Mar 14
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Woman clutches an ice pack to the side of her face before her wisdom teeth removal

Six Signs That It’s Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are typically the last group of teeth to appear in a person’s mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but sometimes earlier. While some people may have no problems with their third molars, others may experience pain, discomfort, and other complications. In such cases, removal may be necessary to restore your smile.

The experienced team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre can help you remove bothersome wisdom teeth. With gentle techniques and state-of-the-art technology, our team can restore your smile back to its original comfort and function. Contact one of our two, friendly locations in NSW (Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour) to get started now!

Third molars often have a sneaky way of making their presence known. In this blog, we reveal some common signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed.

Pain or Discomfort

One of the most common signs that it’s time to remove wisdom teeth is pain or discomfort. If you experience pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in. It could also mean that they are impacted or infected. 

Swelling or Redness

Swelling or redness in the gums or around the third molars may be a sign of an infection. If you experience swelling or redness, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. These experts will be able to determine the cause of the inflammation and make appropriate recommendations for treatment.

Difficulty Opening or Closing Your Mouth

If you have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This causes them to push against other teeth, which then leads to pain and discomfort.

Crowded Teeth

Wisdom teeth can push surrounding teeth together, which can cause overcrowding, shifting teeth, and tooth and jaw misalignments. This can cause problems with your bite and make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Cysts of Tumors

In rare cases, third molars can cause the development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone. These growths can cause damage to the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Typically, they require surgery to remove.

Decay or Gum Disease

Third molars can be difficult to clean properly, making them more susceptible to decay and gum disease. If your third molars are causing oral health problems, your dentist may recommend their removal.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in New South Wales

Third molar removal is the most common oral surgery treatment performed in Australia. In fact, almost 40% of all oral health-related hospitalisations are due to impacted or infected wisdom teeth. But, you don’t have to wait until you end up in the hospital–the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre can help!

Get the proactive care you deserve with our team in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga, NSW, today. Send us a quick message here to get started now!

Mar 01
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Girl looks concerned after addressing teeth grinding in New South Wales

Teeth Grinding: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Treat It

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental problem. The condition causes patients to grind, clench, or gnash their teeth unconsciously, usually while they are sleeping. Teeth grinding can lead to a range of dental problems, including tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and dental damage. Luckily, restorative dentistry treatments can address the issue and fight the pain.

If you’re waking up with jaw pain or experiencing persistent tooth sensitivity, then you might need bruxism treatment. At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we can help. Get the restorative, neuromuscular care you deserve in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW, today. 

Understanding why teeth grinding occurs can be tricky. In this blog, we explore possible reasons why bruxism occurs and how you can treat the root cause and symptoms.

What causes teeth grinding?

There is no single cause of teeth grinding, but it is believed to be a result of several factors, including 

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Abnormal bite patterns

Other possible causes include:

  • Sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea
  • Certain medications, like antidepressants 
  • Some lifestyle habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Bruxism can also be a side effect of other medical conditions, such as:

  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

How do you treat teeth grinding?

There are several ways that patients can address bruxism. In fact, many patients choose to combine teeth-grinding treatments for optimal success. Let’s explore common treatment options now.

Wear a Night Guard

The most common way to treat bruxism is by wearing a night guard. 

A night guard is a custom-made dental instrument that is worn over the upper teeth at nighttime to protect them from grinding. Dental professionals craft night guards with soft, flexible material. As a result, they are comfortable enough to wear while sleeping. 

Manage Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common triggers of bruxism. Therefore, managing stress and anxiety can help reduce it. 

To reduce stress, anxiety, and the likelihood of bruxism, engage in relaxing activities, such as

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Deep breathing 

Make Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle habits (like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption) can increase the likelihood of bruxism. Changing these habits can help reduce the incidence of teeth grinding.

Treat Underlying Medical Conditions

If certain medical conditions are causing bruxism (like Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease), then it is best to treat those conditions with your primary care physician. Bruxism treatment comes secondary to primary medical issues.

Dental Correction

Misaligned teeth and abnormal bites can create improper contact between the teeth. This can make bruxism worse. Orthodontic treatments and other corrective procedures can correct crooked teeth and jaws, which mitigates bruxism.

