Cosmetic Dentistry
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we often recommend porcelain veneers for patients who want to dramatically enhance their smile. Sturdy, durable and aesthetically-pleasing, veneers are custom-crafted to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Especially when created with top-quality materials and placed by a skilled provider, they can address a variety of common dental imperfections, such as chips, cracks, discolouration and misalignment.
In many cases, porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years;* please note, however, that this is a general estimate. To reap the full benefits of veneers, our dentists advise you to practice excellent dental hygiene, which typically includes:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing regularly
- Attending oral exams
- Choosing a reputable, ethical dentist for care
We take great joy in helping patients achieve outstanding cosmetic dentistry results. If you are interested in improving your smile quality with porcelain veneers, we invite you to contact us today!
Medical References*
Healthline
If you’re like most Austrailians in that you drink coffee every day, you’ve likely noticed one of its major drawbacks: its tendency to leave stains on the teeth. These marks are typically the result of tannins, or the potent acidic compounds found in coffee. While tannins are responsible for that robust flavour we so enjoy, they can easily bind to the enamel on our teeth and mar an otherwise white smile. Unfortunately, the same is true for many of our favourite drinks and foods, such as black tea, red wine, and various fruits and vegetables.
Does that mean you have to give up coffee altogether to have a white smile? Of course not; it simply means you may need to form some new hygienic habits. Here are some of the ways you can protect your teeth from coffee stains (while still enjoying the occasional “flat white” espresso drink):
- Brush and rinse your mouth after drinking. As soon as you’re done with coffee for the day, thoroughly brush and rinse your mouth. This can prevent lingering tannins from adhering to your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water. If coffee is your first beverage of choice, make water the next in line! The dental health benefits of drinking water are virtually limitless, and one of the major advantages is that it can cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria.
- Use a straw. Drinking coffee, tea, or other dark-coloured liquids through a straw limits their contact with your teeth, making it more difficult for the acid to cling to your enamel.
- Attend regular cleanings. Dental cleanings are integral to your oral health. In general, we recommend patients come in for cleanings and exams every six months. During these visits, our dentists can thoroughly inspect your mouth and, if you so desire, help you choose a treatment to combat discolouration.
- Consider teeth whitening. Minimally-invasive, professional-grade teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, our teeth whitening options range from in-office procedures, including the highly sought-after Zoom!® WhiteSpeed and KöR® Deep Bleaching™ systems, to at-home solutions like Zoom!® DayWhite. The bleaching formulas used in these treatments are praised for their astounding quality and ability to produce long-lasting results.
Our dentists at The Paddington Dental Surgery are committed to improving your oral health, enhancing the natural beauty of your smile, and exceeding your every expectation from the moment you enter our office. To schedule an appointment with our team, please feel free to contact us today!
Are you unsatisfied with teeth that appear disproportionately short? If so, you’re not alone; many of our patients face this same aesthetic issue, which can be caused by various oral concerns. For instance, certain patients may have chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth, which can cause the smile to take on a “stunted” appearance. Many of our other patients complain of a “gummy smile,” which occurs when gum tissue covers a large part of the teeth. Additionally, many are simply born with teeth that are too small in comparison to the rest of their face or mouth.
Thankfully, this common concern can be addressed with a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures performed every day at The Paddington Dental Surgery. Our dental team can mask your short teeth and enhance the natural beauty of your smile with one of the following procedures.
If you suffer from a “gummy smile,” a gum reshaping treatment can reduce excess gum tissue to achieve a more balanced aesthetic. Using the Odyssey® Diode Laser, our dentists can reshape your gums in a virtually painless, minimally-invasive treatment. This state-of-the-art device also typically makes for a quicker procedure with little to no recovery time.
Alternatively, if your teeth appear shorter than average because of wear and tear, chips, or cracks, porcelain veneers may be your ideal solution. These thin, durable strips of material can be placed over abnormally short teeth to create a more symmetrical, proportionate smile. Our dentists customise each set of veneers to seamlessly match your natural teeth in shape, size, and colour.
Often, patients who want to reduce the appearance of short teeth opt for a personalised Smile Makeover. Our Smile Makeovers include a combination of multiple cosmetic procedures, from veneers and gum recontouring to Invisalign® and teeth whitening. We will consult with you to come up with a treatment plan that satisfies each of your unique aesthetic goals.
For more information about addressing short teeth or to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team, don’t hesitate to contact The Paddington Dental Surgery.
