Bridges

A bridge is a fixed device that spans the gap between two teeth and replaces the missing teeth.

It is supported and retained in position by the adjacent teeth. It is normally used if the supporting teeth are surrounded by strong healthy bone and when the gap is not too wide.

Alternative treatments to replace missing teeth include full or partial dentures and dental implants.

Cosmetic Bonding

Dental bonding is the use of a composite tooth coloured material, which creates a strong bond with teeth.

Bonding can be used for a variety of procedures including white fillings, the repair of broken or chipped teeth, changing the shape of teeth and closing gaps between teeth.

When dental bonding is needed we carefully take into consideration the medical and aesthetic concerns that many people have about metal-based fillings and offer full consultation with our patients regarding this matter.

Crowns

See the Dentures section for information about partial or complete dentures. A crown, or caps, are used to restore the tooth to its normal shape and size. It strengthens or improves the appearance of a tooth.
Crowns are placed for a variety of reasons:

1. Restore teeth when there isn't enough remaining tooth
2. To provide support for fillings, and attach bridges
3. Protect weak teeth from fracturing, and restore fractured teeth
4. Cover badly shaped or discoloured teeth, and cover dental implants

Which is the best material?

Crowns can be made from a number of materials. We will consider tooth location and it's function, position of the gum tissue, the amount of tooth that shows when you smile, and the colour or shade of the tooth when choosing the best materials suited for you. When making the crown, we colour it to match your natural teeth.

What's Involved in The Procedure?

Placing a crown is a precision procedure. Several steps are involved, and at least two dental visits generally are required for completion. "Temporary" crowns are placed while the permanent crown is being made. Temporary crowns can also help you decide if there are any changes you would like made before the finished crowns are placed.
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Dental Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems and bad breath.

Regular professional cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral and dental health. We're always looking to offer our patients advice on how to make the best use of toothbrushes, dental floss and inter-dental brushes.

For stain removal and polishing Oral Plus will soon upgrade to ProphyJet, the latest technology for professional cleaning. ProphyJet will provide our patients with an alternative to the traditional rubber cups with flavoured pumice paste. Instead ProphyJet uses air pressure, water and baking soda, to blast the stains off. It is less abrasive and really cleans the areas between the teeth better. Most people benefit from professional cleanings every 6 months.

Please ask for more information.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth.

Implants are the modern choice for tooth replacement. No adhesives, no embarrassing slipping, no "teeth-in-a-glass" at night. With dental implants, you can laugh, bite, and chew just as you would with your natural teeth. Dental implants are one of the most exciting developments in contemporary dentistry.

Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures.

Dentures

Dentures are used for replacing missing teeth. Dentures are either fitted partially or completely.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from changing position.

Complete Dentures

If all the teeth are gone, patients need complete dentures, which replace every tooth in the mouth.

Both types of dentures are removable and usually made of metal and acrylic resin, a plastic-like material that is moulded to fit the exact shape of the patient's mouth. Suction helps hold the dentures in place, so they stick to the gum surface. Like wearing braces or a retainer, dentures can cause soreness at first and take some time to get adjusted to. Also like braces or retainers, dentures need special care.
They should be brushed daily with a special denture brush and cleanser and soaked in denture solution when not in the mouth.
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Endodontics

Endodontics, more commonly known as root canals, are procedures which are designed to save teeth that would otherwise need extracting. The preventative procedure involves cleaning inside the root of the tooth, which is then filled.

The procedure prevents the passage of micro organisms and fluid along the root canal by filling the whole canal system, not only to block the apical foramina (the bit through which the nerve and blood vessels pass) but also the dentinal tubules and accessory canals.

Materials we use to fill the root canal system are: biocompatible, dimensionally stable, sealed, unaffected by tissue fluids and insoluble, and nonsupportive of bacterial growth. They are also removable from the canal in case retreatment is needed.

Root canal therapy is one of the more common procedures but we also offer endodontic retreatment, and the treatment of cracked teeth and dental trauma.
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Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specialising in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities (malocclusions). Orthodontic treatment comes in different forms, from traditional braces to custom made removable appliances.

With the high public awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth. Many patients now actively seek out orthodontic treatment not only as a medical necessity, but for cosmetic reasons as well.

Although Oral Plus staff are highly skilled in many areas, orthodontic treatment is better provided by our associated specialist. If you need orthodontic treatment we will refer you.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-permanent and non-invasive dental treatment.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

1. Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
2. Normal wear of outer tooth layer
3. Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
4. Yellow, brown stained teeth

What Does Tooth Whitening Involve?

We offer two different Teeth Whitening treatments

In-Surgery Treatment

In-surgery treatment involves the use of a bleaching agent and a laser or light to activate and speed up the whitening process.

Home Whitening Kit

This treatment requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment we'll make any necessary adjustments. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.

A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
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Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Sometimes a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain. Veneers improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten front teeth. A veneer can also be used to make a chipped tooth look intact again, or to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.

Veneers are popular with patients because they make teeth look natural and healthy. Because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond, very little preparation of the tooth is needed.