Teeth Grinding Treatment Near Me

Experts estimate that approximately 16% of people have sleep bruxism worldwide. Are you one of them? If so, you can get simple yet effective treatments at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center. Contact one of our three locations online here to request your appointment now!

Feb 27
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Close-up of a lipsticked mouth with white teeth and red gums enjoying a piece of chewing gum

Have red gums? Here’s what it could be.

By Dental Checkup No Comments

While redness in the gums can be normal in some cases, persistent redness can indicate an underlying problem. Indeed, red gums can indicate a range of dental and medical conditions. Routine checkups with a trusted dentist can help you pinpoint the cause of red, inflamed, or bloody gums.

 

Are you suddenly noticing darker gums accompanied by pain or sensitivity? If so, then it’s time to contact the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre. We can help you locate the cause to get speedy and effective treatments. Simply contact one of our two locations in Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour, NSW, to get started now!

 

Swollen and dark gums can be a medical mystery. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to narrow down the diagnosis. Here are some of the most common reasons why a patient might have red gums.

Red Gums Might be Gingivitis

One of the most common reasons for red gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease (also called periodontitis) that occurs when tissue-destroying plaque builds up along the gum line. The bacteria in the plaque can cause inflammation, which can lead to noticeably dark, swollen, and bleeding gums. 

 

Fortunately, gingivitis is just the beginning stage of periodontitis. This means that, if caught early enough, patients can completely reverse gingivitis. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to advanced periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss.

Inflamed Gums Could be Advancing Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease. The infection (which starts out as mild gingivitis) spreads to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. 

 

As a result, advancing periodontitis can present with:

  • Purple or dark red gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gum tissue
  • Bone loss in the jaw
  • Loose teeth
  • Prolonged tooth loss
  • Changes in bite patterns

If you suspect that you might have periodontitis, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist right away. Leaving periodontitis untreated could lead to significant damage that may be more costly to repair.

Vitamin Deficiencies Can Cause Red Gums

A lack of certain vitamins (such as vitamin C or vitamin K) can cause red gums. Vitamin C is important for healthy gum tissue, and a deficiency can cause the gums to become:

  • Tender
  • Inflamed
  • Prone to bleeding

 

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting, so a deficiency can make healing much more difficult. And, when it comes to red gums, healing is key.

 

If vitamin deficiencies are the main cause of red gums, then we suggest taking a daily multivitamin. Adding supplements to your diet ensures that you are getting the recommended amount of essential nutrients every day.

Expectant Mothers May Develop Sore Gums

Research suggests that pregnancy can cause hormonal changes in the body that can lead to red gums. The hormone that is largely to blame is progesterone.

 

Elevated levels of progesterone can cause the gums to become more sensitive to plaque and bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and redness. Medical professionals refer to this as ‘pregnancy gingivitis,’ and it usually goes away shortly after delivery.

Investigate Red Gums with a General Dentist in NSW

These are just four common reasons why patients see dark, swollen gums. Other reasons may include allergic reactions, medications, and injury. If you’re experiencing swollen or painful gums, then contact the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre immediately. We can help you diagnose the cause and get rapid treatment.

Request your appointment now by submitting a secure message here.

Feb 20
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little girl smiles after visiting a children’s dentistry centre in New South Wales.

Five Facts Every Parent Should Know About Children’s Dentistry

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

Taking care of your child’s dental health is an important aspect of their overall health and well-being. As a parent, you accomplish this by encouraging good oral hygiene at home and scheduling yearly dental visits. But, there may be some things about children’s dentistry (read more about children’s dentistry here) that you don’t know about.

 

Is it time for your child’s next dental visit? If so, schedule a children’s dentistry appointment with the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre. With two beautiful locations in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, we make pediatric dental care a breeze. Give our team a call today to get started now!

 

As a parent, it’s important to understand the basics of children’s dentistry to ensure your child receives the best possible care. In this blog post, we share some facts about children’s dentistry that we think every parent should know about.

Kids’ Teeth Differ From Adult Teeth

Children’s teeth are different from adult teeth in several ways. For one, they are smaller and have thinner enamel. This is significant, as thinner enamel means that your child’s teeth are more prone to decay. As a result, preventive dental care is exceptionally important for children.

 

Children’s teeth also have different shapes and sizes, and they are fewer in quantity, too. This dental eruption chart demonstrates the size, location, and amount of teeth that children typically have. You may notice that children only have 20 baby teeth compared to adults’ 32 permanent teeth.

