Unhappy With
Your Smile?
We Can Help.

Many individuals may find themselves feeling less confident about their smiles due to various aesthetic dental issues. Addressing these concerns is key to restoring the appearance of one’s smile. Here are some common cosmetic problems that can make one unhappy with their smile:

• Discolouration or staining:
  Over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured due to factors such as diet (coffee, tea, red wine), smoking, medication, or ageing. This can lead to a smile that many feel does not reflect their hygiene or vitality.
• Chipped or broken teeth:
  Physical accidents, biting into hard foods, or even tooth decay can lead to chips or breaks in teeth. These imperfections can disrupt the smooth, even look of a smile.
• Misaligned or crooked teeth:
  Teeth that are crooked, crowded, or misaligned can significantly affect the appearance of a smile. Beyond aesthetic concerns, misalignment can also cause difficulties in cleaning, potentially resulting in oral health issues.
• Gaps between teeth:
  Excessive spaces or gaps between teeth (diastema) can be a natural occurrence, or they may develop over time. While some might find this trait distinctive, others might feel it detracts from their smile.
• Irregular gum line:
  An uneven gum line can make the teeth appear misaligned, uneven in length, or disproportionately sized. Gums that are too high can make teeth look long, while gums that are too low can make teeth appear short.
• Missing teeth:
  Loss of teeth, whether due to injury, decay, or disease, can significantly alter one’s smile. This not only impacts aesthetics but can also affect speech and the ability to chew properly.
• Worn down teeth:
  Teeth may experience wear and tear from grinding, also called bruxism, or excessive use, resulting in changes in their shape and size. Worn teeth can make a smile appear older and cause dental sensitivity.

If you have one or two of the cosmetic issues mentioned above, a dentist can recommend treatment options to address them. At Joondalup City Dental, our team of dental professionals can create a treatment plan to help you achieve a beautiful smile.

Considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile is an important decision that can significantly affect your self-confidence and dental health. Here are key factors to think about before deciding on any cosmetic dental treatment:

• Qualifications and experience of the dentist:
  Research the qualifications and experience of the cosmetic dentist. Look for a dental professional who is proficient in cosmetic procedures and has a proven track record of success. Check patient reviews and before-and-after photos of previous treatments to gain insight into the dentist’s skills.
• Costs and budget:
  Cosmetic dentistry can vary in cost, depending on the complexity and type of procedure. Get a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved, including any follow-up care or maintenance that may be required. Determine if the treatment is within your budget; also, check if there are financing options available at the dental clinic.
• Long-term maintenance:
  Consider the long-term maintenance that may be required after the aesthetic dental procedure. Some treatments, like teeth whitening, may need regular touch-ups, while others, such as veneers, might require careful maintenance to avoid chipping.
• Risks and benefits:
  Every dental procedure comes with potential risks. Please discuss these with your dentist to understand the possible complications and how they are managed. Weigh these against the benefits to know if the procedure meets your expectations.
• Aesthetic goals:
  Be clear about your aesthetic goals and discuss these with your dentist. A good dentist will help align your expectations with realistic outcomes, using tools like digital smile design or before-and-after simulations.
• Recovery process:
  Understand the recovery process associated with your chosen procedure. Some treatments may have minimal downtime, while others might require a longer recovery period. Being informed about this can help you prepare your schedule accordingly.

Taking the time to consider these factors will help you select a suitable cosmetic dental treatment for your needs. It’s also essential for achieving optimal treatment results and a smile you’re proud to show off. Consider consulting with a qualified dentist to get personalised advice and treatment options.

Yes, there are several non-surgical cosmetic dentistry options available for improving your smile. These methods are generally designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile with minimal discomfort and recovery time:

• Teeth whitening:
  Professional teeth whitening can significantly lighten the colour of your teeth, reducing stains caused by foods, drinks, or smoking.
• Dental bonding:
  This is generally considered a good option for addressing minor dental flaws such as chips or cracks. The dentist applies tooth-coloured resin to the tooth and uses a specific light to help harden the material.
• Dental veneers:
  These are very thin shell-like materials that are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin. Veneers are custom-made to fit over the surface of the teeth. They provide a new front surface for teeth and can enhance issues such as severe discolouration, slight crookedness, or gaps.

These cosmetic treatments can substantially improve your smile without the need for surgery, offering a less invasive approach. Always discuss these options with a dental professional to determine which option suits your unique needs and expectations.

