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Urunga Dentist - Welcome Dental kids childrens

 

We'll turn that frown upside down!

 

The welcome swallow got its name from sailors who knew they were near land when they saw them. They were a welcome sight after a long journey. Their symbolism has included, peace, love and healing in different cultures.

 

Throughout our journey we want to create sensational smiles for people on the Coffs Coast and improve their overall happiness and wellbeing.

 

Invisalign, whitening, tooth whitening braces

 

services

 

The team at Welcome Dental in Urunga NSW offer a wide range of services including general dental such as fillings and oral hygiene through to cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, straightening teeth or veneers. Feel free to click on the various links below to visit that page and learn more.

 

 baby teeth urunga kids childrens dentist orthodontics fillings dental welcome

 

Emergency Dentistry

 

Cosmetic Dentistry

 

General Dentistry

 

Children's Dentistry

 

Orthodontics

 

Invisalign

 

 veneers

 

Veneers are added to the front of the tooth. They are used because of discolouration, misalignment, chips, to reduce gaps, worn teeth or cracks. The natural tooth may be shaved so that when the extra layer is added the tooth remains in a nice line with the other teeth. They are matched to the natural shade of your teeth.

 

 orthodontics

 

Some reasons that you may consider orthodontics include; crooked teeth, gappy teeth, an underbite or overbite, buck teeth or crowded teeth. Orthodontics is a system of using removable plates,  braces or other fixed appliances or clear aligners to  apply pressure to your teeth to move them appropriately.

 

 

 

Children

 

6 monthly dental check ups are especially important for children from time they lose their first baby tooth. The dentist will check that teeth are coming through symmetrically in the child’s mouth and in the correct sequence. Some orthodontic problems can be avoided completely with early detection and  correct management of potential issues. Small orthodontic problems can be come much larger problems if not addressed in a timely fashion. Detected of likely bigger problems early allows parents to plan financially for later treatment, Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

 

 

Teenagers

 

Many orthodontic conditions are best addressed during active growth or as the 12 year old molars are erupting so the early teenage years are a common time to start orthodontic treatment.

 

 

 

Adults

 

It is not uncommon for adults to want to move their teeth to help get to the smile they have always wanted! Many adults choose Invisalign rather than braces as they are less obvious. Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

invisalign

 

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that are worn over a period of time and changed when instructed by your dentist. There is a free online assessment at: https://invisalign.com.au

 

 

 

You will require a consult with the dentist before commencing this treatment. When they take a scan of your mouth with the Itero scanner, you will be able to see the changes that are made through using Invisalign and what your smile will look like at the end. Your retainers will then be custom made. You will need to have regular visits with the dentist and ensure that you are maintaining your oral health.

 

 

 

Depending on your case, Invisalign can start to see changes within 6 months. Most people will have Invisalign for 18-24 months until the end result.

 

 

 

The best thing about Invisalign is there are no wires, or brackets, this means you can continue eating all of your favourite foods and there are no changes to your brushing habits. Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

 

 

Diagram - showing in order; healthy gums, Gingivitis, Periodontitis

 

Composite Veneers

 

Multiple layers are added to the front of the tooth and light cured. The colour is matched to the natural shade. Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

 tooth whitening

 

Teeth may darken due to pigments that may be incorporated into the teeth due to smoking, coffee and tea, alcohol and  food additives. Some natural discolouration may occur due to with aging and post trauma. Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment used to lighten the colour of teeth to give a fresher looking smile. How long it lasts depends on continued avoidance of highly pigmented  foods and  avoiding smoking.

 

 

 

Tooth whitening is usually done either at home using special trays custom made to fit your mouth (this can take days or weeks depending on your teeth) or by Zoom whitening at the dental office (a 90 to 120 minute session).  It is a safe and quick way to improve your smile and is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is often done prior to other aesthetic work so that the subsequent work can be done at a shade you are happy with.