There are many people who would like to improve signs of crooked or crowded teeth but would prefer not to choose the traditional braces route. Patients typically consider braces unfavourable because the brackets and wires can be highly visible on the teeth and may cause discomfort during the teeth straightening process. This is why our team offers porcelain veneers and Invisalign® as effective alternatives to traditional braces.
Porcelain veneers can be an optimal treatment for correcting the appearance of crooked teeth along with addressing other cosmetic concerns, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and tooth discoloration. Veneers are very thin shells made up of durable porcelain that cover the front portion of the tooth to conceal any dental imperfections. Although porcelain veneers can be an optimal solution for many patients, some individuals with extremely crooked teeth may not be good candidates. More severe misalignment can pose a threat to a patient’s oral health and orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® may offer a better option for these cases.
For the Invisalign® process, patients must wear their customized clear aligner trays for most of the day except when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Teeth straightening with Invisalign® is considered to be a more comfortable process than with traditional braces since patients do not have to worry about wires and brackets poking their cheek or tongue. Many people tend to choose Invisalign® because the aligner trays are virtually invisible and can improve many cases of crooked or crowded teeth with little to no discomfort.
While traditional braces may be recommended for particularly severe orthodontic concerns, individuals should definitely be aware that they are no longer the only effective solution to fixing these types of conditions. We invite you to contact us today if you would like to learn more about your teeth straightening options or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
We understand that it is not always second-nature to remember to wear your retainer. However, too many people ignore or simply forget the specific rules regarding their retainer, and may even abandon their retainers altogether. Often, these patients believe their retainer is just a precaution, and that their teeth will stay in place without it—but these individuals may find out soon enough that their teeth have moved back to the position they were in before orthodontic treatment. This is a frustrating discovery that makes many patients feel they have wasted time and money on the entire process, but it can be avoided by following the guidelines of retainer wear and care.
So how do you prioritise wearing and taking care of your retainer? Concentrating on the final outcome is a good place to start. Retainers are often considered the most important part of the orthodontic procedure because they are meant to finalise the work that has already been done. After you have worn your retainer for the directed amount of time, you should have a straighter, more beautiful smile to look forward to, making the process well worth it.
For those who have never worn one, a retainer is a custom-made appliance designed to keep your teeth in position after your braces, Invisalign® aligners, or other orthodontic appliances come out. After certain procedures, patients may be advised to wear the retainer for a minimum of four to six months. Other times, patients may be instructed to wear them for the rest of their lives, at least at night. The amount of time varies, but one thing is for certain: wearing your retainer as directed is essential if you want to maintain the new alignment of your teeth and bite.
Taking good care of your retainer is just as important as wearing it! When caring for your retainer, remember to always:
- Brush it thoroughly with a toothbrush to keep it clean
- Gently take it out when done wearing it each time
- Hold it carefully to avoid cracks or breaks
- Keep it in its case when not in use
If you make a concerted effort to wear and preserve your retainer, it’s not as hard, or as tedious, as it may appear. Our team at The Paddington Dental Surgery is here to make the entire process as smooth as possible for you. If you have gone too long without wearing your retainer and have noticed your teeth shifting, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. In addition, porcelain veneers can often be used for those with mild misalignment concerns. For more information, please feel free to contact us today!
Do you miss how white and vibrant your teeth used to be? Teeth naturally change colour as we age due to an accumulation of stains and overall usage. While there is no clear-cut solution for avoiding teeth stains, there are lifestyle habits that can help slow their development. If you suffer from teeth discolouration, here are a few suggestions from our dental team at The Paddington Dental Surgery:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash, and schedule dental cleanings every six months.
- Refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco is made up of tar and nicotine, which can absorb into the pores of your teeth causing them to turn yellow or brown.
- Avoid certain foods and sauces. Berries, beets, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can contribute to discolouration. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and vinegar, can erode the enamel and cause teeth staining.
- Use a straw when you drink beverages that tend to stain. Using a straw when drinking coffee, tea, and cola can help preserve the whiteness of your teeth. You can also refrain from drinking these beverages entirely.
- Stop potential tooth damage. Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth. Micro-cracks from teeth grinding can cause a darker appearance on biting surfaces. Other cracks caused by a fall or injury can be susceptible to staining. Cracked or broken teeth must be treated by a dental professional to prevent damage from worsening.
- Talk to your doctor about medications. Medication, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can cause teeth staining. Consult a physician about alternative options if you want to avoid this side effect, but do not stop taking prescribed medicine without their approval.
