwise healthy smile. Patients with cavities, gum disease, or who suffer from bruxism are not good candidates for veneers. However, these issues can be corrected, allowing patients to receive veneers.

Additionally, patients must be willing to undergo the entire procedure and commit to quitting bad habits that could damage their veneers.

Dental Veneers in Woolgoolga

The best way to determine if veneers are right for you is to meet with an experienced cosmetic dentist like ours at Magic Smiles. We are passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Dental veneers are just one of many ways we do that!

Call our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Jan 08
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woman placing Invisalign aligners in mouth

Top 3 Reasons to Choose Invisalign Clear Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

Do clunky metal braces sound less appealing to you than having crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth? If so, you’ve probably wondered about other orthodontic options! Invisalign® clear aligners are an effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces, and luckily, most patients are suitable candidates!

The best way to find out if Invisalign is the best option for you is to visit your local dentist. During that appointment, the dentist will explain the reasons that so many patients choose Invisalign, the downsides to this treatment, and other orthodontic options, such as clear braces.

If you are a candidate for Invisalign or if you’re still in the early stages of making your decision, this blog can help make the choice clear! (See what we did there?)

The top three benefits of Invisalign clear aligners include:

1. Discreet appearance

A list of benefits about Invisalign wouldn’t be complete without talking about their discreet appearance. This is, after all, the top reason patients are interested in this orthodontic treatment.

Dentists and orthodontists mostly recommend Invisalign to older teens and adults. This demographic is typically more concerned with looking younger because of braces or having something so obvious distract from their overall appearance.

Clear aligners enable patients to maintain good self-esteem while transforming their smiles. Although Invisalign aligners aren’t completely invisible, they do go unnoticed in many situations!

2. Convenience and comfort

One of the greatest things about Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed at any time. However, patients should wear them for at least 20 hours per day to receive the desired results.

We love to remind our patients that with traditional braces, food is much more likely to get stuck between the brackets. With clear aligners, this isn’t a problem! Simply remove the aligner before eating, rinse or brush your teeth after eating, then replace the aligner.

Dentists who offer Invisalign also ensure that the aligners are perfectly fit so patients don’t experience rubbing that causes discomfort. Wires and brackets that rub the cheeks and gums are also eliminated and never become an issue. Of course, with all orthodontic treatment, discomfort is to be expected because of the tooth movement. Patients can especially expect to feel mild pain or discomfort every two weeks when their new aligners arrive.

For us, convenience and comfort are a major benefit to choosing Invisalign clear aligners! They make achieving a beautifully aligned smile much easier.

3. Effectiveness

While these clear, plastic aligners may not seem strong enough to move teeth, they have been proven to be just as effective as metal braces in many cases. Invisalign technology utilizes micromovement that gently pushes the teeth into their proper positions.

Like traditional braces, Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic cases, including:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Crowded teeth
  • Gap teeth

In some cases, patients may require additional treatment, like dental extraction before they can begin their Invisalign journey. Additionally, attachments and buttons may be necessary for patients with more severe cases.

Woolgoolga Invisalign Dentist

Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Our experienced dentists are Magic Smiles are prepared to help you achieve a beautiful smile. Click here to learn about our other cosmetic dentistry options!

To schedule your initial consultation, contact our dental practice today at (02) 6654-0650.

Dec 30
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white tooth with gold crown

What is the purpose of a tooth crown?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

It’s nearly impossible to know how many people have a tooth crown, but chances are, you know a few people who do. So, how do you know if you’ll ever need one? And what’s the purpose of a dental crown anyway?

The most common purposes of a dental crown are to protect a tooth or hold something in place. Check out this blog to learn more.

Reasons You Might Need A Tooth Crown

Dentists often recommend dental crowns for one of these reasons:

1. To support a tooth with a large filling

Patients who have had multiple fillings in one tooth or have had a filling replaced so many times that there is more composite resin material than tooth may need a dental crown. When there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left, it will become weak and more susceptible to breaking. A dental crown can restore strength to the tooth.

2. To protect a weak tooth

A weak tooth may be one like we just discussed, but it can also be one that has been damaged by a trauma of some kind. In the same way a dental crown helps a tooth with a large filling, it can help strengthen a weak tooth so that it functions properly.

