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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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.

Oct 30
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woman holding clear aligners

The Good and Not-So-Good of Invisalign Clear Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

When it comes to braces, most patients are ecstatic to hear that Invisalign clear aligners are an option. Traditional metal braces don’t usually sound quite as appealing. However, clear aligners aren’t right for everyone. Continue reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Invisalign clear aligners.

Benefits of Invisalign

Most patients are drawn to Invisalign because of their discreet appearance because they can achieve a beautiful smile without having to deal with metal brackets on their teeth. This is especially true for our adult patients who don’t want braces to make them look or feel like they are in junior high again.

While this is the most obvious benefit, Invisalign also offers:

Comfort

When clear aligners fit properly, they tend to be much more comfortable than metal braces. Many patients with traditional metal braces complain about brackets and wires rubbing against their gums and cheeks throughout the day. Not only is this painful and irritating, but it can be a distraction from school, work, and other tasks throughout the day.

Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic that won’t irritate the gums or cheeks.

Freedom

Although it is important to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, patients have the freedom to remove their Invisalign trays while eating, to give a speech or presentation, and while brushing their teeth. This benefit is unique to clear aligners and one of the main reasons so many patients chose them as their orthodontic option.

Simple Maintenance

Caring for traditional braces can be difficult because brushing and flossing require more a little more effort and maybe even some new tools. With Invisalign, you can keep your same toothbrush and floss because the aligner can be removed while brushing.

To keep your aligner clean, you will need a special cleaner recommended by your dentist. We also recommend that patients brush after each meal, before replacing their Invisalign tray, to inhibit bacterial growth.

Quick Results

While it’s true that no two treatment plans are alike, most patients can expect to wear their Invisalign trays for between 6 and 18 months.

Drawbacks of Invisalign

Because Invisalign requires patients to wear several different trays throughout treatment, the cost is significantly more expensive than traditional metal braces. Traditional braces cost between $5,000 and $6,000 on average. Invisalign can cost up to $8,000. However, every treatment plan is different. So be sure to ask your dentist for a quote.

Clear aligners also require more responsibility and self-control from the patient. We only recommend Invisalign to older teens and adults for this reason. It’s imperative that patients keep up with their aligners so that they don’t have to be replaced, making their cost higher and treatment time longer.

When an Invisalign tray doesn’t fit perfectly, it may cause some pain or discomfort to the gums and cheeks. If this happens, be sure to contact your dentist immediately to have a new tray created.

Invisalign Dentist in Woolgoolga

Invisalign clear aligners can help patients with all types of orthodontic needs. If you’re ready to begin the journey to a perfectly aligned, beautiful smile, call our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650. Our expert dentists are prepared to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through compassionate dental care.

Oct 23
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illustration of root canal therapy

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

So, you’ve been told you need root canal therapy. There are probably one hundred questions running through your mind, or maybe you don’t know which questions to ask! Although root canals have a reputation for being dreadful, the procedure is simple, comfortable, and extremely beneficial.

Root canal therapy allows patients to keep their natural tooth while eliminating the infected pulp inside of it.  This permits the patient to maintain chewing and biting force, keep a natural appearance, and protect his or her mouth from further infection.

To help prepare patients for their root canal treatment, we’ve answered five of the most frequently asked questions about root canal therapy in this blog.

1. What are the most common reasons for root canal therapy?

There are several reasons a patient may need a root canal, including:

  • Deep decay caused by untreated cavities
  • Having several procedures done on the same tooth
  • A poorly fitted crown
  • Severe crack or chip in the tooth
  • Injury caused by car accident, sports injury, etc.

The bottom line is that any time the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected, root canal therapy is one of the most practical and effective solutions.

2. How painful is a root canal?

One of the most common misconceptions about root canals is that they are painful. While that may have been the case in the past, modern technology has made this treatment about as painless as having a cavity filled. In fact, the infection or damage is much more painful than the treatment.

3. Is it better to have the tooth extracted?

Because root canal therapy saves the natural tooth, it is a much better option than pulling out the tooth. Prosthetic teeth cannot replace the look and strength of the natural tooth and people who choose to have the tooth extracted will most likely need to have the tooth replaced with a bridge. These may not last long, but root-canaled teeth typically last a lifetime.

4. What happens during the procedure?

After taking X-rays, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia and places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry.

