Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common dental questions for a confident, informed experience.

General

How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?

Tooth-coloured fillings, or composite resin fillings, have become increasingly popular due to their natural appearance and strong bonding capabilities. Unlike the more noticeable silver amalgam fillings, tooth-coloured fillings blend seamlessly with the natural shade of your teeth.

The Longevity of Tooth-Coloured Fillings

On average, tooth-coloured fillings can last anywhere from seven to 10 years, sometimes even longer, with proper care. However, the longevity of these white fillings depends on several factors:

Location: Dental fillings in areas with higher chewing pressure, like molars, may wear down faster than those in low-pressure areas.
Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing, flossing and regular dental visits can extend the life of your dental filling. A clean mouth reduces the risk of decay and gum disease around the dental filling.
Size: Smaller dental fillings can typically last longer than larger ones. A larger filling means more of the tooth is compromised, which might reduce its lifespan.
Eating Habits: Frequently eating hard, crunchy or sticky foods can place undue pressure on the filling, causing it to wear down or dislodge earlier than intended.

Ready to Book Your Dental Appointment?

Our experienced dentists invite you to book an appointment at our Russell Lea dental practice. We look forward to caring for your smile!

How often should I visit the dentist?

One of the pillars of optimal oral health is consistent dental check-ups. While most of us understand the significance of brushing and flossing, regular visits to your Russell Lea dentist play an equally important role in ensuring a healthy smile.

What to Expect at Your Routine Dental Exam

For most individuals, it’s advisable to visit the dentist every six months. This bi-annual schedule allows our dentists to do the following:

Monitor Oral Health: Routine examinations can catch potential issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer in their early stages, making treatment more straightforward and less invasive.
Professional Teeth Clean: Plaque and tartar can build up over time. Professional cleanings remove these, preventing potential gum disease or tooth decay.
Update Dental Records: Regular check-ups ensure your dental records are up-to-date, which can be crucial for treatments or procedures you might need in the future.
Health Education: A dentist can guide proper brushing techniques, the importance of flossing, and recommendations on oral care products tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to Book Your Next Dental Exam and Clean?

While bi-annual visits are recommended for most, people with specific dental issues or conditions might need more frequent check-ups.

We invite you to contact our Russell Lea dental practice to book your next dental appointment.

Orthodontics

How do I clean my braces?

Braces can present some challenges when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your braces clean and teeth healthy.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

Regular Brushing

Brushing is crucial when you have braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to navigate around the brackets and wires. Remember to brush after every meal to remove food particles that might get lodged.

Special Orthodontic Brush

These brushes have a V-shaped bristle design, perfect for cleaning around braces. They can reach areas that regular toothbrushes might miss.

Flossing

Flossing with braces can be tricky but is essential. Use orthodontic floss or a floss threader to get between the teeth and beneath the wires.

Mouthwash

Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce the chances of infections or gum issues.

Interdental Brushes

These tiny brushes can be slid between the wires and the teeth, ensuring no debris remains.

Regular Check-Ups

Routine visits to your orthodontist will ensure that your braces are in good condition and that there are no lingering hygiene problems.

Our Russell Lea Dentists Welcome Your Call

We invite you to call us today to book your next appointment! During the appointment, our dentists can review your oral hygiene routine and offer advice on how to keep your braces and smile in top shape.

How long do I have to wear my clear aligners each day?

For those considering or currently undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners in Russell Lea, NSW, one of the most frequently asked questions is about the duration of daily wear.

Wearing Your Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are designed to be a more convenient and discreet alternative to traditional braces. However, for them to be effective, commitment to wearing them is crucial. Typically, it’s recommended that patients wear their clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This allows for optimal movement of the teeth to their desired positions.

When to Remove Your Clear Aligners

Exceptions include eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing. It’s essential to remove the aligners during these activities to prevent damage and maintain oral hygiene. After any meal or snack, it’s also a good practice to clean your teeth before re-inserting the aligners, ensuring that no food particles are trapped.

Clear Aligners in Russell Lea, NSW

Remember, consistently wearing your clear aligners in Russell Lea, NSW, ensures you remain on track with your treatment plan. The closer you adhere to the recommended wear time, the more predictable and timely your results will be. We invite you to call us for more information or book your appointment.

Is orthodontic treatment only for children or teens?

While it’s true that many people undergo orthodontic procedures during their younger years, it’s never too late to consider orthodontic treatment. With advances in dental technology and techniques, braces in Russell Lea, NSW, are not only for the younger generation.

Adult orthodontics has seen a significant rise in recent years, thanks to the introduction of more discreet treatment options like clear aligners and the Inman Aligner®. These innovations ensure that adults can undergo treatment without the clunky appearance and discomfort of traditional metal braces.

How Clear Aligners and Braces Can Help

Correct misalignment and bite issues
Correct twisted, crowded and overlapping teeth
Improve oral hygiene to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease
Enhance smile aesthetics
Potentially boost self-confidence
Improve jaw development

Clear Aligners and Braces in Russell Lea, NSW

Whether you’re a child, teen or adult, braces in Russell Lea, NSW, can help improve your smile. Age is just a number when it comes to achieving the healthy, radiant smile you desire!

We invite you to call our Russell Lea dental practice to learn more or book your consultation with one of our dentists.

Our dental practice always welcomes new patients, from kids to adults and seniors.

Teeth Whitening

How long do teeth whitening results last?

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure for transforming smiles by brightening and rejuvenating discoloured teeth. While the results are undeniably impressive, a common question many patients ask is: “How long will these results last?”

Teeth Whitening Results and How to Maintain Them

Typically, the results from professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from six months to two years. However, this duration can vary based on several factors:

Dietary Habits: Regular consumption of staining agents like coffee or tobacco can reduce the longevity of teeth whitening results.
Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups can extend the longevity of teeth whitening results. A cleaner mouth retains the brightness better.
Periodic Touch-Ups: Periodic touch-up treatments can help maintain the vibrancy of your whitened teeth.
Individual Factors: The structure of one’s teeth, age and even genetics can affect how long the whitening effects will last.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Russell Lea, NSW

While teeth whitening offers stunning results, maintaining a bright smile requires care and attention. With good habits and periodic maintenance, you can enjoy your radiant smile for a long time.

We invite you to contact our cosmetic dentists in Russell Lea to learn more or book a consultation.