3. To restore a tooth that has been chipped or cracked

Chips and cracks can be especially dangerous if the tooth has been damaged beyond the crown. Cracks can especially create a way for disease-causing bacteria to enter into the inner part of the tooth, causing immense pain. Once the infection spreads, the tooth may need to be extracted.

If you’ve experienced some sort of trauma to a tooth, be sure to contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

4. When the patient needs a dental bridge

A traditional dental bridge is made up of two tooth crowns and one to three prosthetic teeth. When a dentist places a dental bridge, he must first remove a small amount of enamel from the neighboring teeth. These teeth must be healthy to keep the bridge in place.

5. To cover a dental implant

Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or an entire arch of missing teeth. Once placed, the dentist covers the small, screw-like implant with a custom-made tooth crown. Dental implants require surgery, but they are the most effective way to replace missing teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

A tooth crown can be crafted from several materials, including:

  • Composite resin
  • Metal
  • Ceramics
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal

To determine which material is best for your smile, your dentist will consider the following:

  • Location of the tooth
  • Function of the tooth
  • How much the tooth shows when you smile
  • Gum tissue
  • The color of your natural teeth

These considerations ensure that your dental crown looks and feels natural. Of course, the patient always has the final say on the type of crown!

When deciding on a dental crown material, most patients are concerned with cost, aesthetics, and durability. Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of each type of crown material.

Tooth Crown Placement in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour

Searching for a dentist to place your dental crown? Our experts at Magic Smiles are prepared to help! But first, we’ll determine whether you actually need a dental crown or not. For many dental issues, there are multiple treatment options.

To schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team, contact one of our convenient locations today.

Dec 21
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illustration depicting periodontitis

Can periodontitis be reversed?

By Oral Health No Comments

The term “periodontitis” refers to the second stage of gum disease, following gingivitis. This serious gum infection can wreak havoc on your oral health. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with a regular dental clean and improved oral hygiene at home. Can periodontitis be reversed with dental cleans as well? In short, the answer is no. However, the condition can be treated and maintained with periodontal therapies.

Here, our team at Magic Smiles – serving Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour – explores the topic of periodontitis and offers some recommendations for oral health maintenance. Read on to learn more.

The Stages of Gum Disease

There are really only three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is characterised by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Even though the gums are inflamed at this stage, the infection has not yet affected the supporting bone.

Left untreated, however, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection travels beneath the gum tissue and starts eroding the jawbone. This results in periodontal pockets around the teeth. Plaque, food, and bacteria become trapped in these pockets, perpetuating a harmful cycle. Unfortunately, a dental clean will not be sufficient to remove bacteria in these hard-to-reach areas. More advanced therapies are necessary to properly treat periodontitis.

Treating Periodontitis

Once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, there is no cure. Fortunately, however, the disease can be successfully maintained.

There are several treatments available that can successfully halt the progression of periodontal disease. The solution that is recommended for you will depend on the severity of disease.

Scaling and Root Planing

Mild to moderate periodontitis can often be treated with scaling and root planing. This procedure is often called a deep dental clean because it reaches further beneath the gum line to sweep away harmful bacteria, plaque, and food deposits. Once the teeth have been cleaned, the teeth roots are then smoothed to deter further irritants from reattaching. Your dentist or hygienist numbs your gums prior to treatment so you can remain comfortable during your visit.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

If the disease is more advanced, you may require laser treatment. Soft tissue diode lasers target infected tissue while keeping healthy tissue intact. Because the laser cauterises tissue, it helps seal periodontal pockets and reduce the risk of reinfection.

Traditional Gum Surgery

Advanced periodontitis requires traditional gum surgery. During this procedure, your dentist makes incisions and moves the gums back away from the teeth. This allows proper visualisation of the supporting bone. Next, the infection is cleaned out. In many instances, areas of the bone ridge must also be recontoured to prevent further plaque buildup. Your dentist may also perform bone grafting to replenish lost bone tissue and fill in periodontal pockets. Finally, the gums are repositioned and sutured.

How do I maintain healthy gums after treatment?