Gaps between teeth, or diastema, can sometimes affect the aesthetics of your smile and your overall self-confidence. We’ve listed below several cosmetic dentistry treatments that can efficiently address and reduce the appearance of gaps:

• Dental bonding:
  This dental procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the teeth. This material is then shaped to close gaps or cover aesthetic flaws. It’s moulded to look natural, matching the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth and closing the spaces.
• Dental veneers:
  Veneers are another popular cosmetic treatment for gaps. These thin, custom-made shells intend to cover the front surface of teeth, offering a more long-lasting alternative treatment than bonding. Veneers are crafted to fit your teeth accurately and are designed to blend seamlessly, which makes them a good choice for creating a uniform smile.
• Dental crowns:
  In cases where gaps are due to smaller teeth, dental crowns can be used to increase the size of the teeth to close spaces. It covers the entire tooth structure to achieve the desired size and appearance. This restoration can also protect against decay and restore oral functionality.

The suitable choice among these treatment options often depends on the size of the gap, the health of your teeth, and your personal preferences. A consultation with your trusted dentist is crucial to evaluating your specific situation and recommending treatment to achieve the smile you dream of.

If you have missing teeth, several dental treatments can help restore the functionality of your teeth and the appearance of your smile:

• Dental Implants:
  This is one of the most reliable restorations for missing teeth. It involves a surgical procedure where a titanium post is placed in the jawbone, acting as a root for a crown. This option is highly durable, offers the look and feel of natural teeth, and can last a long time with proper care.
• Dental bridges:
  Dental bridges fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth/teeth in between. These are supported by natural teeth or implants and are fixed in place.
• Dentures:
  Full or partial dentures are removable options for replacing missing teeth. They are economical and can be adjusted to fit the changing shape of your jaw over time.

We recommend consulting your dentist at Joondalup City Dental to learn more about each dental treatment. One of the dentists in our clinic will assess your overall oral health and determine which treatment option will work for you.

Teeth whitening is generally considered safe when performed professionally or following safe home-use protocols. This procedure uses bleaching agents, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to reduce stains and lighten teeth’s colour. Common side effects include tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation, which usually subside after 24 to 48 hours.

The duration of teeth whitening results can vary depending on several factors. This includes the type of treatment used, the original shade of the teeth, and the individual’s lifestyle habits. On average, the effects of a professional teeth whitening treatment can last from six months to three years. The longevity of the teeth whitening results may be extended with proper care. That being said, avoiding substances that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, can help maintain the treatment effects longer. Additionally, following good oral hygiene practices, like regular brushing and flossing, will aid in keeping your teeth bright. Considering occasional touch-up treatments also helps maintain the whiteness of your teeth for an extended period of time.

Many people considering cosmetic dental work might be concerned about discomfort during procedures. It’s important to note that we aim to minimise discomfort and prioritise patient comfort through the following:

• Use of anaesthesia:
  Dentists usually use local anaesthesia to numb the involved teeth, which significantly reduces any pain during the procedure. For more extensive treatments, options such as conscious sedation might be available to help patients relax.
• Post-treatment sensitivity:
  While the procedure itself is generally pain-free due to anaesthesia, it’s common for patients to experience temporary sensitivity or soreness in their mouth after the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. The level of discomfort can differ and depends on the nature of the work done and the individual’s sensitivity.
• Patient-specific factors:
  The degree of discomfort can also vary from person to person. Factors such as the patient’s overall dental health and individual pain tolerance can affect the level of soreness experienced afterwards.

Dentists are proficient at managing pain and will provide care instructions to help manage any post-procedure sensitivity or discomfort. Patients are encouraged to follow their dentist’s advice closely, such as taking recommended over-the-counter pain relief if necessary and using anti-sensitivity toothpaste. Always discuss any concerns with your dentist before starting treatment, as they can tailor the procedure to suit your needs. This approach helps provide a comfortable experience with optimal pain management.

The duration varies depending on the type of dental treatment and the individual’s dental needs. Here’s an overview of how long some common cosmetic dental procedures take:

• Teeth whitening:
  Professional in-office teeth whitening can take about an hour. However, if you opt for at-home treatments, the process can spread over a couple of weeks with short daily applications.
• Dental bonding:
  Bonding is generally a relatively quick procedure, which can usually be completed in about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
• Dental veneers:
  The process for veneers generally requires at least two visits to the dentist—one to prepare the teeth and make moulds and another to apply the veneers. Each visit can last between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the number of veneers being applied.
• Smile makeovers:
  A smile makeover involves multiple dental procedures to achieve a significant enhancement of one’s smile. This process can vary greatly in duration depending on the extent and types of treatments included in the treatment plan. The entire process can span several months to over a year, particularly if extensive dental treatment is involved, like orthodontics.

Each patient’s case is unique, and so is the time required for their specific treatment. Factors such as the number of teeth involved, the specific techniques used, and the need for custom lab work can influence the timeline. Your healing ability also plays a critical role in the overall duration.

For a more accurate estimate, a consultation with a dentist is essential. At Joondalup City Dental, we can provide a tailored timeline based on a thorough assessment of your dental condition and cosmetic goals.