Custom Fitted Mouthguards

What Are The Benefits Of Custom Fitted Mouthguards?

Do you wear a mouthguard for either sport or medical purposes? Have you tried to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard? Let’s take a look at these now on more detail.

Mouthguards play an important part in protecting your teeth and gums while playing sports.

The Australian Dental Association recommends that you wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when participating in sports such as hockey, boxing, basketball, rugby, martial arts, gymnastics, skiing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

If you have to choose between a pre-made and custom-fitted mouthguard, you should always opt for the latter. That’s because of the numerous benefits offered by a custom-fitted mouthguard.

This article provides information on what are custom-fitted mouthguards and their benefits.

  • What are custom-fitted mouthguards?
  • Benefits of custom-fitted mouthguards

What Are Custom-Fitted Mouthguards?

Mouthguards come as pre-made and custom-fitted. The mouthguard you buy at the sports shop is pre-made. It’s a one-size-fits-all mouthguard. This type of guard won’t protect your teeth and gums because it isn’t made to precisely fit your mouth.

A pre-made mouthguard is better than not having one at all. The jaw, teeth, and mouth vary is size and shape from person to person. That’s why pre-made guards are not the best for you. However, a custom-fitted guard is specially made to fit your teeth and gums.

That’s why a custom-fitted guard is the best solution for you. Custom-made guards are designed with your dental history in mind. The dental laboratory will also take into consideration the sport you will be participating when making a custom-fitted guard.

Any braces or appliances you are wearing will also be protected with a custom-made guard. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the dental laboratory where the mouthguard will be constructed.

This impression is a near-perfect model of your mouth. The laboratory will mould the material necessary for a proper fit. Once the guard is constructed, your dentist will examine it and make sure you are satisfied with the fit.

That’s why you need a custom-made mouthguard when playing sports.

Benefits Of Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Comfort is an important benefit of wearing a custom-made mouthguard while playing sport. The mouthguard will be made from a direct impression of your mouth. There won’t be any bulk or unnecessary material left over.

The mouthguard will stay put in the mouth without having to close your mouth. It will make swallowing, breathing, and talking much easier compared to a pre-made guard. Custom-made mouthguards are more comfortable than any other mouthguard on the market.

Children prefer to wear such a mouthguard because they will find them a very comfortable fit. Custom-made mouthguards are made for the exact sports activity you participate in. It’s not a one-size-fits-all guard which you wear for all sports activities.

Sports activities like boxing and hockey need the right thickness to handle the impact of the activity. The correct thickness of the mouthguard is important when designing it That’s where a custom-made mouthguard comes in handy.

It is made to the correct thickness to protect the teeth and gums of the wearer. A custom-made mouthguard offers the maximum protection for your mouth. It will protect all of the teeth from impact.

It can absorb the shock, distribute the impact, and protect your mouth in the process. It also protects the appliances you may have in your mouth such as braces and retainers.

That’s why you need to invest in a custom-made mouthguard when participating in contact sports. If you need to visit the dentist for advice on custom made mouthguards or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

The Right Teeth Whitening Questions You Should Be Asking

Are you planning to have a teeth whitening procedure performed? Do you have any questions about the procedure that you need answered? Well, here are some of the teeth whitening questions you should be asking and the right answers to such questions.

1. Am I covered by insurance?

No. Dental insurance will not cover your teeth whitening procedure. That’s because teeth whitening is considered as a cosmetic dental procedure. It’s a pertinent question to ask to avoid any payment hassles once the procedure is completed.

2. Should I expect any risks after the teeth whitening procedure is completed?

Teeth whitening has 2 side effects that are temporary. These include mild irritation of the soft tissue of your mouth, especially the gums, and increased tooth sensitivity.

You should expect these side effects to disappear a few days after the treatment is completed. Here are some of the ways you can reduce tooth sensitivity if you experience it once the procedure is completed.

• You should wear the tray for a shorter period such as 2 half-hour sessions rather than an hour.

• Also, you should stop whitening your teeth for 2 to 3 days to allow them to adjust to the process.

• Ask your dentist to prescribe a product with high-fluoride content to remineralise your teeth. Make sure you apply this product to the tray and wear it about 4 minutes prior to or following the whitening agent.

• You should brush your teeth using toothpaste manufactured specifically for sensitive teeth. Most of these kinds of toothpaste have potassium nitrate which can soothe the nerve endings of your tooth.

3. Will my enamel be damaged after teeth whitening?

Most of the teeth whitening products contain 10% carbamide peroxide. Studies have revealed that the compound has no effect on the hardness or the mineral content of the enamel on your teeth.