Once you have undergone periodontal therapy, it’s important to maintain gum health through routine dental cleans. Your dentist will determine a schedule that is right for you, though most patients who are prone to periodontitis benefit from cleans every three to four months.

Contact us for more information.

If you suspect you have gingivitis or periodontitis, schedule an appointment at Magic Smiles. Our doctors can design a treatment plan to eliminate infection and keep your teeth and gums healthy for many years to come. Contact us online. We have three convenient locations to serve you in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

Dec 16
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yellow sticky note with checks

Are dental implants right for me?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic issue, they contribute to more oral health issues, low self-esteem, and even overall health issues. To combat these problems, most dentists recommend dental implants.

These small, screw-like posts insert into the jawbone through the gum line and take the place of the tooth roots. Dental implants are the only restorative option that offers this type of stability. Dental bridges and dentures use other teeth and the gums to stabilize themselves; unfortunately, those don’t offer the same kind of strength or durability.

For these reasons, many patients prefer dental implants! The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you is to visit an experienced dentist. For now, here are five indications that someone is a suitable candidate for dental implants:

1. Good oral health

Patients who desire dental implants should be free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. These problems can lead to failed dental implants if the disease-causing bacteria attack the implant site. Fortunately, as long as the problems haven’t progressed too far, the dentist can treat these issues before beginning the dental implant process.

Once the patient’s mouth is restored, the dentist can plan for dental implant placement.

2. Sufficient jawbone density

For the implant to be stable and secure, the patient must have the appropriate amount of jawbone density. If not, the implant will likely become loose.

Bone loss begins as soon as a tooth goes missing because the jawbone requires the tooth root to keep it stimulated. The good news is that when an implant is inserted into the bone, it regrows!

3. Good oral hygiene habits

Good oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing every day. What you brush and floss with, how often, and when all matters too.

Dentists recommend that patients of all ages brush once in the morning and once in the evening for two minutes at a time. Patients should use a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for optimal cleaning. Flossing should take place in the evening after the last meal of the day. Talk to your dentist about rinsing with a mouthwash and which brands he recommends.

Good oral hygiene also includes:

  • switching out your toothbrush at least every three months or when the bristles are worn
  • drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • eating healthy, mouth-friendly foods
  • avoiding tobacco use

When patients abide by these guidelines, their dental implants are more likely to last a lifetime.

4. No bad oral hygiene habits

Patients who desire dental implants must stop using tobacco products throughout the process. Our hope is that they would continue this even after the implants are placed!

Tobacco use creates an unhealthy and imbalanced mouth where problems like gum disease and decay thrive. These are poor conditions for dental implants to live in and will impede the healing process.

5. Willingness to endure the process

Unlike other restorative options, dental implants require surgery and months of healing time. Patients must be willing to abide by the aforementioned guidelines and trust their dentist throughout the entire process. While the process to a fully restored mouth is long, the results are certainly worth it!

Dental Implants in Woolgoolga

If you’re considering dental implants, contact our experienced and compassionate team members today at (02) 6654-0650. During your initial consultation, we’ll determine if implants are the right option for your smile.

Dec 05
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close up of mouth and dental mirror

Why are dental check-ups important? And other FAQs

By Dental Checkup No Comments

When a person wants to lose weight, she works with a dietician or physical trainer; when a person wants to improve their mental health, he works with a therapist or counselor; and when a person wants to have a healthy, beautiful smile, he works with a dentist.

Most dentists recommend patients visit the dentist at least every six months. However, some patients should visit even more often. The most obvious and important reason for these visits is to help patients gain and maintain optimum oral health. Dental check-ups help patients avoid the negative side-effects of cavities and gum disease. When patients attend these appointments regularly, dentists can track their oral health and interfere with any potential problems.

These appointments are important for patients of all ages, but especially children because dentists can help the child and parent lay the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile throughout their lives.

Here are three more questions patients ask about dental check-ups:

1. What happens during a dental check-up?

Two things happen during a dental check-up: an oral health examination and a dental clean.

When a dentist performs an oral exam, he checks for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and any other signs of oral health problems. First, x-rays are taken of your teeth, jawbone, and jaw joints. Then, the dentist uses special tools to look more closely at the gums, teeth, and other structures in the mouth.

