General Dentistry Treatment

Comparisons have been made between electric and hand brushes to see what is most effective in removing plaque. Studies have shown that they are both effective as long as they are used properly. We can show you how to brush and floss effectively.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by poor oral hygiene and/or oral health. Regular brushing, flossing and tongue hygiene can help eliminate unpleasant mouth odour. If it is found that bad breath is not related to your teeth, then consultation with a dentist may be necessary to rule out sinus problems, issues related to the stomach, the use of certain foods and medications, or other system issues.

Grinding and clenching, also known as Bruxism, is a mysterious practice. Depression is a major factor in the development of this habit. It can cause TMJ-related problems such as tooth decay, stiffness in the jaw, neck and shoulders, and clicking on the jaw joint. Bending and grinding cannot be stopped, however, wearing a custom mouthguard can help protect your jaw and teeth. Consistent use of the mouthguard can help loosen the muscles around the jaw joint and reduce pain and stiffness in the jaw, shoulder, and neck area.

We strongly recommend flossing and brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night after meals and before bed. This keeps plaque levels low, especially during sleep, reducing the risk of gum disease and/or tooth decay. As well as daily brushing and flossing, professional dental hygiene and bi-annual check-ups are essential to maintaining oral health.

Teeth can be aligned and guided with the help of various treatments such as orthodontics, porcelain veneers and crowns. Traditional orthodontics using instruments or Invisalign can be completed at any time to align teeth. If orthodontic treatment is not an option, well-aligned teeth can be obtained using porcelain veneers and crowns that can also change the shape of the teeth. Sometimes a person may need a combination of two treatments to achieve the desired results.

Fear of the dentist is common to most people. We are aware that some patients may have Dental Phobia and are well trained to work with you in helping to overcome that fear. You will find that our team members are willing to work with you to make your visit more enjoyable. Maintaining the life of your smile is important to us, and it is very important for us to take care of and maintain the highest quality for all our patients.

Your mouth contains a lot of germs, good and bad. Germs in your mouth are common, but certain types of germs can attach themselves to hard surfaces, such as the enamel that covers your teeth. If it is not removed, germs multiply until a colony is formed. The proteins in your saliva also blend together, and the colony bacterium becomes a white tooth film, known as plaque. This is what makes Cavities.

If you or your partner suffer from breathing difficulties during sleep, such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea, you might be pleased to know that dentistry may have a solution for you. A series of oral devices or mouthpieces are now available and can be fitted by a dentist that will address your snoring problems by preventing the lower jaw from dropping back during sleep, thereby preventing the closure of your airways, which will stop you from snoring. Such a custom-made mouthpiece is made from impressions taken of your teeth to ensure they fit you comfortably. Made from hard-wearing plastic, the mouthpiece is worn at night and works by holding the bottom jaw in a slightly forward position. This position opens up your airway significantly allowing you to breathe better and as a result sleep better too. Speak to us today about how your snoring problems can be addressed.

Pregnancy can be an exciting time and while you have so much to plan for, your oral health may be one of the last things you're thinking about. But it's more important than ever to pay close attention to your dental health in this time. That's because hormone changes during pregnancy can affect your oral health and many pregnant women notice that their gums are red, inflamed and sometimes bleed when they brush their teeth. The swelling and inflamed gums are referred to as 'pregnancy gingivitis' and can start as soon as the second month of pregnancy. The hormone progesterone can be around 10 times higher than normal during pregnancy, affecting the body's response to toxins as a result of plaque build-up. Women are therefore more susceptible to developing periodontal disease when these hormonal fluctuations occur. Some women also experience a growth on their gums known as a pregnancy granuloma which are red nodules usually found on the upper gums. While they are not dangerous, they can cause discomfort. Other oral health problems may include tooth erosion as a result of constant exposure to acid from severe morning sickness. Dry mouth is another major complaint but can be easily remedied by drinking plenty of water and using sugarless candies to stimulate saliva flow. If you are pregnant, we recommend that you come to the practice for a thorough check up to help you have a healthy and happy pregnancy.

The way your teeth meet when your top and bottom jaws close down on top of each other is known as your 'bite'. If your teeth don't fit together properly, you could have malocclusion or 'bad bite', which can cause problems with your teeth, gums, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), and the muscles in your face. This misalignment often referred to as TMJ disorder, can also cause some people to clench the jaw and grind their teeth at night. This can lead to facial pain, headaches, discomfort and clicking when biting or chewing, migraines, neck and shoulder pain, and even back pain. If you recognise any of these symptoms or suffer from these on a daily basis, you will need to see a dentist to treat your problems or refer you to a specialist if necessary. In some cases, the treatment includes wearing a hard plastic appliance at night. This is made to measure and fitted onto your bite accurately, so that when you bite on it, your teeth are in a position where your muscles are relaxed. This also stops your teeth from becoming worn down by grinding and protects them. Depending on the origin and severity of your problem, you may need orthodontic treatment or maxillofacial surgery. Other solutions may include replacing missing teeth or adjusting any ill-fitting bridgework that you may have. The important thing to do is see your dentist as soon as possible, so your problem does not become worse over time and require more drastic measures to correct.

Mouth guards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimising the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face, or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips, and cheek lining. Mouth guards are not only for athletes but may also be recommended for those that grind their teeth. At Complete Smiles, we will make a custom-fitted appliance just for you. A plastic mouthguard will be made based on the alginate impression. It should be a very comfortable fit custom made specially for you for optimal protection and results.