Children Need to See a Dentist by Their First Birthday

Experts recommend that kids visit a children’s dentistry centre by their first birthday. However, if your child begins cutting their first teeth, then you should schedule a dental visit for them within six months of their first erupted tooth.

 

Early visits to a children’s dentistry centre allows a dentist to proactively assess your child’s dental health. This is beneficial, as it allows them to provide guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth as they grow.

Baby Teeth Are Very Important

Many parents believe that baby teeth aren’t important because they will eventually fall out. However, baby teeth serve several important functions, including:

  • Helping your child chew and speak properly
  • Maintaining space for permanent teeth to come in
  • Ensuring proper jaw development

 

Without healthy baby teeth, your child may struggle to thrive.

Fluoride Is a Valuable Children’s Dentistry Treatment

Fluoride is an important mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening dental enamel. Because children have thinner tooth enamel, it is crucial for children to get enough fluoride. Yearly visits to a children’s dentistry centre are a great way to ensure that your children are getting sufficient fluoride for optimal oral health.

Sealants Protect Growing Smiles

Dental sealants are particularly useful for children, as their molars are more prone to decay and damage than adult teeth.

 

Similar to fluoride, dental sealants are a great way to protect your little ones’ smiles as they grow. Sealants are a thin coating that a dentist applies to vulnerable teeth (usually the molars) to prevent cavities. 

Schedule a Children’s Dentistry Appointment Today

Is it time for your little one to visit a children’s dentistry in New South Wales? Let Magic Smiles Dental & Implant Centre be your one-stop-shop for all of your child’s dental health needs. Conveniently schedule your child’s appointment now by submitting a request online here.

 

Feb 13
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Gentle dentist explains x-ray with new technology.

Gentle Dentist Explains the Benefits of New Technology

By Dental checkups No Comments

Technological advances in dentistry have vastly improved the way we experience dental care. With the help of new tools and techniques, a gentle dentist can make your dental appointments comfortable, while also improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. 

Dr. Pathak and our team at Magic Smiles have a passion for clinical accuracy and gentle dentistry. From the moment you enter our office in Coffs Harbor, you will feel welcomed and relaxed. We study new treatments and technology, then bring our patients what we consider to be the best of the best! With comprehensive, patient-centered care, we will introduce you to new and improved, gentle dental care. 

We currently use the following dental technology and techniques to provide excellent, modern dental care to our patients.

Medit i500 Intraoral Scanner

Dental impressions provide dentists with a mold of your teeth used for creating accurate restorations, bite appliances, and prosthetics. Dr. Pathak utilizes the Medit i500 intraoral scanner in the place of traditional messy, unpleasant-tasting dental impressions. 

During your examination, he will pass the Medit i500 wand over your teeth and gums. 

High-quality images captured by our intraoral scanner help the dentist detect early stages of tooth decay, cracks, and other issues that left untreated would cause pain and interfere with oral function. 

Digital impressions help us create personalized treatments that may include one or more of the following:

  • Dentures
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Bridges
  • Whitening Trays
  • Custom Oral Appliances (Night Guards/Sports Guards)
  • Dental Models of Your Teeth

Orthopantomogram (OPG)

That’s a mouthful! For diagnostic and treatment of dental issues, the orthopantomography x-ray offers a panoramic, detailed picture of your teeth.

During your examination, the dentist will rotate the orthopantomogram around your head as you sit still. The OPG takes an x-ray in about 20 seconds. Detailed panoramic mages help the dentist determine your jawbone density, find bone fractures, and diagnose other dental issues. 

Digital X-Ray Technology

To lower your exposure to radiation or other metals and chemicals, Dr. Pathak employs digital x-ray technology. These x-rays are noninvasive and provide immediate results. Best of all, they are the kind of tool a gentle dentist loves to share with his patients! Digital x-rays require only a fraction of radiation that’s normally emitted for x-rays. 

VELscope Advanced Oral Cancer Screenings

The VELscope is a handheld, wireless scope that emits a special wavelength against soft oral tissues. Bounceback data provides important information about what lies beneath the surface. During your scan, Dr. Pathak will identify potentially cancerous abnormalities that are not yet visible in your mouth. 

