What can I do to improve the appearance of my smile?

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You may be able to improve the appearance of your smile through:

  • Maintaining good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing)
  • Teeth whitening
  • Restorations such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns and dental bridges

Every day we meet clients seeking options to improve the appearance of their smile and there is a whole spectrum of treatment options available, depending on the results you are after. This may range from teeth whitening to more prosthetic options such as veneers.

Treatment options may vary from person to person depending on:

  • The current state of your teeth
  • What options are available
  • What your individual treatment goals are

Our team has explained what some of the cosmetic treatment options involve and ways to help you improve your smile.

What can a cosmetic treatment do?

If you are looking to improve the aesthetic look of your smile, a cosmetic dental treatment might be able to help.

Cosmetic dentistry involves the use of one or more treatments which can help you to create a desired look or to restore your teeth.

Depending on what you are looking to achieve, there are several treatments which may help you improve your smile which include:

Teeth Whitening

If you wish to brighten your smile, teeth whitening may be your solution and has the advantage of not requiring any restorative work to be done on the teeth. At The White Bite, we offer either a custom-made take-home whitening kit or in-chair whitening with the Philips Zoom system which may potentially brighten your teeth by up to 8 shades.

Dental Veneers

If you are seeking more substantial changes, veneers are a popular treatment option amongst our clients to achieve their dream smiles. This involves placing either composite or porcelain over front of the teeth to improve aesthetic flaws such as:

  • Staining or discolouration
  • Chipped or worn teeth
  • Misaligned or crooked teeth (crowding or spacing)

In cases where the teeth are structurally compromised or missing, other fixed restorations such as crowns and bridges may also get the job done.

Dental Crown

Crowns are shaped like a cap and are placed over the top of an existing tooth. They help to restore a damaged tooth and aim to restore its strength and structure.

Furthermore, crowns aim to match your natural teeth in:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Colour

Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth and involve placing a crown on the teeth either side of your missing tooth whilst holding a false tooth in between them.

The crowns and the false tooth are cemented together to create on piece. As a result, filling the gap in your smile.

Importance of maintaining good oral hygiene

Where the aesthetic concern is some staining on the teeth, all you may require is a good clean. More importantly, a high standard of hygiene and maintenance is an essential foundation for any form of dental treatment.

Moreover, it may not matter what we do to our teeth as if they are not cleaned well, there may be a higher chance of treatment failure.

Some oral hygiene methods to maintain include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice day
  • Flossing once a day
  • Undergoing a regular Check-up & Clean with your dentist every 6 months

By doing these 3 things, you can ensure your teeth are clean and maintain good oral health.

Improve your smile on the Gold Coast

Like all treatments, you should consult with your dentist first to understand the benefits and risks involved.

At the White Bite, we offer a free online consultation to all existing, new, interstate and overseas clients. By sending us a series of photographs, we are able to evaluate your suitability for our various treatment options and can advise you accordingly.

If you have any questions, contact our friendly Gold Coast staff today.

Dr Grace Suda Joins The White Bite

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We would like to wish a warm welcome to our new dentist Dr Grace Suda. Dr Grace is an experienced dentist who provides the utmost care to all her patients and loves to restore their wonderful smiles.

Gold Coast dentist Grace Suda at The White Bite

Grace is a patient focused dentist with a gentle touch. She enjoys the challenges that dentistry brings and likes to make the process of treatments as comfortable as possible for her patients.

The team at The White Bite look forward to integrating Grace’s knowledge and passion for dentistry within our practice.

About Dr Grace Suda

Originally born in the U.S., Dr Grace has lived in many places around the world including Guam and Japan. After moving to Australia several years ago she now considers our amazing country home!

Outside of the practice, she loves to spend time with her family. She also enjoys ”cooking up a storm in the kitchen”.

In her spare time, Grace likes to also keep active and head to the gym where she undertakes Les Mills classes.

Education of Dr Grace Suda

Following her move to the Gold Coast, Grace graduated from Griffith University with Academic Excellence in a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry.