4. Is there any damage to the existing dental restorations or the nerves on your teeth?

A lot of studies have been conducted to identify if teeth whitening causes damage to the nerves on your teeth. There is no evidence from these studies that provides proof of damage.

On the other hand, studies were also conducted to identify if there is any damage to the existing fillings, veneers, bridges, crowns and other dental restorations. Keep in mind that these restorations don’t lighten together with the rest of the teeth.

Therefore, you might be forced to replace any pre-existing dental work to match the new shade of your teeth.

5. How long does the teeth whitening effect last?

Once you have paid for your first teeth whitening procedure, you should know that it’s not permanent. If you expose your teeth to any beverages or foods that might stain them, this will result in your teeth fading within a month.

If you avoid this, you should be able to wait at least a year or more before you need another whitening procedure or touch-ups.

6. What can I do to maintain my bright smile after completing a whitening procedure?

• Make sure you don’t expose your teeth or consume products that might stain them. If you can’t avoid foods that may stain your teeth, you should use a tray so the liquid bypasses the front part of your teeth.

• You should follow proper hygiene practices. Make sure you brush your teeth at least 2 times every day and floss at least once every day to remove plaque.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening has become a very popular cosmetic dental procedure. Make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into by asking all the necessary questions before and after the procedure.

If you need to visit the dentist for advice on teeth whitening, or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

regular dental check up

What Happens At A Dental Check-Up And Cleaning?

What actually happens when you go for a dental check-up? Let’s take a look at what happens at a dental check-up and how often you should have one.

Over 80% of Australians visit their dentist at least once a year for a dental check-up and clean. However, most people don’t have an idea about what to expect when they go for a dental check-up and clean.

Having someone work inside your mouth can cause a lot of stress if you don’t know what to expect when you are in the dental chair. This article provides information on what happens at a dental check-up and clean.

  • Say hello to the receptionist at the dental office
  • Meet the dental hygienist
  • Oral examination
  • Dental exams and x-rays
  • Results of the check-up

Say Hello To The Receptionist At The Dental Office

The receptionist is the first person who will greet you during a dental check-up and clean appointment. They will coordinate appointments and payments and make things flow smoothly during the appointment.

Make sure you greet the receptionist as soon as you enter the dental clinic because you should build a good relationship with them to help facilitate your future appointments.

They will notify you when you are supposed to come for the next appointment.

Meet The Dental Hygienist

The dental hygienist is the next person to greet you during the dental check-up and clean. You will be spending most of your time with this professional.

Dental hygienists are trained dental professionals who will take care of routine dental check-ups on behalf of patients. They will also assist the dentist in other dental procedures. A hygienist is an integral part of any dental set-up in Australia.

They make up a big part of the dental team that helps keep your oral health at its best.

Oral Examination

The dental hygienist will ask you about your medical history before performing any dental work on you. If you have been to the practice before, they will want to know if there have been any changes to your situation.

You should inform the hygienist if you have diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions or any other condition. They should also know about your mental health – whether you have depression, anxiety or panic attacks.

Once you share your health concerns, the hygienist will start to work on your teeth. They will clean your teeth by scraping off the plaque and tartar from the teeth. They will use teeth polisher to give your teeth a smooth and shiny finish.

Once they examine the teeth, the hygienist will have a look at any problems you may have in your mouth. The hygienist will examine your gums and other tissues in the mouth to see if there are any concerns.

Dental Exams And X-Rays

The dental exam is done by a qualified dentist. A dental x-ray will be taken to see if there are issues below the surface of your gums.

The dentist will use the x-ray to see if there are issues like loss of jawbone, fractures, and other oral abnormalities below the visible gum line. They will also look for problems such as teeth grinding, teeth alignment, and oral cancer.

Once all this has been done, the dentist will have a complete understanding of your oral health. They will prescribe treatments for any dental issue you may have.

Results Of The Check-Up

Once the check-up is complete, your dentist will let you know what exactly is going on in your mouth. They will advise about the next step you need to take. The final step is to let you know when your next dental appointment is going to be.

If you need to visit the dentist for a check-up or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs area to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

best dental fillings

Dental Fillings Guide: Gold, Silver, Composite Resin, Ceramic, And More

Do you need a dental filling? What type of dental filling is best for you? There are a number of things to consider such as cost and durability. Please read below as we look at dental fillings in more detail.

Cavities can be caused by a sticky coating of germs called plaque that forms on the teeth and accumulate every day. Almost 96% of adults have at least one filling and the average is around 10, while teens have at least 2 decayed or filled teeth.

Fillings are a protective measure as unfilled cavities can grow bigger, creating pain caused by infection, fracture, and destruction of the tooth pulp, that eventually affects the nerves and finally leads to tooth loss.