Then, he accesses the pulp of the tooth to remove the bacteria and decay with root canal files. Water or sodium hypochlorite is sprayed throughout the inner tooth to flush away the debris.

During a second appointment, the dentist fills the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta percha, then seals the tooth. If necessary, he will reinforce the tooth with a dental crown.

5. How can I avoid another root canal therapy in the future?

Avoiding another root canal is simple: amp up your oral hygiene routine. This is especially important for patients who had a root canal due to dental decay. However, a good oral hygiene routine keeps all types of oral health problems away.

Here’s what your oral hygiene routine should consist of:

  • Brushing in the morning and evening
  • Flossing daily
  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Eating properly
  • Visiting the dentist every six months

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether you need root canal therapy or its time to schedule your dental clean, our team at Magic Smiles is prepared to help. If you’re nervous about a procedure, ask us about our sedation methods.

Call (02) 6654-0650 to schedule your appointment today.

Oct 13
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parts of dental implant

What can implants do for me?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

There are various reasons why patients are missing teeth, including medical conditions, gum disease, accidents, and medication use. Regardless of the cause, these individuals want to achieve a beautiful, natural look. At Magic Smiles, we use dental implants to give our patients a brand-new smile that they’ll love. 

During a consultation, our dentists examine your mouth to determine if implants are the right choice for you. We check the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to see if your oral health is optimal. If not, our dental team can resolve any underlying issues to make sure that your implant surgery is successful. Before choosing the treatment, patients should understand how the restoration can benefit them.

Restore Appearance

Anybody with missing teeth knows how much it can affect the appearance. Patients might look older and more worn. Additionally, for some people with many missing teeth, the entire shape of their mouth can change. Patients with lost teeth might feel insecure about their looks, shy away from smiling, and might not want to participate in social settings. 

When patients are ready to boost their self-esteem, dental implants are an ideal solution. The replaced teeth provide a beautiful, seamless smile that will look natural. After the treatment, you’ll love the way your teeth look so much that you won’t be able to stop smiling and showing off your new teeth.

Restore Function

One of the biggest downfalls of tooth loss is the fact that you aren’t able to chew and bite down properly. This can affect a patient’s ability to eat their favorite foods. They may only be able to eat softer foods and miss out on eating a wide selection of items. Consequently, with such limited choices, patients might end up suffering from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These individuals might begin to experience health problems that will also need to be resolved.

Since dental implants replace missing teeth, function is restored. The teeth align naturally, so you are able to bite down and chew with ease. 

Provide Stability

Compared to treatments like dentures, dental implants provide greater stability. Since the titanium post fuses with the jawbone, patients get that extra security to ensure the implant stays in place. Your dentist places a restoration like a crown to ensure that your implant is stable and performs like a natural tooth. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about it shifting or moving when talking or eating.

Provide Permanency

While there are some temporary types of restorative treatments for missing teeth, they can be a hassle. Just imagine if your missing teeth are replaced permanently, and you don’t have to worry about things like putting in or taking out dentures.  The beauty of implants is that they provide permanency since once they’re placed, they remain.

Of course, you should visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure your implants are performing as they should. Overall, the titanium post that’s placed in the jaw is designed to last a lifetime. 

Schedule a Consultation

When you’re ready to learn more about dental implants and to see how they can benefit you, contact one of our three offices to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Woolgoolga office at (02) 6654-0650 or the Coffs Harbour practice at (02) 6652-3242. Patients can also contact us online for more information.

Oct 08
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dental bridge illustration

The Pros and Cons of a Traditional Dental Bridge

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Though there are several options for replacing missing teeth, dental bridges are among the most popular restorative treatments. A traditional dental bridge—the most common type—is made up of two dental crowns with one, two, or three prosthetic teeth suspended in the middle. There are three other types of dental bridges: the Maryland bridge, cantilever bridge, and an implant-supported bridge.

Each bridge comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but for this blog, we’ll focus on the traditional dental bridge.

Here are the pros and cons of traditional dental bridges:

Advantages of a Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional dental bridge offers several benefits to patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. Aesthetically, the bridge is carefully crafted by a dental lab technician so that it matches the rest of your smile perfectly. Only you and your dentist will know it isn’t real!

Oftentimes, missing teeth affect a person’s ability to chew and speak properly. Dental bridges restore those functions by permanently replacing those missing teeth. Although patients may want to reduce their consumption of sticky foods, there are no food restrictions associated with dental bridges.