Since graduating, Dr Grace has been servicing smiles within the Brisbane and Gold Coast area and cannot wait to apply her trade within our practice.

Why Grace Chose to Work in Dentistry

Grace strives to help patients who feel anxious about seeing the dentist. Her gentle touch and friendly manner may help put both adults and children at ease while undergoing a regular Check-up or treatment.

She believes in helping people of all ages to take care of their teeth so that they can have beautiful, healthy smiles!

Dr Grace ensures that you know what the process of your treatment involves, what you may expect to happen and how you can take care of your teeth after your procedure!

Grace is always looking to further her knowledge and develop her skillset within dentistry. She frequently attends professional development courses to expand her knowledge so that she can provide you with the best possible dental care.

About The White Bite

The White Bite is located Within Emerald Lakes at 1/3029 The Boulevard Carrara, Qld. Our facility contains state-of-the-art equipment which provide our experienced dentists with the tools they may need to restore your smile!

If you are early for an appointment or waiting for someone undergoing a treatment, you can visit the local cafes located just a few doors down. Furthermore, you can view the classic Emerald Lakes scenery or sit by the Lake or boardwalk across the street.

Book an Appointment with Dr Grace Suda

Dr Grace is now taking appointments so if you are looking for a dentist on the Gold Coast, contact our friendly staff today to arrange your next visit! Alternatively, you can fill out our free online consultation form 24/7.

What is the cost of veneers in Australia?

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Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment at The White Bite as they may enhance your aesthetic look. Essentially, veneers are placed on the front surface of your teeth to restore your beautiful smile!

The cost of veneers in Australia vary from practice to practice and pricing factors may include the material used and how many veneers you require.

Your Australian health fund provider may also play a part in the cost as they might be able to cover some of the costs of your veneer treatment. For this, you should consult with our friendly receptionists and your health fund provider to assess if you are eligible.

To provide you with a better insight into what the cost of veneers are, our team has outlined what is involved and what you might expect to pay for your treatment.

What are veneers?

Veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers look like shells which are custom-made to cover the front of your teeth. In addition, they are made to match your natural teeth in:

  • Size
  • Shape

Cost of veneers diagram

Why do you need veneers in the first place? If you are looking brighten or restore your smile, veneers may help you to achieve this. If your teeth are worn, chipped, or broken your dentist may advise you to have veneers placed on the front surface of your teeth.

Furthermore, if your teeth are uneven, misaligned or are widely spaced apart, veneers may help to counter these conditions. Therefore, your dentist may recommend you undergo this treatment, or you might want to discuss this with your dentist if you are experiencing any of these issues.

There are two types of common materials used to make veneers, these include:

  • Composite resin
  • Porcelain

Porcelain is the more preferred material used at The White Bite as it is a strong, ceramic-based material. In addition, porcelain is more natural looking and provides a closer colour match to your surrounding teeth. On the other hand, composite resin provides a stable restoration and is commonly used for fillings.

Costs of veneers

The average cost for a single porcelain veneer may be around $1,300. For a single composite veneer, the average cost in Australia may be around $500. However, as mentioned above, these prices may vary from practice to practice.

Furthermore, if you are with a health fund, your provider may be able to cover some of the costs of your treatment. At The White Bite, we also offer HICAPS for on the spot health fund claims.

How much do dental veneers cost at The White Bite?

The cost of dental veneers at The White Bite depends on what material is being used. Furthermore, the cost may also differ depending on how many you want placed on your teeth. At The White Bite, the cost for composite veneers is:

  • 1 to 3: $355 each
  • 4 or more: $295 each

For custom-made high-quality porcelain veneers, our pricing is:

  • Single: $1,305
  • 2 or more: $1,195 each
  • 4 or more: $840 each
  • 6 or more: $815 each
  • 8 or more: $760 each
  • 10 or more: $725 each

We also offer customised veneer packages such as:

  • 6 & 8 Composite Veneers Package
  • 6 Veneer Smile Makeover Package
  • 8 Veneer Smile Makeover Package
  • 10 Veneer Smile Makeover Package

Each package includes several other treatments and services to compliment your veneers which contributes to the overall cost. Services within our veneer packages include:

For more information about our composite and porcelain veneers packages and prices, visit our website.

