New Year, New Smile? What to Consider Before Cosmetic Dental Treatment
A new year can be a time when people review their health, habits and personal goals. For some, this includes considering whether they would like to change something about the appearance of their teeth. Cosmetic dental treatment is elective and is not necessary for everyone. Healthy teeth naturally vary in colour, shape, size and alignment. If you are considering treatment, the first step should be understanding your oral health, the available options and the risks, limitations and maintenance associated with each one. At Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, Perth, recommendations begin with an individual assessment rather than assuming cosmetic treatment is suitable or required. Start with oral health Before cosmetic treatment is considered, a dentist should examine your teeth, gums, bite and existing restorations. Concerns that may need to be addressed first include: Tooth decay Gum inflammation or gum disease Cracked or weakened teeth Significant tooth wear An unstable bite Jaw discomfort Failing fillings, crowns or other restorations Inadequate oral hygiene Treating an underlying dental condition may change which cosmetic options are appropriate. In some cases, no treatment or monitoring may be a reasonable choice. What happens during a cosmetic dental consultation? A consultation may include: Discussion of what concerns you about your teeth Review of your medical and dental history Examination of your teeth, gums and bite Dental photographs X-rays or scans when clinically indicated Discussion of suitable options and alternatives Explanation of the likely treatment sequence Information about risks, limitations and maintenance An itemised quotation A consultation does not obligate you to proceed. You should have enough information and time to consider elective treatment, ask questions...
Teeth Whitening in Perth, Options, Results and Risks
The colour of teeth can change gradually due to ageing, diet, tobacco use, medications and other factors. Professional teeth whitening is one option for people who would like to lighten the appearance of their natural teeth. Whitening is an elective treatment and is not suitable or necessary for everyone. Before treatment, a dental practitioner should assess the cause of the discolouration, examine the teeth and gums and explain the likely benefits, risks and limitations. Why do teeth change colour? Tooth colour varies naturally between individuals. Teeth are not necessarily unhealthy because they appear cream, yellow or darker than expected. Discolouration may be described as either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic discolouration Extrinsic stains develop on the external surface of the teeth. They may be associated with: Coffee and tea Red wine Coloured foods Tobacco use Plaque or calculus Certain mouth rinses or medications Some surface stains may improve with professional cleaning. Whitening may be considered if further lightening is desired after the teeth have been assessed. Intrinsic discolouration Intrinsic colour changes occur within the tooth and may be associated with: Natural ageing Previous dental trauma Tooth development Certain medications, including tetracycline taken while teeth were developing Changes within a tooth following nerve damage Some developmental dental conditions Intrinsic discolouration may respond less predictably to whitening. Depending on the cause, alternative treatment or further investigation may be required. How does ageing affect tooth colour? The outer enamel layer can become thinner or more translucent over time, allowing more of the naturally darker dentine beneath it to show through. Years of exposure to coloured foods, drinks and tobacco may also contribute to...
Adult Orthodontic Treatment: Braces and Clear Aligners
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Adults may also be considered for treatment to change tooth position or address aspects of their bite. Available options may include fixed braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, or a combination of orthodontic and restorative care. No single appliance is appropriate for every patient. Suitability depends on the position of the teeth and jaws, gum and bone health, existing restorations, treatment goals and ability to follow the prescribed treatment plan. An individual examination and appropriate diagnostic records are required before adult orthodontic treatment can be recommended. Is it too late to straighten your teeth as an adult? There is no single upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Teeth can sometimes be moved in adults where the supporting gums and bone are sufficiently healthy. However, adult treatment planning may be affected by: Gum disease or previous bone loss Missing teeth Crowns, bridges or veneers Dental implants Root canal-treated teeth Tooth wear Existing bite problems Previous orthodontic treatment General health and medications Dental implants do not move through bone in the same way as natural teeth. Their position must be considered carefully when planning orthodontic treatment. Some patients require coordinated care involving a general dentist, registered specialist orthodontist, periodontist, prosthodontist or another appropriately qualified practitioner. Why do adults consider orthodontic treatment? Adults may seek an assessment because of: Crowded or overlapping teeth Spaces between teeth Teeth that have moved after previous orthodontic treatment Difficulty cleaning certain areas Uneven tooth wear A bite that feels uncomfortable Preparation for restorative dental treatment Concerns about tooth position or appearance Orthodontic treatment is not necessary simply...
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: What Is the Difference?
Invisalign clear aligners and fixed braces are two ways of applying controlled forces to move teeth. Both may be considered for adults or teenagers, depending on the orthodontic concern and the patient’s circumstances. Clear aligners are removable and generally less noticeable. Fixed braces remain attached to the teeth and do not rely on the patient remembering to wear them. Neither option is automatically faster, more comfortable or more effective. The appropriate treatment depends on the position of the teeth and jaws, gum and bone health, the movements required and the patient’s ability to follow the treatment plan. An individual examination and appropriate diagnostic records are required before treatment can be recommended. What is Invisalign? Invisalign is one brand of clear-aligner treatment. Treatment involves wearing a planned sequence of transparent plastic aligners. Each aligner applies pressure to selected teeth to move them incrementally. Invisalign treatment may also involve: Tooth-coloured attachments bonded to selected teeth Elastics Buttons or other auxiliary components Interproximal enamel reduction Regular progress reviews Additional or refinement aligners Retainers after active treatment The aligners are clear, but they are not invisible. Attachments, elastics, aligner edges, saliva or staining may make them more noticeable. What are traditional braces? Fixed braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and wires that apply forces to move them. Options may include: Metal brackets Ceramic or tooth-coloured brackets Lingual braces fitted to the inner tooth surfaces The brackets and wires remain attached throughout active treatment. Adjustments or wire changes are performed at review appointments. Fixed braces are visible, although ceramic options may be less noticeable than metal appliances. Lingual braces are less visible from...
Dr Vicky Ho will answer any questions you may have about your dental health and care.
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