Through early oral cancer detection and treatment, patients have a great chance of a successful outcome of 80% survival rate at five years. Compare this to the mere 30-50% five-year survival rate of cancers found in later stages. If you regularly use tobacco products or have a family history of cancer, contact our team for a cancer screening today. 

Soft-Tissue Dental Lasers

With the use of soft-tissue dental lasers, a gentle dentist can provide precise, minimally invasive, comfortable care. 

Some of the benefits of using a soft-tissue dental laser include:

  • No scalpel
  • No stitches
  • Fast recovery
  • Little or no bleeding
  • Reduced trauma to your gums
  • Used in cosmetic and restorative procedures

Sedation Options in Gentle Dentistry

A truly gentle dentist will provide comforting, encouraging care. To go beyond this, Dr. Pathak and our team employ comfort-enhancing dental tools. However, if you are concerned about your comfort during dental visits, ask about our three options for sedation dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide: 

For mild anxiety or minor treatments, we administer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is inhaled through a comfortable face mask. 

Our dental team will carefully monitor the amount of gas you receive. We can also adjust the dosage to alter the effects as needed. With laughing gas, you can return to life: drive, work, play as usual, right after your appointment. 

Penthrox:

Much like nitrous oxide, Penthrox is a colorless, odorless gas (methoxyflurane) with fast-acting anesthetic results. Methoxyflurane offers analgesic results without creating deep sedation. 

Oral Sedation

If you have severe dental anxiety, you may need stronger sedation. In this case, our gentle dentist will prescribe an anti-anxiety medication. These medications will help you relax, mentally and physically. You may even fall asleep. If you choose oral sedation, you’ll need a driver to and from your appointment, and plan to rest the remainder of the day.

Get the treatment you deserve with a visit to your gentle dentist. 

With the use of new dental technology, Dr. Pathak will have you looking forward to your dental appointments. The team at our Coffs Harbor dental office will make sure you remain comfortable throughout each and every visit. Contact us online or call us today at 02-6652-3242.

Feb 06
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Hook Up on Tinder

By Online Dating No Comments

Since dating can be stressful, there is the possibility of humor to try to reduce tensions. In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rosenfeld found that heterosexual couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through personal contacts and connections. Since 1940, traditional ways of meeting partners – through family, in church and in the neighborhood – have all been in decline, Rosenfeld said. The company has said that this app is single, progressive and specially designed for the Gen Z market.

So it’s taken that pressure off, this has to be a friendship interaction, and this has to be a romantic interaction. The platforms highlighted below are legal, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. OurTime.com is a dating site that caters to singles 50 years and older. Registration is free, and you can view profiles of singles in your area. The app is easy to use, and you can connect with local singles that interest you. Starting a conversation here is very easy because your potential matches are meant to comment on a specific piece of information on your profile.

They are oriented on varied countries and on the varied nationalities. There hookupguru the sites with the diverse prices and the diverse functionalities. You will need a premium membership to use the site’s full potential. For example, messaging people as a free member lets you only use the message feature to send site-generated icebreakers, while Standard members can only send winks and add folks to their favorites.

  • Meetup.com is another popular platform, however it’s not built around dating.
  • Research from Berkeley University in California suggests there is a dropoff in interest after online daters meet face-to-face.
  • This may have something to do with most of its features being free.
  • Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted July 5-17, 2022.
  • A line of research initiated in recent years links dark personality traits to the reasons for using Tinder.

So until then, I’m delighted and would like to say thank you towards the present software for providing usa together. I got most positive and negative experiences previously, and many consumers actually shattered the emotions.

How to use dating apps like a pro

The date can be online or physical, with the latter costing the paying party any expenses incurred during the meet-up. If the date is to take place in a venue that requires an entry fee, your partner should pay for that too. As to how much you get to take home, the going rate averages $80 to $100 per date. Also, as an attractive member, you have an option to negotiate the bid if you feel the amount is too. After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email giving you access to the site. This is an adult dating website where bids are placed to win a date.

The Dangers of Dating App Meet-Ups

Reverting to characteristics of traditional sexual scripts, women may find themselves further entrenched in unwanted gender roles. Feminist Gail Dines has opined that pornography is “a cultural force that is shaping the sexual attitudes of an entire generation” and a “major form of sex ed today for boys.”

