Dental Excellence Melbourne Blog

Chipping a tooth can be alarming, but it’s easy to assume it’s just a cosmetic issue that will heal over time. Unfortunately, that’s not how teeth work. Once a tooth is chipped, it won’t repair itself—and ignoring it can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Here’s why a chipped tooth requires professional care and what your dentist can do to restore your smile.

(more…)

A broken tooth can happen suddenly—whether from biting into something hard, a sports injury, or an unexpected fall—and it can be both painful and stressful. Acting quickly and knowing the right steps can protect your oral health and make treatment easier.

Here’s what to do immediately after the injury and how your dentist can help restore your smile.

  (more…)

When you first receive your dentures, they should fit remarkably well and become increasingly comfortable as you get used to them. However, your appliance may not fit as well as it once did after a few years, and this can lead to your restoration sliding about on your gum tissues. The friction this causes can result in painful sores that are vulnerable to infection, but this issue can be avoided or resolved with the proper measures. Here’s a brief guide to how you can prevent denture sores as well as how to treat them if they occur. (more…)

Now that you’ve completed Invisalign, you’re probably thrilled to show off your recently straightened smile. However, you might be surprised to learn that you need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous places. Depending on your circumstances, you might be required to wear one of these oral appliances for several years. Thankfully, they can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on how well they’re cared for. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your retainer, continue reading to learn 3 indicators that it’s nearing the end of its life! (more…)

One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your teeth, and if yours are riddled with stains, you might not make a great impression. If you’ve tried over-the-counter whitening products with no luck, you’re not alone. They contain commercial-grade bleaching agents and one-size-fits-all trays, so there’s no guarantee of achieving the desired hue. Plus, you might develop tooth sensitivity if you misuse or overapply the bleach. If you’re worried that you’ll ever have the smile of your dreams, don’t lose hope! Continue reading to learn 3 dentist-recommended methods that can effectively brighten your grin! (more…)

The back-to-school season can provoke many different emotions. Pride. Nostalgia. Stress. If you’re more anxious than not about sending your little one back to school, that’s understandable. There’s a lot to do and think about to get them ready, which can make it difficult to go “full speed ahead”. With some help from your dentist and a few preventative care tips, though, you can have confidence in their dental wellbeing! Keep reading so you can take one more concern off your plate. (more…)

You’ve been looking forward to your vacation for months. And then it happens – there’s a shooting pain in your tooth. You see your emergency dentist, and they extract the troublesome tooth successfully. But now you have a new problem: your flight boards in the next 24 – 48 hours, and your dentist just informed you about your two-week recovery time. Cabin pressure and high altitudes tend to aggravate sinuses and headaches, so you’re right to wonder what will happen to your newly extracted tooth once you get up in the air. There are ways to manage what will probably be an uncomfortable ride, but keep reading to find out why it might be better to cancel or delay your plans. (more…)

Suffering from a toothache is no fun, but for many patients, the idea of a root canal is even worse! It’s common to experience anxiety around dental procedures, and this one is no exception. A lot of people worry that it will hurt so avoid scheduling one, even if they know it’s needed. While you might think you can live with the discomfort of a sore tooth, you may not be aware of some other consequences of putting off a root canal. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons you shouldn’t wait. (more…)

If you’re just getting started with wearing braces, you’ve probably heard plenty of things about discomfort associated with orthodontics. Despite what you may have heard, the vast majority of the time that you’ll be wearing braces will be easy and comfortable. However, there’s usually a week or so when you can expect your teeth to be a little bit tender. This is natural, and you should feel just fine once you’ve gotten used to it. In the meantime, however, here are a few things you can do to make things easier. (more…)

In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular, offering improved smiles and boosted confidence. The demand for these procedures has doubled in the United States over the past five years, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. However, misconceptions may obscure our understanding of these treatments. Keep reading as we debunk four common myths about cosmetic dentistry, providing clarity and separating fact from fiction. (more…)