 

 

 

It is important to note that different types of tooth whitening are suitable for different people and not everyone is a good candidate. Your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist will be able to advise whether you are a good candidate. Sensitivity needs to be considered as in some cases it may be exacerbated by whitening.  Decay and abrasion, abfraction and erosion lesions need to be addressed and calculus should be removed prior to commencing and your overall oral health needs to be considered. Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

 

 

Take Home Whitening

 

 This enables you to whiten and top up your whitening to whiten in your own time at your own pace. If you wish to proceed this way  and you are a good candidate, then your dentist will make you customised mouth trays that closely fit the teeth for safe and effective results. They will also discuss the best percentage of whitening gel, provide instructions and answer any questions you may have. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions to ensure best results and to maintain your oral health. Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

 

 

Zoom Whitening

 

If you want fast results then in chair whitening with Zoom might be an option for you. Childrens dentist care Urunga.

 

 

 

Zoom whitening uses whitening gel, that is activated by an ultraviolet light to achieve results. There will be a post treatment gel applied and you will also receive customised whitening trays and a take home whitening kit so that you can top up at a later date, though some people choose to just get their zoom redone every few years.

 

 

 

Single Tooth Whitening

 

When a tooth has been root filled and discoloured sometimes it can be whitened from the inside.  The dentist will assess the tooth and if suitable may clean and root filling material from inside the crown of the tooth, seal the root filling material at the gum line and temporarily seal   some whitening material inside. Two or more visits are required to get the tooth to the desired shade  before the tooth is permanently sealed.

 

 

 

Diagram - showing a teeth whitening kit.

 

Porcelain Veneers

 

These are custom made in a laboratory from porcelain or other ceramic material. The porcelain is bonded to the tooth surface.

 

 

 

Diagram - showing a veneer being added.

 

If you are looking to book in for an appointment please click here to visit the contact page. meet the team

 

Welcome Dental team comprises of a number of enthusiastic and caring personalities, committed to providing high quality dentistry and exceptional patient care in a place where people feel safe, welcome and at peace. We want our teams to be social, innovative and inspired and people who are passionate about oral health and happy smiles.

 

Cosmetic Kids Dentistry Urunga Dental

 

articles

 

View our articles page, updated regularly with news, information about oral care, what to do in an emergency and more.

 

dental emergency?

 

Dental Trauma

 

 

 

The Tooth SOS App is  a fantastic App  by the International Association of Dental Traumatology and we highly recommend you download it.

 

 

 

Dental Emergency

 

 

 

If you’re suffering a toothache or maybe you recently broke a tooth you may need emergency dental treatment.

 

 

 

A few tips if you’re suffering a tooth ache and can’t get to the dentist straight away:

 

• Avoid eating or chewing on the side of your mouth that is experiencing the pain.

 

• You may prefer soft or liquid foods, as well as avoiding food or drink that is extremely hot or cold, as many dental problems can cause heightened sensitivity to temperature.

 

• If a sharp tooth is causing discomfort you can use some bees wax, blue tac or sugar free chewing gum to cover the sharp area for short term relief.

 

To alleviate any associated pain, take paracetamol or ibuprofen (if you are able to). They work best if taken together at the same time but be careful not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage.

 

Some people find clove oil helpful but, be careful when applying as it can burn lips and other soft tissues

 

Record what causes the pain and how it changes.  If it is worse if you lower your head it could be a sinus issue and sinus medication might help. If your jaw joints are sore it could be a joint problem.

 

• Avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums (near the tooth) as they may potentially burn the gums , cheeks or tongue.

 

 

 

• If it hurts when you bite down or release your bite try to bite on  toothpick and check in the mirror to ensure you so you can show your dentist exactly where it hurts when you  come in.

 

 

 

• If you suffer fever, swelling or have trouble swallowing it is important to attend emergency if you cannot attend a dentist immediately.