Most importantly, you get to set the budget for the entire date. What this means is that you get to keep the full-price amount. Finally, you don’t have to disclose your personal identity if you are not comfortable with a bidder. For the chance to get paid to date a millionaire or just the average Joe, you pay a subscription fee of $59.99 for 30 days.

Basically, you’re given a random profile with the option to either “like” them or “X” cross them out – sort of like Tinder’s swipe feature. Most of the members on SearchingforSingles are from the US, but you can still find users worldwide! Plus, there are also more women than men on this hookup site, if that’s what you’re after. Tinder has been called the harbinger of the hookup-fueled “dating apocalypse.” But the truth of the matter is, hooking up isn’t anything new . And as for Tinder, sure, it can be used for swiftly finding a one-night stand, but there are plenty of other apps that are better suited for that task. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles away to meet your date when you find the perfect match – as Tinder lets you only access singles near your location.

Feb 06
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Woman smiles before a visit with her Woolgoolga dentist.

7 Things Your Woolgoolga Dentist Wants You to Know

By Woolgoogla and Coffs Harbour Dentist No Comments

Who doesn’t want a beautiful and healthy smile? Your Woolgoolga dentist at Magic Smiles can help make that dream come true. In our office, patients feel completely comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns. Dr. Pathak and our dental team believe personal relationships are the foundation for communication, which is essential to effective dental care. 

Whether your next appointment is today or six months away, start practicing these 7 tasks to prepare for earning an A+ dental report.. 

1) Be sure to drink enough water each day. 

Regularly drinking water helps maintain good oral and physical health. The amount of water each person needs to stay hydrated varies. The Mayo Clinic suggests women drink 2.7 liters of water a day and men drink 3.7 liters.  Staying hydrated will help:

  • Prevent Dry Mouth
  • Flush out Bad Bacteria
  • Deter Bad Breath
  • Strengthen Teeth Through Fluoride in the Water 
  • Flush away Pieces of Food
  • Prevent Tooth Decay

2) Bleeding gums require treatment.

If your gums are sensitive or bleeding when you brush, we need to see you in our office as soon as possible. Gingivitis treatments are highly successful with early detection. If you don’t seek treatment for your bleeding gums, you could end up needing expensive and time-consuming procedures. 

3) Don’t dismiss a toothache as no big deal.

Anytime you experience discomfort in your teeth, contact your trusted Woolgoolga dentist, Dr. Pathak.

A toothache could signify that your tooth has developed a chip, crack, or cavity. These dental issues usually require minimal treatment when identified and addressed in the early stages. Contact our team, and we work you into our schedule as soon as possible. Early treatment of a toothache could save your tooth. 

4) Never skip appointments with your Woolgoolga dentist.

Routine dental appointments allow our dental team an opportunity to maintain your dental health by finding and treating concerns early, rather than after they advance into serious issues. Without regular cleanings, dental examinations, and dental treatments, your oral and overall health can suffer.

Visit Dr, Pathak, your Woolgoolga dentist, at least twice a year, even if you have no pending dental concerns. Some oral health concerns, like gingivitis, may present no symptoms in the early stages..  

5) Deal with your dental emergencies right away.

You may think a chipped tooth or a missing filling can wait until your next appointment. See the dentist immediately if you experience a dental emergency, such as:

  • Knocked out Tooth or Teeth
  • Severe Discomfort or Toothache
  • Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations (ex. Fillings, Implants, or Veneers)
  • Swelling of the Mouth or Gums
  • Any Injury to Your Soft Tissues (Deep Cuts to the Cheeks or mouth)
  • Cracked or Damaged Teeth
  • Loose Tooth or Teeth

 

6) Follow good oral hygiene practices at home.

  • Oral hygiene shouldn’t just happen at your dentist’s office. Practice good oral hygiene habits every day. Follow these recommendations by Dr. Pathak, your Woolgoolga dentist, and you’ll lay a foundation for great oral health.Brush your teeth at least twice each day. 
  • Floss after meals and snacks. 
  • Carry dental floss and a travel toothbrush with you whenever possible. 

Always be honest with your dentist about your dental hygiene habits so that he can better serve your dental health needs. 

7) If you wear lipstick, be sure to remove it before your dental appointment. 

Detecting signs of cancer becomes more difficult for the dentist if you wear lipstick during your appointment. What seems like a simple blemish or mole could indicate the early stages of oral cancer. Wipe off your lipstick for a full examination, so you can stay healthy for years to come. 