Payment plans at The White Bite

If you are thinking about brightening your smile but do not want to pay the full cost of your veneers upfront, we offer several convenient payment plan methods. These are:

  • Afterpay
  • Zip Pay
  • Zip Money

We also offer a prepayment option to pay for your treatment. This enables you to place a deposit down and make payments until you reach a certain limit of the total treatment cost. Once you have reached the required amount, you will be able to receive your treatment before it is paid in full.

High quality dental veneers on the Gold Coast

For high quality dental veneers on Gold Coast, we offer a free online consultation so you can find out if veneers are suitable for you. Our team will be able to assess the information you have provided us about your oral health and give you with some feedback and treatment options!

If would like to talk to someone directly or have any other questions, feel free to contact our friendly staff today on 07 5579 9333.

What is the difference between Fillings, Inlays and Onlays?

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Dental fillings, inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to restore your natural tooth structure. These types of restorations are generally used when your tooth has been affected by tooth decay (cavities). Some differences between each type of treatment include:

  • The area of the tooth each treatment fills or covers
  • Size of the cavity being removed
  • Dental material used
  • Required procedure time

Furthermore, you may require one of these restorations if you start to develop:

  • A tooth ache
  • A hole within your tooth
  • Teeth sensitivity

What is a filling?

A dental filling is a common treatment used to treat decay within your tooth. If decay spreads within your tooth you may require your dentist to remove the affected area and fill it with strong, dental material. The aim of this is to restore the strength and functionality of your tooth. Furthermore, your dentist may fill your cavity with filling material such as composite resin or amalgam.

A composite resin filling is often referred to as a white filling. Composite resin is a dental material that matches the natural colour of your teeth far better than an amalgam or silver filling. If you are looking to enhance your aesthetic look, a composite filling could be an option for you as amalgam is a metal-based material.

Composite filling replacing decay within tooth

At The White Bite, we do not use amalgam to restore your decayed tooth. However, we do offer to remove old amalgam fillings and replace them with white (composite) fillings. This helps your old filling to resemble the colour of your surrounding natural teeth.

Furthermore, there is the risk of an amalgam filling releasing low amounts of mercury vapor. Over time, this may lead to mercury being inhaled or absorbed into your lungs. The mercury stems from its metal components used to create the material such as silver, copper or tin.

What is an inlay?

An inlay is used to fill an area of your tooth that is bigger than a general dental filling. It usually covers the area between the cusps (bumps) on your teeth. For this reason, they are shaped to fit perfectly within the area of your teeth that has been removed by your dentist. The aim of this is to prevent food and other bacteria entering underneath your filling and creating further decay.

Silver filling inlay on tooth

For the amalgam inlay above, your dentist may replace this type of material with a solid dental material such as gold or ceramic (porcelain).

The use of a ceramic filling may help your dentist restore your tooth to match the surrounding teeth. In addition, inlays may be stronger than a composite filling as the filling is larger and needs to be durable to prevent further issues.

Material like porcelain are also used for dental treatments such as veneers.

What is an onlay?

Onlays are often referred to as partial crowns as they may cover one or more cusp of your tooth. For example, if your tooth is showing signs of decay within a section of the middle and side of your tooth, you may be required to have an onlay. As seen below, an amalgam filling has been replace with a composite onlay to restore the tooth.

Composite inlay replacing old amalgam filling

Usually, an onlay may be required to cover more area of your tooth than an inlay and filling but less area than a dental crown. A crown is used to cover your whole tooth to restore its functionality. Hence, why an onlay may be referred to as a partial crown.

For this treatment, your dentist may use materials such as:

  • Porcelain
  • Composite resin
  • Or even gold

These materials are placed once the cavity within your tooth is removed by your dentist. The materials are bonded to your teeth so that your filling withstands pressure from movements such as grinding your teeth or eating.