Dentists use different materials to fill tooth cavities but recent concerns about the safety of certain materials have raised concerns over fillings and how much of a risk they pose to our health.

Beyond the type of material, dentists have other things to consider when determining which type of material will be suitable for a particular patient.

Not surprisingly cost is usually a major consideration followed by a suitable installation technique, durability, and aesthetics. In some cases, some patients may even need to replace existing fillings and may opt for a different material to what was originally used.

The two most commonly used materials for dental fillings which have also caused the most concern are silver amalgam and composite resin.

Silver Amalgam

Silver amalgam is a strong and durable alloy composed of silver, copper, tin, and mercury that will last anything from ten to fifteen years, will not corrode and is less expensive than composite fillings.

This type of filling material has been used for more than 160 years and since the 1840s dentists have disagreed over the safety of the metal mixture.

The formulation contains elemental mercury which, according to evidence-based research has been shown to cause health problems to humans at high exposure, including brain and kidney damage.

Although silver amalgam does release trace amounts of mercury, it has largely been agreed by dental health associations that the amount released does not pose any health risk.

Composite Resins

Composite resin fillings are popular as they can be closely matched to the colour of existing teeth. Because they chemically bond to the tooth structure they provide further support. Further to this, less tooth structure needs to be removed than with amalgam fillings.

However, they are less durable and last only five years compared to ten to fifteen years for amalgams and do not perform as well under pressure when chewing, particularly with larger cavities.

Composite resin fillings can also cost up to twice the amount of amalgam fillings.

Because they are fast replacing amalgams there have been concerns about the risk of resin-based materials made from bis-DMA (bisphenol A dimethacrylate) as BPA may be released continuously when the material starts to degrade.

In some clinical studies trace elements of BPA were found in the saliva of dental patients immediately after receiving a composite resin filling, but these were found to be well below acceptable levels and after a couple of hours was undetectable.

The overall conclusion is that there are no significant adverse effects from bis-GMA composites on the health of dental patients.

Cast Gold Fillings

Gold fillings last ten to fifteen years on average and sometimes longer. They are highly durable and strong and will not corrode. Some people find the aesthetics of gold more pleasing than silver amalgam, especially where it is more visible.

The biggest disadvantage is the high cost as a gold filling can cost up to ten times more than silver amalgam and it takes at least two visits to complete the placement.

Ceramics

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain which has a higher resistance to stains than composite materials, however, they tend to be more abrasive. They are highly durable and will last up to fifteen years and longer, however, they can cost as much as gold fillings.

Glass Ionomer

This type of filling is made from a combination of acrylic and a specific type of glass material.

The cost is comparable to composite resin fillings but it is not as durable as it will last only five years or less due to its weaker construction, susceptibility to wear and tear, and being more prone to fracture.

This type of filling is most commonly used for young children or for cavities below the gum line.

Today there are many more materials than ever to choose from and the type you decide on will largely depend on factors such as the cost of the material, your dentist’s recommendation, your aesthetic preference, and your insurance coverage.

Your dentist will be able to discuss these issues with you and help you determine which type of filling will be best for you.

Do you suspect you have a cavity? Or do you have signs of wear on your fillings? If you need to visit the dentist for any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs area to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

Dental Implant Surgery inserts

Dental Implant Surgery: What To Expect? 

Do you require dental implant surgery? Do you know what to expect and how it will help you and your smile? Please read below for more detail.

Dentistry has come a long way over the years, especially with the advent of technology. Most people these days will vouch for the fact that visits to the dentist are not nearly as uncomfortable as they used to be. 

These technological advancements are even more pronounced when it comes to procedures such as dental implant surgery

If you need a permanent solution for missing teeth, you can simply make use of dental implants. This is the most natural way to replace a gap in your teeth. 

Not only does it always stay in place, but it blends in perfectly with the remaining natural teeth. More importantly, the titanium screw fuses with the jawbone. 

This prevents the jawbone from going through changes due to bone density loss – which happens when a tooth is missing. 

Following is what you can expect with dental implant surgery.

The Consultation  

The first order of business is to talk with a specialist. It is important to discuss the best options for the given circumstances and what everything will potentially cost. 

And after sorting out the details and getting all the crucial information, it is time for the next step.  

The Evaluation 

Even though most candidates qualify for dental implants, there are certain exceptions. This is why a specialist will do a proper evaluation before going through with any type of surgery. 

They will need to establish whether the candidate has good oral healthOtherwise, a treatment cycle might be necessary before the surgery can happen. All of these things are addressed during the evaluation. 

Placing The Screw 

When the first phases are through, it is time for the actual surgery to take place. However, it should be noted that implants usually require more than one visit to the dentist. 