For answers to your dental health questions, contact Dr. Pathak and our team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre in Woolgoolga. Our team loves helping patients maintain excellent dental health. Call us today at 02-6654-0650 or contact us online. 

Dec 19
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3D illustration of how dental crowns are placed on the teeth.

Dental Crowns vs. Dental Fillings: Which is right for me?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Leaving dental damage and decay untreated can be risky. It can lead to significant pain and trigger other oral health issues, eventually resulting in disease, dysfunction, and tooth loss. Luckily, restorative dentistry treatments (like dental crowns or fillings) can help you address damage and decay so that you can smile with complete comfort and confidence.

 

Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre is your premier location for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour. Don’t let cavities and dental damage disrupt your life–schedule an appointment with our team here to get the care you deserve.

 

Before you address cavities, chips, cracks, or fractures, you need to know the primary differences between dental crowns and fillings. In this blog post, our team compares and contrasts dental crowns vs. dental fillings so that you can make the best choice for your smile.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings allow dentists to fill in small cavities, cracks, chips, and pits in the teeth. As a result, dental fillings are an ideal way to restore minimally-damaged teeth back to their original shape and strength. 

Lifespan

There are different types of fillings, including metal and tooth-colored composite resin. The lifespan of dental fillings is largely dependent on which type of filling patients receive.  

 

At Magic Smiles, we provide patients with aesthetically-pleasing and effective composite resin fillings. These tooth-colored restorations can last patients for 10 years or longer with the proper upkeep.

Cost

In Australia, the government does not fund many dental treatments in the same way that it covers other medical treatments. Therefore, patients may be responsible for all dental filling costs.

 

Luckily, fillings are an affordable way to repair and enhance your smile. Surveys suggest that simple fillings may cost patients around $275, while more complicated fillings may total around $500.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns go by many names, including teeth crowns and caps. But, no matter what name they go by, they are a long-lasting way to repair significantly damaged or decayed teeth. 

 

Caps are tooth-shaped prosthetics that fit over badly injured or decayed teeth. Because crowns completely encapsulate compromised teeth, they offer more protection against future damage and decay than fillings do.

Lifespan

Similar to fillings, crowns also come in many different varieties, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia. At Magic Smiles, we provide numerous types of crowns so that you can choose the right restoration for you.

 

In general, dental caps can last for 15 years or longer with diligent care.

Cost

Again, patients may be responsible for all dental-crown costs. And, unfortunately, caps are more pricey than fillings, with most treatments costing over $1,000. However, the cost of treatment directly reflects dental caps’ effectiveness, as they offer far more protection than fillings.

Which is right for me?

Typically, dental fillings are right for patients with minimal damage or decay. Alternatively, caps may be ideal for patients with significant damage or decay. 

 

But, you don’t have to make the choice alone–the team at Magic Smiles can help you pick the best option for your smile and budget.

Learn More About Dental Crowns and Fillings 

Let the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre help you restore your smile’s health, beauty, and function with comprehensive solutions. Reach out to our team here to learn more about your restorative options today.

Dec 15
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A pretty mouth behind teal wrapping paper to convey cosmetic dentistry treatments for Christmas

Cosmetic Dentistry: Four Ways to Bring Glad Tidings to Your Grin

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

Nothing brings cheer to your loved ones like your beautiful smile. But, if your smile is looking a little dull this holiday season, then you may be looking for fast and effective ways to upgrade your grin. This year, cosmetic dentistry treatments with our Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center team can keep your smile off of the naughty list (read more about cosmetic dentistry here).

 

Are you ready to give yourself the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile? Then, schedule an appointment with our team in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga, NSW, today. Simply request your appointment here to get started.

 

Meanwhile, let’s explore four cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help you win a kiss under the mistletoe.

Teeth Whitening

Even if you have been using store-bought teeth whiteners, professional teeth whitening may be worth exploring. 

 

Professional whitening treatments use stronger ingredients than store-bought whiteners. In fact, professional treatments may contain up to 40% bleaching ingredients as compared to roughly 10% bleaching ingredients in store-bought options.

 

Not only are professional whitening treatments faster and more effective, but the results last longer, too. Experts believe that most patients can enjoy a noticeably lighter smile for up to three years after a single whitening treatment.