After completing the exam, a dental hygienist will perform a dental clean. This involves using scalers and ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and along the gum line. Lastly, a special paste and rubber cup are used to polish the teeth by removing surface stains and dangerous biofilms.

Dental check-ups are the perfect time to ask your dentist questions about any issues you’ve had with your teeth, gums, or breath. Nothing is off-limits! Patients also often ask for recommendations on the best brands of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.

2. What if the dentist discovers a cavity or gum disease?

Minor issues like a small cavity or chip can be treated on the same day as your dental check-up. For more extensive issues like advanced gum disease or cavities, another appointment may be necessary.

If follow-up treatment is needed, be sure to talk to your dentist about all of your treatment options, payment options, and schedule a time that works well for your schedule.

3. What should I do between visits?

This is a question many patients ask during their dental check-ups. The great thing about asking in person is that you receive personalized advice. Here are the basic guidelines for at-home oral healthcare:

  • Brush twice a day—once in the morning, and once right before bed.
  • Floss every evening (after your last meal).
  • Eat healthily. Up your intake of whole foods and reduce the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Patients who abide by these guidelines have a much better chance of maintaining a healthy mouth year-round!

Schedule Your Dental Check-Up Today

Don’t wait any longer to experience the benefits of a dental exam and cleaning. At Magic Smiles in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, our team of expert and compassionate dentists is prepared to help you achieve your best smile!

Contact one of our convenient locations today to schedule your appointment.

Dec 01
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little girl holding carrot

Children’s Dentist Tips: Reduce Cavities with Healthy Snacks

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

It seems like most commercials for oral hygiene products focus only on brushing and flossing for keeping our children’s mouths free of cavities and gum disease. Of course, this is true and necessary, but it’s also a selling tactic. What they fail to mention is that what we put in our mouths is just as important! Certain foods help prevent cavities and gum disease while others contribute to them.

This is especially true for children whose teeth tend to be much more susceptible to cavities. Nutritious meals and snacks and drinking lots of water can make a big difference in your child’s oral and overall health.

At Magic Smiles, our children’s dentist is passionate about helping parents find practical ways to support their child’s oral health. In this blog, we offer information about how snacking can make or break a smile and healthy snack ideas.

The Dangers of Sugars in Snacks

Unfortunately, many of the most convenient snacks we offer our children are full of sugar that is sometimes disguised as high fructose corn syrup, rice syrup, honey, fruit juice concentrate, and sucrose. Look for these names on food labels before buying those seemingly healthy snacks at the grocery store!

Children are only supposed to eat 25 grams of sugar per day. When hidden sugars aren’t considered, a child can easily eat and drink three times that! Along with contributing to gum disease and cavities, consuming too much sugar can lead to the following overall health problems:

  • Acne
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Low energy
  • Impaired memory
  • Heart disease
  • Fatty liver

Thankfully, we can help our children avoid these negative consequences by being just a little more conscious about the foods and beverages we offer them.

Tips for Reducing Sugar Consumption

One of the best ways to limit your child’s sugar intake is to eat more whole, unprocessed foods. This means more fruits and vegetables, and fewer foods that come in a package. Other ways to limit sugar include:

  1. Offer more water and less juice
  2. Use Stevia as a sweetener
  3. Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate
  4. Use bananas and apple sauce for sweetening desserts
  5. Look for “zero added sugars” on food labels

Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

Nutritious snacks come in four categories: fruits, veggies, protein, and calcium. When you stick to these food groups, it’s hard to go wrong! Here are some of our favorite snack ideas (we think your little one will love them, too!):

Fruits and Veggies

  • Celery and apples with natural peanut butter
  • Kale, zucchini, and sweet potato chips
  • Hummus with peppers, carrots, and celery
  • Guacamole with corn chips or pita wedges
  • Fruit smoothie

Protein

  • Beef jerky
  • Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Plain Greek yogurt (add fruit and peanut butter)
  • Roasted chickpeas

Calcium

  • Apples with almond butter
  • Scrambled eggs with cheese
  • Cottage cheese with fruit
  • Almonds
  • Fortified orange juice
  • A glass of milk

Children’s Dentist in Woolgoolga

At Magic Smiles, our team is proud to offer dentistry for children between the ages of 2 and 17. We understand what it takes to make the dentist’s office comfortable and fun so that little ones enjoy coming back!

