Cosmetic Dentistry Services for Patients on the Gold Coast

Bridges

Few of us go through life without finding we’ve had some impact on our teeth. Whether it’s through lack of opportunity or care, missing one or more teeth, can not only detract from your appearance; it can also lead to difficulties with chewing, eating, and sometimes even speaking clearly.

A dental bridge can help. Cosmetically and from a comfort and health standpoint, a bridge can be the solution to replacing lost teeth. A bridge can also prevent the opposing teeth from over-erupting, a development that leads to further loss of function and jaw pain.

How does a bridge work?

A dental bridge is bonded onto the adjacent teeth permanently and restores the tooth’s function and appearance. Bridges work by crowning the teeth on either side of the space created by tooth loss. The crowns are connected to teeth that occupy the space.

Bridges are permanent fixtures and simulate the shape and contour of the original teeth.

Crowns

Somewhat different to bridges, a dental crown is commonly used to repair and protect broken, decayed, worn or heavily restored teeth.

How does a crown work?

Crowns are made of either porcelain or porcelain fused to metal or gold, with the crown’s appearance varying significantly depending on the dentist, laboratory, and materials used.

Crowns are generally prepared over two visits. On the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown. Approximately two weeks after the initial preparation, the crown is then cemented in.

We have a close working relationship with both general and cosmetic laboratories to provide you a range of crown options to suit both the cosmetic solution you seek, as well as your budget.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a treatment for patients wanting to replace one or more teeth or spaces in the mouth. They are particularly suited to situations when teeth are not able to be restored. Implants imitate the root structure of a tooth, making it possible for a crown to be placed on top.

Dental implants are ideal for patients who want to enjoy a maximum degree of function from their teeth and gain the benefits of a natural tooth appearance.

Proven to be up to 99 percent successful, dental implants are the most biocompatible way to improve both function and aesthetics in many cases. They can take between two and six months to complete. The reason this treatment process is necessary is the implant must be fused with the jaw bone to ensure it can support new teeth.

Implants can be used in conjunction with dentures, the implant is attached in a way that secures the dentures more effectively in the mouth.

Dentists at Southport only use premium brand implants that are backed by comprehensive research results. This means we’re able to assure you of the best possible outcome for your implants, practically and aesthetically.

Whether you require just one tooth or a full mouth replacement, implants can change the way you live, function, and smile.

The loss of teeth and the cost of certain dental treatment options should not deter you from enjoying life. For many patients, removable dentures provide a cosmetic dental solution that works wonders.

Did you know there are different types of dentures and one of these could be the best solution for you? We also offer affordable payment options that help manage the financial aspect of this investment.

Full Dentures

Standard full dentures comprise a full set of upper and lower teeth. They are made from pliable material and use suction to stay in place.

The pliability of dentures and the movement a patient may experience are reasons that standard full dentures require regular visits to the dentist. Dentures of this type are susceptible to shrinkage, which over time results in an ill-fitting prosthetic that leads to atrophy of the jawbone.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a limited number of teeth, rather than an entire set.

Partial dentures are a single-piece fitting that is supported by the remaining teeth and gums. By contrast to full dentures, partial dentures are more secure and considerably more comfortable.

Veneers are thin shells of dental porcelain that are firmly adhered to the front teeth. Custom-made tooth restorations, often made of porcelain, veneers are designed to look like natural teeth which are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth.

The result? A dramatic and instant transformation in a patient’s smile.

How do veneers work?

Veneers are an excellent solution for closing gaps between teeth, and creating a straight, white ‘Hollywood’ smile.

Porcelain veneers are strong and able to repel staining.

Where the traditional veneer process often involved painful grinding and shaving down of teeth, technology has advanced such that pure porcelain veneers used in dentistry today allow ultra-thin, super strong veneers to be crafted relatively pain-free. This means there is often no need to severely reduce the structure of an otherwise healthy tooth.

Think veneers might be the solution for you?

If you are considering veneers, then your dentist will guide you through the decision process.

At the initial consultation, our dentist will assess your suitability for veneers and may take impressions (moulds) of your teeth and send them to the laboratory.

Digital technology, including 3D scanning and CAD/CAM (computer-aided drawing systems), allows a veneer to be crafted to fit the underlying tooth perfectly. As there is often no need for reduction of healthy tooth structure, the next appointment will take approximately one hour, as the veneers are bonded to your teeth.

An investment in veneers can be truly worthwhile. Did you know you can expect your porcelain veneers to last anywhere from 10 to 30 years?

Like your natural teeth, veneers need to be looked after and treated with care, with the key being to follow the hygiene instructions provided by your dentist and maintain a regime of brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups.

For many patients straightening teeth conjures up images of kids with a mouth full of metal, but times truly have changed.

If you’re looking for a way to beautifully straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces, Invisalign offers a convenient alternative.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without anyone even knowing you’re having any type of treatment done.

It is a system that uses a series of clear, comfortable, and removable aligners to straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets.

What steps are involved

Impressions are taken of your teeth to create sets of aligning trays that incrementally move your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks and removed only to eat, drink, brush, and floss, with the total duration of treatment taking anywhere from six to eighteen months.

Following treatment, it is recommended that patients wear a retainer for life to reduce the likelihood that teeth will move again. After the treatment, custom-made retainers are fabricated to ensure your teeth remain in the correct position.

There are many advantages to Invisalign:

• Aligners are largely invisible and removable
• They offer improved hygiene over metal braces because patients can easily brush and floss as they normally would, preventing the chance of tooth decay.

Stained and discoloured teeth are an inevitable by-product of our modern lifestyle, but your teeth don’t need to stay that way.

Advanced teeth whitening technology has enabled dentists to whiten teeth without adversely affecting a patient’s tooth structure.

Patients now also benefit from the availability of two main methods: tray whitening and in-office whitening.

How does whitening work?

Almost all whitening methods follow a similar method, but some are more effective due to how the whitening material is delivered to the teeth.

Another factor influencing the whitening process is the concentration of whitening material used. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more potent the whitening system is, the more effective it will be.

Every patient has different needs and requires a specific whitening approach that suits them depending on factors such as:

• Sensitivity
• Condition of existing restorations
• Overall oral health
• Teeth condition
• Desired aesthetic requirements

Dentists at Southport offer many different whitening options. Come and talk to us to find out what will work best for you.