This is because the titanium screw needs to fuse with the jawbone first, which takes time. Only after the screw is ready and stable can the tooth be placed. 

The average waiting time for the jawbone to fuse with screw is several weeks. However, a more approximate time should be given by the specialist installing the implants.  

Placing The Tooth 

Placing the tooth is usually regarded as the second phase of the surgery. And as expected, the tooth is specifically moulded and created to appear natural. 

At no point will anyone be able to tell whether the tooth is authentic or not. Of course, every specialist will have a different approach in terms of fixing the tooth, but the end result remains the same. 

And from this point on, it is a matter of maintaining the implant with brushing, flossing, and annual visits to the dentist. 

Recovery 

Candidates that eventually get an implant will notice a slight discomfort at first. This can be expected given the titanium screw underneath the gumline. 

This acts like a typical root for the tooth and does not have any adverse effects, even after twenty years in the same place. All in all, you should prepare for more than one visit over the course of several weeks. 

However, after the final part of the surgery is finished, there should not be any problems with eating or smiling with confidence. 

New Technology Makes Implants More Convenient 

This is definitely not the first article about dental implants. Which means the techniques for the surgery have improved over time. 

For example, newer and smaller screws can be used. These are easier to place and join with the jawbone, and it only shows one of the many advancements already present in dentist clinics.

The risks are low, the solution permanent, and the final result is as natural as a fake tooth can get. Even though it is not an overnight procedure, those gaps can be filled fairly quickly by the right people.

Do you have any missing or damaged teeth that need replacement? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental. Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.

dental crown procedure

What Are Dental Crowns And How Do They Work?

Are you in need of dental crowns? Do you actually know what the procedure is and how they work? Let’s take a look in more detail in the article below.

Crown restoration is a common dental procedure performed by dentists in Australia. Most people don’t understand the actual reason for this dental procedure. They are intimidated by the prospect of having a crown restoration. 

The procedure is straightforward and logical. Dental crowns play an important part in improving the function of your teeth. This article provides information on what are dental crowns, and how they work. We will cover the following topics:

  • What Are Dental Crowns?
  • When Do You Need A Dental Crown?
  • How Does A Dental Crown Work?
  • How Is A Dental Crown Installed?

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are restorations that help restore a damaged tooth to its original size and shape. The crown is installed on a cracked or damaged tooth. 

The dental crown will replace the outer part of the natural tooth – although it sometimes extends onto the tooth root. 

The crown will fully encase the outer part of the natural tooth when restored properly. They are custom made so that they fit over each tooth perfectly. 

Dental crowns are made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramics, gold, resin, and porcelain-and-metal.  

When Do You Need A Dental Crown? 

Dental crowns are used to protect weak teeth in your mouth. They are also used to restore cracked, broken, and damaged teethDental crowns will restore the appearance, functionality, shape, size, and alignment of a damaged tooth. 

Crowns become the only visible part of your tooth once they are cemented in place. Dental crowns are made to mimic your natural teeth. Thay way they don’t stand out or look odd compared to the other teeth in your mouth.   

How Does A Dental Crown Work?

Dental crowns fit over the top of your natural teeth. They are placed over damaged and cracked teeth to protect the remaining part of the natural tooth. 

Once the crown is cemented on top of the damaged tooth, it will hold the tooth together and keep it from breaking apart. Your bite, tooth alignment, and appearance will improve as a result. Dental crowns are made of strong and resilient materials. 

They can withstand the pressures of chewing just like the other natural teeth in your mouth. The crown is similar to a cover on top of the visible part of a tooth. 

Once your cosmetic dentist cements the crown on top of the damaged part of the tooth, it will become a part of the natural tooth.

How Is A Dental Crown Installed?

The cosmetic dentist will apply an anaesthetic to the damaged tooth and the adjoining gum tissue. A dental drill will be used to remove the cracked or damaged part of the natural tooth. 

The damaged tooth will be drilled so that there is enough room for the dental crown. If you don’t have enough tooth to support the crown, the dentist will add a crown buildup to create the appropriate foundation for the dental crown. 

During the first appointment, the dentist will use a digital scanner to make an impression of the damaged tooth and send it to the dental laboratory to make the crown. 

It may take a couple of weeks to make the crown. Your dentist will install a temporary crown during this period. 

Your second appointment is when the dental crown arrives at the dentist’s office. The new crown will be installed after removing the temporary crown. The dentist will use a special cement to fix the crown over the natural tooth and that’s the job done!

Are you in need of dental crowns and need some advice on dental crowns? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental. Gardens Dental offers a full array of advice and dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.