 

 

 

Pain is your body’s way of saying something is wrong and sometimes things are very wrong.  If a tooth is starting to hurt on its own sometimes it’s too late to save it so don’t wait for things to get bad. If you think something is not right then call for an emergency dental appointment

 

 

 

Knocked out teeth

 

 

 

Baby teeth

 

If it is a baby tooth don’t replace it but bring the child in for review (preferably with the tooth).

 

 

 

Adult teeth

 

1 Try to find your tooth, when you find it do not touch the root of the tooth, hold it by the crown.

 

2 If the tooth is dirty rinse it with milk before reinserting it (ensure to place it back in the right way). Do not scrub the tooth clean.

 

3 If you don’t want to reinsert it then place the tooth between your teeth and cheek until you get to the hospital or the dentist or place it into a glass of milk. Do not place the tooth into water.

 

fillings

 

Teeth may require ‘fillings' or ‘restorations' for a number of reasons. These include, decay, trauma, grinding (bruxism) or to protect and seal teeth after root canal therapy. Sometimes we have to rebuild teeth that have been etched away by acids. Fillings are used to  reduce further  wear and tear or loss of tooth structure.

 

 

 

Cavities that require filling may become evident due to;

 

Tooth ache or tooth pain ( which may be intermittent or constant)

Sensitivity to hot and cold

feeling or seeing a hole

Floss tearing between teeth

Discolouration or grey shadowing

Decay on an x-ray

 

 

The most common form of filling used is a composite resin. Sometimes we use glass ionomer cements.  Rarely amalgam fillings may be indicated and maybe an option. Porcelain and zirconia inlay/onlays may also be appropriate. The composite resin is matched to the shad of your natural teeth. If you do opt for a porcelain inlay/onlay then this is also matched to your natural shade, however the costs are substantially higher as this is a lab made product and requires two visits (these are similar to a veneer).

 

 

children's dentistry - quick links

 

 

dental care & pregnancy

Many people ask when a baby’s first dental appointment should be. In an ideal world, baby’s first visit would be while still in mum’s tum! Not only is neonatal birth weight  linked to maternal oral health but babies inevitably end up with their parent’s germs and also with many of their habits.  This means that if the main caregiver, usually mum or dad, has a healthy mouth, baby will catch more healthy germs and if the caregiver has an unhealthy mouth, baby will catch more harmful germs that may make her more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

 

But stepping back a bit, even though x-ray doses are very low now with digital technology, personally I like to have up to date x-rays for all women of childbearing age so I can usually avoid taking them if an emergency arises during pregnancy. Plan to have a healthy mouth when planning to become pregnant and if you get a happy surprise, then as soon as you comfortably can after. Your dentist will let you know if there is any decay that needs to be treated – and ideally it should be treated before baby comes. Most dentists rarely use the old silver amalgams and they will certainly avoid them in pregnant women as mercury tends go to the fetus.

 

Your dentist can tell you whether gum disease is an issue for you.  If it was as issue for your parents then chances are you are prone to it too. Your hygienist can ensure your teeth are as clean and your gums are as healthy as can be. We all habitually miss the same places, even when we try really hard to do a good job. A well-trained pair of fresh eyes is invaluable.

 

While treating decay and gum disease means that there are less of the bugs that cause them in your mouth to pass on to Bub, expectant women also have their own issues to contend with. Many older women say that they lost a tooth with every pregnancy. Morning sickness is an obvious issue.  Reflux and vomiting produce acid that attacks the teeth.  Some women feel constantly hungry and frequent snacking increases acid exposure. The saliva itself tends to be more acidic during pregnancy too. Acid causes erosion and decay. Remineralising products like Toothmousse  and great oral hygiene go a long way toward combatting these. The hormonal changes mean that the gums can go a little crazy, and as teeth move faster during pregnancy, if everything is well controlled it can be a great time for orthodontic treatment, especially with Invisalign rather than braces.