Along with encouraging and teaching about good oral hygiene at home, we urge parents to bring their children to the dentist every six months for cleanings and preventative treatments.

To learn more about our team or to schedule an appointment with our children’s dentist, call (02) 6654-0650 today!

Nov 18
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impacted tooth illustration

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

By Oral Health No Comments

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that sit in the very back of the mouth. They are named “wisdom teeth” because they develop between the ages of 17 and 25, about a decade after a person’s second molar. It is believed that prehistoric humans needed their third molars to grind down tough meats, plants, foliage, nuts, and seeds.

Today, our foods are much softer, and our mouths have evolved by becoming smaller. As a result, our wisdom teeth have become insignificant, functionless, and intrusive (in most cases). Some people never need to have their wisdom teeth removed if their mouth is healthy, they are able to keep the teeth clean, and the teeth have developed properly.

Reasons Why Your Wisdom Teeth Should Be Extracted

Because of how our mouths have changed since prehistoric times, our third molars rarely have enough room to develop. In these cases, the wisdom teeth become stuck in the jaw, unable to emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and other oral and overall health problems.

Jaw damage from cysts that form around the new teeth is one of the more significant consequences of impacted wisdom teeth. If left untreated, the jaw can hollow out and the nerves become damaged.

If the teeth partially erupt, they may damage the second molars by putting immense pressure on them. As you can imagine, this may also result in pain and discomfort. The pain could arise from tooth movement caused by the pressure of the erupting wisdom tooth. If you notice that your teeth are becoming more crowded or are shifting in position, that’s a good sign that wisdom teeth removal is necessary.

Partially and fully erupted wisdom teeth are typically exceedingly difficult to clean. Getting a toothbrush back there is hard enough, not to mention trying to floss between the second and third molars. Consequently, patients who don’t have their wisdom teeth removed often experience cavities, gum disease, and all of the symptoms that those conditions come with, such as:

  • Tooth pain
  • Gum irritation
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth loss

What to Expect

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common outpatient surgery that oral surgeons regularly perform. Before the procedure, the dentist will offer a local anesthetic or dental sedation, depending on your specific needs. These make the procedure much more comfortable and relaxing.

Once you are comfortable, the procedure begins. If the wisdom teeth are fully impacted, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gums to get to the teeth. Then, the tooth is gently removed. When the teeth have partially erupted, the dentist may need to break the tooth into pieces so that no damage is done to the remaining healthy teeth.

The entire procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, the dentist will send you home to recover. He will provide a specific set of guidelines to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Woolgoolga

If you’re searching for a professional, experienced, and compassionate dental team in Woolgoolga, look no further! Our team at Magic Smiles is prepared to give you a comfortable dental experience. We have an oral surgeon on staff with decades of experience in removing wisdom teeth.

Don’t wait any longer to have your third molars removed. Contact us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Nov 10
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dentures in glass of water

5 Denture Care Tips to Make Your Dentures Last Longer

By Oral Health No Comments

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures are a popular option because of the many benefits they offer. These include improved appearance, easy maintenance, improved function, comfort, and support.

Not sure if dentures are right for you? The best way to find out is to visit your local dentist! He or she will examine your mouth and offer treatments that will fit your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.

When it comes to making dentures last, proper care is essential. When a person follows their dentist’s guidelines, his or her dentures can last up to ten years without needing to be completely replaced. Check out the rest of this blog to learn our top five tips for long-lasting dentures.

Denture Care Tip #1: Clean them daily.

You wouldn’t go a day without brushing your teeth, right? The same rule applies to dentures. Cleaning them every day is a MUST. Plaque forms on dentures just like it does on natural teeth, and certain foods and drinks can stain them. If they aren’t cleaned properly, the dentures will appear dull and yellow and have a funny smell.

It is also important to rinse them after each meal. The food and bacteria surrounding your gums and denture can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and other serious oral health problems.