Some degree of teeth staining is to be expected over time, but with proper maintenance and lifestyle changes, it can be minimised. If you are looking for treatment options to address discolouration, you may be a good candidate for teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. We offer in-office and at-home bleaching solutions to lighten the natural colour of your teeth. Individuals with severe cases of discolouration, such as tetracycline stains, may be recommended a strong bleaching treatment called KöR® Whitening or porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain placed over each tooth to help brighten and improve its appearance. Patients should still stick to the general rules (no smoking, minimise staining drinks, etc.) to prolong the benefits of any teeth staining treatment. It is best to consult a dentist to discuss which procedure can deliver optimal results for you.
Follow our tips to help you achieve a whiter and brighter smile. If you would like more information about our teeth staining treatments, please contact us today to schedule a consultation
Cosmetic dental treatments have the potential to transform the look of your smile. Keep in mind, however, that your results are only as good as the dentist performing your treatment. This is why our team at The Paddington Dental Surgery encourages those looking for a cosmetic dentist to do their research before committing. To find a qualified professional for your dental care—whether you are interested in teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or a complete smile makeover—make sure you evaluate the following:
- Consider their credentials and dental experience. In addition to earning their dental degree, some dentists have undergone additional trainings that may indicate they have advanced expertise. Seeking a dentist who has several years of dental experience can also ensure you are receiving care from a qualified professional.
- Read online reviews from their patients. Learn what others have to say about a dentist by looking at various review websites, such as Google. This can help you get to know the practice and understand what you can expect from your experience, should you choose them.
- Make sure you feel comfortable with them. The best dentists are not just skilled at what they do; they are honest and show genuine care for their patients’ wellbeing. Your dentist should make you feel at-ease during your visit, helping you know you can trust them.
- View before-and-after pictures of their other patients. Seeing what a dentist has helped a person achieve through various dental procedures can give you an idea of the type of results you can obtain, as well. Browse through their before-and-after photos to see if their patients have natural-looking smile enhancements.
If you’re interested in undergoing cosmetic dentistry, contact The Paddington Dental Surgery to learn if our team may be right for your needs.
When it comes to rejuvenating one’s facial appearance, most people don’t think of going to their dentist. However, with the right dental treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, you can address common signs of aging and turn back the clock. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, our dental team offers a variety of solutions that can enhance the look of your smile. For patients wanting to achieve a younger-looking facial appearance, a dental facelift can reverse unwanted changes caused by aging. Using porcelain veneers, the dental facelift process can address concerns such as the following:
- Thinning lips
- Stained, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Hollow-looking cheeks
- Wrinkles
By enhancing tooth size and shape, veneers can help restore youthful facial contours that have been affected by lax facial muscles and worn-down teeth. To learn more about the dental facelift and how it can help you reverse the effects of aging with incredibly natural-looking results, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Dreaming of a white Christmas? With all the parties and special events that occur around the holidays, having a beautiful smile is on many patients’ minds. Teeth whitening can freshen up your look instantly and give you greater confidence as you begin a new year. If you’re bothered by stains, discolouration, or dingy-looking teeth, let our skilled team help you enhance your smile. We offer the most advanced teeth-whitening systems available, including ZOOM!® and KÖR®. Furthermore, our in-office procedures can provide immediate results, or you can choose our professional at-home treatment for more gradual brightening.
Look your best on holiday cards and in festive photos with a healthy-looking white smile. Talk to our friendly and knowledgeable team members about your cosmetic goals today.
A Smile Makeover is designed to help each patient achieve their cosmetic goals when they have more than one dental concern they would like to address. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we tailor this procedure to suit the needs and desired outcome of each person. With so much versatility, many patients wonder what the “typical” Smile Makeover is like. The truth is, it can vary. That said, there are a few common experiences for most patients.
All Smile Makeovers begin with a consultation. During that appointment, our experienced dentist will evaluate your dental needs, discuss your concerns, and develop a customised plan that includes the treatments that can help you obtain a beautiful and healthy smile.
In most cases, patients will need at least two office visits to complete their Smile Makeover, with several more often necessary depending on which procedures they select. For instance, teeth whitening can be completed in a single visit, and porcelain veneers usually can be completed in two. Invisalign®, however, generally takes several months to see the final result. The number of techniques used and the complexity of your program will inform the projected treatment length.
As with any treatment, we want you to feel confident and informed from day one. Therefore, we will review the expected timeframe of your plan with you during your initial consultation. Any changes to that estimate will be discussed with you as well, should the need arise. After all, when it comes to a Smile Makeover, you’re the boss.
Want to learn more about this procedure? Contact us today to schedule an in-person consultation.