When a person has a missing tooth, there is a high probability that the neighboring teeth will shift towards the gap. This can cause a domino effect throughout the mouth. dental bridges fill that gap to keep the rest of the patient’s teeth in proper position.

A traditional dental bridge may also help reduce jawbone deterioration which leads to facial atrophy, though dental implants are a more effective solution to this issue.

Finally, patients prefer dental bridges because they are fixed in the mouth, unlike dentures. This provides stability, security, and a simple cleaning process. Dental bridges can be treated just like your regular teeth—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist every six months.

Disadvantages of a Traditional Dental Bridge

When considering a dental bridge, it’s important to have all the facts—even the not-so-good ones! Thankfully, the disadvantages of a dental bridge are few and many of them are avoidable when you choose an experienced and trusted dentist.

The disadvantages of dental bridges include:

  • Risk of decay under an ill-fitting crown
  • Removal of enamel from the healthy neighboring teeth
  • Risk of failure if the neighboring teeth aren’t strong enough
  • Won’t last forever
  • Don’t replace the tooth root

While dental bridges can last up to 15 years, they aren’t considered a permanent solution.

More Tooth Replacement Options

Not sold on a dental bridge? Continue your research by looking into other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental implants.

While dentures are a more affordable option, dental implants offer incredible benefits and last a lifetime. They’re both worth considering!

Restorative Dentistry in Woolgoolga

At Magic Smiles, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. Our vision for a family-friendly dental practice means that your needs are more important than our profits. That’s why you can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and high-quality care.

When it comes to restorative dentistry, we offer dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures. Based on your unique dental situation, preferences, and budget, we will recommend your best option and simply leave the final decision to you.

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

Oct 01
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Preventive Dentistry: The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleans

By Preventative Dentistry No Comments

Dental cleans are extremely underrated. Though your parents may have expressed the importance, many adults don’t prioritize their oral health and often skip out on six-month dental visits. Unfortunately, this can have serious oral and overall health consequences. For patients who do attend these appointments, the benefits are obvious!

While brushing and flossing at home is important, six-month dental cleans should be a part of everyone’s oral hygiene routine. Read this blog to learn about the oral and overall health benefits of regular dental cleans.

1. Prevents serious dental problems

Though you may consider yourself an expert brusher, and even if you are one of the few people who floss twice a day, disease-causing bacteria can still attack your teeth and gums. It is nearly impossible for a person to reach every nook and cranny of their mouth, but a dental professional has the eye and mobility to clean the surface of every tooth and soft tissue in the mouth.

Attending regular dental cleans helps patients avoid cavities and gum disease. When dentists thoroughly clean the mouth, they remove the bacteria that can fester and attack the teeth and gums. In the long run, these appointments can save you from unnecessary pain and other symptoms of decay and disease.

2. Saves money

This isn’t necessarily a health benefit, but it is one that we don’t want to overlook! Most dental insurances cover the cost of two dental cleans per year. However, patients who don’t have insurance will certainly still save.

The cost of restorative dentistry is typically much more expensive than preventive because it takes more materials and time. Save yourself and your wallet the pain by attending regular dental cleans every six months.

3. Improved aesthetics

Tired of your stained, yellow teeth? Attending regular dental cleans helps remove dental stains caused by foods and beverages. During these appointments, your dentist may also recommend a different toothpaste and other tips to keep your smile bright.

4. Freshens breath

Bad breath is embarrassing—you know it if you’ve had it or been around someone who did. Consistent bad breath shouldn’t be remedied with gum and mints that may actually make the problem worse. When you attend a regular dental clean, your dentist can identify and remove the underlying problem. If further treatment is necessary, he or she will let you know.

5. Reduces overall health issues

Researchers and scientists are finally letting us in on a major secret—the health of our mouths impacts our whole bodies. It may be surprising to know that gum disease can affect your heart, but it’s true! This is just one of the many reasons why good oral hygiene is so important.

Attending regular dental cleans appointments help reduce your risk of developing these overall health problems:

  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Dementia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Head and neck cancers

This benefit alone makes visiting the dentist twice a year more than worth it!

Dental Cleans in Woolgoolga

Ready to restore your oral health? Our team at Magic Smiles is ready to help! We provide comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. Our state-of-the-art dental equipment and compassionate dental team ensures you receive the quality of dental care you deserve.

Call (02) 6653-1788 to schedule your dental cleans appointment today.