Denture Care Tip #2: Clean them properly.

Regular toothpaste can damage dentures. Be sure to use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled denture brush when cleaning the denture. Hot water can warp the dentures, making them fit uncomfortably. At night, soak the dentures in cool water or a denture cleaning solution.

Denture Care Tip #3: Be gentle.

If you are cleaning or removing your dentures, do so over a sink filled with water or a soft surface, like a folded towel. The denture can be easily damaged if dropped on a hard surface. Again, make sure to use a denture cleaner and soft-bristled denture brush so that the teeth do not become scratched or discolored.

Denture Care Tip #4: Remove them properly.

Denture adhesives and suction keep traditional dentures held in place throughout the day, so removing them can be a challenge. Here are three tips for removing dentures:

  • Swish with warm water or mouthwash beforehand
  • Top denture: Place your thumbs against the back of the front teeth; pull forward and upward towards your nose until they come loose
  • Bottom denture: Pull the denture outward in a rocking motion until it releases

Denture Care Tip #5: Visit the dentist regularly.

Six-month dental visits are so important for denture wearers. During these appointments, your dentist will check for wear and tear on the dentures as well as signs of irritation and gum disease. Treatment for these conditions is imperative for maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping your dentures comfortable.

More About Dentures

Applying these guidelines to your daily oral hygiene routine will certainly improve the longevity of your dentures, but that doesn’t mean they won’t need regular maintenance. Without natural teeth, your mouth will continue to change. Therefore, your dentures will likely need to be relined or rebased every few years.

With proper maintenance and help from an experienced dentist, dentures should last between seven and ten years. To learn more about dentures and denture care, contact our experienced dentists at Magic Smiles. Call (02) 6654-0650 today.

Nov 05
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illustration of three teeth with swollen gums

How to Know If You Have Gum Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, has four stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common oral health problems and one of the most common chronic diseases. The good news is that it is easily prevented in most cases and easy to treat and reverse when caught in the earliest stage.

Preventing gum disease is as simple as maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating properly. However, even these things aren’t always enough when the cause is genetic or hormonal. That’s why it is so important to attend regular dental cleans and examination appointments every six months.

Concerned that you might have gum disease? Here are the most common symptoms:

Red, swollen, or irritated gums

Inflammation along the gum line is one of the first signs of gum disease. You may notice that your gums are a little more red than usual and brushing and flossing may be a little more painful. These indicate that something certainly isn’t right. You should visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums

If you notice blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, gum disease is most likely the cause. Bleeding gums is the most noticeable symptom. Many toothpaste commercials refer to this as “a little pink in the sink” and claim to reverse gingivitis. While the toothpaste may help, it’s best to schedule a dental cleaning appointment to reduce the risk of the disease progressing.

Bad breath

Gum disease occurs when the bad bacteria in the mouth outnumber the good ones. These take over when plaque and tartar are left on the teeth—again, this is why proper oral hygiene is so important!

These disease-causing bacteria release toxins that have a foul smell, causing your breath to smell bad no matter how much gum or breath mints you chew.

So far, we’ve discussed symptoms that are most common during gingivitis. At this stage, gum disease is reversible when properly treated. Be sure to contact your dentist to schedule a dental cleans appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

The following symptoms indicate that the disease has progressed from gingivitis to a more severe type of periodontal disease.

Receding gums

When left untreated, the symptoms of gum disease become more and more severe. The bad bacteria will eventually move on to eating away at the gums, making them shorter. In addition to the visible changes, your teeth will become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as the dentin is exposed.

Shifting or loose teeth

If you notice your teeth don’t quite fit together like they used to when you bite, the bacteria may have moved on to attacking the jawbone which holds the teeth in the proper position. This is a symptom of advanced periodontal disease and should be treated immediately. At this point, you are at a high risk of tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatment in Woolgoolga

Dental cleans are important for both the prevention and reversal of gum disease. If your gum disease has progressed to a stage that is no longer reversible, don’t fret! We offer effective treatments to stop it in its tracks. This way, no more damage is done to your smile.

To learn more about these treatments and to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists, call Magic Smiles at (02) 6654-0650 today.