Dental Bonding

Dentists use a strong, tooth-coloured material to fill in cavities. But, this tooth-coloured material (a versatile composite resin) can do much more than protect teeth against further decay. Indeed, dentists frequently use this composite resin to address subtle smile flaws, such as:

  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Large gaps
  • Worn tooth enamel

 

Dental bonding is non-invasive and completely reversible. Subsequently, it is a great way for you to customize your smile without damaging your natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are very thin (but very strong!) ceramic shells that dentists permanently affix to the front surface of teeth. They can cover the same smile flaws that dental bonding can cover, but porcelain veneers are not reversible. This means that this cosmetic dentistry treatment is a lifelong commitment. So, if veneers crack, break, or fall off, then it is crucial to repair or replace them as soon as possible.

 

Nevertheless, veneers may be a better way for you to get a perfectly tailor-made grin. You can work closely with our team to choose the right shade, shape, and size of porcelain veneers for your smile.

Laser Gum Contouring Cosmetic Dentistry

Having even one to two millimeters of extra gum tissue can give you the appearance of a gummy smile. Get your smile holiday-ready with safe and effective laser gum contouring.

 

This cosmetic dentistry procedure gently removes extra gingival tissue to improve your gum line and enhance your oral aesthetic. And, because our dentists use soft-tissue lasers, you’ll experience less pain and faster healing after the procedure. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Near Me

If you’re looking for affordable, safe, and effective cosmetic dentistry in New South Wales, then contact the team at Magic Smiles. With offices in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, we can help you get a stunning smile just in time for the New Year. Request your appointment to get started now!

Dec 12
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Dentists in Coffs Harbour Give You Oral Health-Related Gift Ideas for the Holidays

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

Did the holidays sneak up on you like they snuck up on us? If so, then you may be looking for last-minute gift ideas for your friends and family members. Of course, we know that they’d love a prepaid cosmetic dentistry treatment (like teeth whitening!), but what about other oral health-related gifts? Our dentists in Coffs Harbour are here to help!

 

But, before you complete your holiday shopping, be sure to schedule a dental exam and cleaning for yourself at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre. Get started now by contacting our dentist in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga, NSW, here.

 

Now, back to your holiday shopping. In this post, our dentists in Coffs Harbour give you four oral health-related gift ideas that your friends and family will love!

Stocking Stuffers for Healthy Smiles

Never underestimate the power of stocking stuffers! Your loved ones will enjoy getting thoughtful, helpful, and cost-effective gifts, like:

  • Travel-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash
  • On-the-go oral hygiene products (like interdental flossers and single-use mini toothbrushes)
  • Sugarless gum and mints (opt for xylitol-containing goodies for their cavity-fighting properties!)
  • Store-bought whitening strips
  • Chewable toothpaste tablets

Electric Toothbrush

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends twice-daily toothbrushing for at least 120 seconds (two minutes) each time. But, many of us struggle to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time.

 

If you know someone who hates to brush their teeth, then try gifting them an electric toothbrush. Not only are electric toothbrushes more effective at removing built-up plaque, but many of them are programmed to run for two-minute intervals. This means that your loved one can remove more cavity-causing plaque while also meeting the ADA’s daily oral-hygiene guidelines.

Oral Irrigators

Traditional string floss isn’t exactly fun to use. Wrapping the string tightly around the fingers can cut off circulation, and maneuvering the hands and floss around the mouth can be challenging, especially for children and older adults.

 

Oral irrigators (also called water flossers) are an easy and modern way to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places, like between the teeth and below the gum line. When used in addition to traditional string floss and regular brushing, oral irrigators are an ideal way to keep your smile healthy in between dental cleanings.

Specialized Toothpastes

While drugstore toothpastes are effective, they may not offer many additional benefits, like remineralizing properties. 

 

This year, show your loved ones that you care by giving them specialized toothpastes. Whether they strengthen weak tooth enamel or address tooth sensitivity, specialized toothpastes are a thoughtful way for you to help your friends and family members prioritize their oral health all year round.

Meet Our Dentists in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga

This year, don’t let the holidays stress you out–ask our dentists in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga for more oral health-related gift ideas. Simply reach the team at Magic Smiles here to learn more. And don’t forget to schedule a dental exam and cleaning for yourself while you’re at it!