The difference between fillings, inlays and onlays

Generally, an onlay is used to cover a cusp (bump) of your tooth and an inlay is used to fill larger holes or areas between the cusps. As they are made from materials such as porcelain, they may not be at risk of shrinking due to their ceramic nature unlike a composite filling.

Furthermore, these two treatments may require you to attend to two visits with your dentist. During your first visit, you will have your cavity removed and an impression of your tooth will be taken. Following this, your impression will be sent to an external lab where your inlay or onlay with be created. Once your restoration has been made, your dentist will bond your inlay or onlay to your tooth at your next appointment. In some cases, your inlay or onlay may last for up to 20 years.

On the other hand, filings may be completed within one visit as they are for smaller, basic cavity issues. However, in some cases you may require an impression to be taken and sent to an external lab so they can create your custom filling. Therefore, you may require a second dental appointment.

In addition, your filling may need to be replaced over time due to the nature of the composite material. This could be caused by either the filling shrinking or being worn out over time from eating. With proper oral care, your composite fillings may last between 5 to 15 years.

Fillings on the Gold Coast

If you are looking for dental restoration options such as fillings, inlays or onlays to restore your tooth on the Gold Coast, contact our friendly staff today. Alternatively, you can fill out our free online consultation form.

Hidden Sugar in Food

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Dental Health Week 2020 is now upon us and this year we have decided to highlight everyday products which contain hidden sugar. There are some products you may not be aware of and some you may choose to turn a blind eye to as you cannot live without them!

About Dental Health Week 2020

Dental health week is one of our favourite times of the year as we get the chance to bring awareness to the importance of oral health.

In addition, the campaign is run by the Australian Dental Association to bring awareness to all Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

This year, the campaign will run from Monday August 3 until Sunday August 9.

Foods with hidden sugar

For your convenience, we have outlined 4 common consumable products that may contain a bit more sugar than you may think.

These foods include:

Honey

Honey is a natural and relatively healthy syrup we consume in our coffee, cereal, and other everyday products. However, it does possess a fair bit of sugar which makes up 75% of its contents per 100 grams.

The percentage is made up of ingredients such glucose and fructose which together forms sucrose. Essentially, sucrose is naturally found within fruit and vegetables.

Muesli Bars

Muesli bars are a great snack for lunch, breakfast or as desired. However, research suggests most muesli bars are highly processed which may be refined enough to contain added levels of sugar.

Furthermore, whole grain muesli bars contained the lowest amount of sugar levels.

Cereal

The amount of sugar you consume with cereal is generally based on how much your serving size is. According to healthy food guide there are a few surprises in some of our popular cereal choice. These include:

  • Weet-Bix (1 gram per 2 bricks)
  • Nutri-Grain (12.8 grams per cup)
  • Uncle Toby’s oats quick cup (12.5 grams per cup)
  • Coco pops (16.4 grams per cup)

Furthermore, sugar can be found in added ingredients such as:

  • Dried fruit
  • Syrups such as honey
  • Table sugar

For this reason, you should check the nutrition label if you are watching how much sugar you consume. You should consult with your doctor or health professional if you are unsure about how much you should be having. Generally, the average daily sugar intake is around 24 grams.

‘No added sugar’ products

One of the unusual claims about products is that some claim to have no added sugar. Some products may replace sugar with natural sugar ingredients such as fruit juices or purees which are used to sweeten smoothies.

In the end, you are still consuming sugar so you may be better off sourcing your own natural ingredients and making a smoothie from scratch at home.

A tip from us is to source unsweetened products so you can easily add a natural sweetener afterwards if it does not sit right with your taste buds!

Sugar related oral issues

There are several issues that may be related to the over consumption of sugar. These include:

How to maintain your oral health

Brush and floss

If you frequently consume sugary food or drinks, you need to make sure you are cleaning your teeth daily to avoid an oral issue.