 

So, with great care, rather than losing a tooth, In addition to the pregnancy glow, mum could potentially end up with the smile she always wanted!

pregnancy dentistry

importance of baby teeth

Everyone knows a rotten tooth can hurt and they don’t look pretty either. Toothache can stop a child eating properly. Teeth can become badly infected, occasionally to the point where hospitalization is required. They are needed for smiling and can affect the way a child engages and socializes with other people.

 

Baby teeth are also needed to keep the space for the adult teeth and help guide them into the correct position.  If they become badly decayed or need to be removed early then the teeth back from the missing tooth often move forward and space is lost for the adult teeth. If teeth towards the front of the mouth are lost early then the adjacent teeth move into the space created and the centre line between the two front teeth adult teeth often shifts  away from the centre of the face and towards the missing tooth - think Tom Cruise in the 80’s movie, The Outsiders. There are lots of kids who would not have needed orthodontics if their baby teeth had been well taken care of.

 

So, keep an eye on baby teeth. Remember to keep them clean from as soon as they arrive in the mouth and keep an eye out for new arrivals. When you clean them, lift up baby’s lip to make sure the front teeth are not developing the brown spots that are early decay.

 

When baby is very small you can clean teeth with a soft cloth or a finger toothbrush. Some kids don’t like certain toothpastes because they are too minty or too frothy. These kids often do like Toothmousse which you can buy without fluoride and probably should for very small children. Toothmousse holds calcium and phosphate close to the teeth in a milk protein. The calcium and phosphate are able to be absorbed into the tooth surface to strengthen it and also help buffer the saliva if it becomes too acidic.

 

In a general family practice your dentist will often be happy for you to bring your baby to your own routine check ups to help get baby used the environment and possibly give you a couple of pointers.

First Dental Visit

first dental visits

Accidents happen and are disconcerting and distressing for most of us, no matter how old or young we are. Small children are not always able to behave in a way that enables us to help them. It is important to find spaces where they feel comfortable. It is important for them to get to know and trust the people who will be looking after them if, and when, they need it.

 

An ideal first dental visit may not even be a small child’s own visit. They may be only a year old attending a parent’s visit or that of an older sibling. They will be watching and becoming familiar with a new environment and new people. Often a dentist will advise a new parent how to care for baby’s teeth and show them how to find signs of and how to reverse early decay. One of a dentist’s most important jobs is to reduce the need for emergency care.

 

Sometimes at the first visit, the dentist or oral health therapist may not even be able to look in a child’s mouth.  At least we can start interacting with the child, helping them feel comfortable, building their confidence.  We aim to help them get to a stage where they are able to comply and accept treatment if needed. We work towards reducing the overall need for treatment and generally the earlier we can start on this journey together the better.

 

 It is obviously not ideal for the first visit to be when a child is in pain, has sustained an injury or a nasty infection. Sometimes ideal treatment is not possible at this stage and we need to slow things down. We need to take baby steps together then to build a relationship and work up to where the child can accept the treatment it needs. It is so much nicer to bring a child somewhere familiar, somewhere they feel at ease, somewhere you feel at ease.

 

As a parent it is important that you don’t put your own anxieties on your child and that you explain the dental visits  to them in a positive light.

 

Children’s Dental Benefits Schedule

Eligible children can access $1000 toward general and preventative dentistry (excluding orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry) over two calendar years. The service is available for 2-18 year olds ( provided that are still at school if they are 18) . Families can check their eligibility by contacting Human Services or contact us today and we can search this information for you.

Ready to make an appointment?

The Welcome Dental team are here to help you! Simply click here to be directed to our contact page.

 

We look forward to seeing you!

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Before having any surgical or invasive procedures undertaken, it is always advisable to have a second opinion, from a registered and qualified health practitioner.

pregnancy dentistry
First Dental Visit
logo dentist Urunga
pregnancy dentistry
First Dental Visit
logo dentist Urunga