From a dentist’s perspective, you should brush and floss your teeth twice a day or after a meal. By doing this, you will be able to maintain your oral hygiene and prevent bacteria and plaque build up within your mouth.

Regular dental check-up

By visiting your dentist for a regular check-up, he or she can spot any issues that may arise. At The White Bite, we offer check-up and cleans which should be conducted every six months to maintain your oral health.

Our check-up and cleans include:

  • X-ray
  • Scale
  • Fluoride

Book an appointment

For more information about Dental Week 2020, head over to the Australian Dental Association’s website. Here you will be able to find more information and tips on how to maintain your oral health.

If you would like to see one of our friendly dentists to assess your oral health contact our practice today. Alternatively, you can complete a free online assessment, 24/7.

How much does a dental crown cost?

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The cost of any dental crown treatment will vary from practice to practice and the influencing factors tend to be the:

  • Material of choice
  • Manufacturing costs from a dental lab
  • Shipping costs between a practice and lab

We are often asked why our crown fees are significantly lower than most practices. This is a fair question and we can assure you that this reduced cost does not come at a compromise to quality. Fortunately, our practice has its own lab which allows us to source and manufacture our crowns at a lower cost and we happily pass this onto our patients.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns (or ‘caps’ as they are commonly called) are a well-known and routine dental treatment. They are generally recommended for teeth that have been structurally compromised due to large fillings, decay, wear or fracture.

In addition, they are also routinely recommended on teeth that have undergone root canal treatment to protect and seal it off. They may also improve the aesthetics of the teeth involved.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are primarily categorised by their material type which includes full ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (or PFM) and full gold.

Full Ceramic/Porcelain Crowns

With advances in modern technology, ceramic crowns are by far the most popular choice as they look the closest in appearance to our natural teeth without large compromises in strength.

The two main ceramic materials are zirconia or lithium disilicate. Zirconia is used where strength is the most important factor whilst lithium disilicate is the material of choice where aesthetics is important. The price for crowns varies depending on the material chosen and the number of crowns to be done.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

For a long time, PFM crowns have been the gold standard in dentistry. This is because ceramics were not strong enough to withstand our bite force, but aesthetics were still desired. A PFM crown involves having a metal base for strength and durability with porcelain layered over the top for an aesthetics look. As a result, there may be a weak point between the ceramic and metal so chipping may occur. For this reason, full ceramic crowns are normally favoured within modern ceramics.

Full Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are by far the strongest and most durable among the crowns; the obvious drawback being the colour. As a result, gold crowns are generally recommended for compromised back teeth where your aesthetics is not a concern.

How much do Crowns cost?

As explained earlier,  the cost of your dental crown depends on the material and the amount of crowns you require. At The White Bite, our dental crown prices are as follows:

Full porcelain crowns:

  • Single from $1,460
  • Two: $1,350
  • Three: $1,300
  • Four or more: $1,260

PFM crowns:

  • Cost starts at $1,500 each

Gold crowns:

  • Prices vary based on gold prices, contact our practice for more information

We also offer payment plans such as AfterPay, Zip Money, Zip Pay and our customised pre-pay option with interest free periods. Ask our friendly staff about our payment plans when you book your next appointment.

Dental Crown procedure

Our treatment length typically requires three appointments. During your initial consultation (if you have not done so already) we will evaluate and assess the merits of doing crown(s) for you.

The second appointment involves the preparation of your teeth where your impressions are taken and sent to the lab. Finally, you will have your crown fitted and cemented in place.

The average time between appointments two and three is generally one week.

How often should Dental Crowns be replaced?

On average, crowns may last around 15 years. The several factors which may influence this include:

Material choice

The choice of material you use for your restoration may influence how long your implant lasts. You should consult with your dentist first before deciding which material is best for you.

The standard of your oral hygiene

It is a common misconception that crowns cannot get decay underneath them. In reality, may still develop tooth decay if you do not maintain good oral hygiene. Therefore, it is essential to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day or after a meal.

How often you get your check-ups

Conducting a regular check-up and clean with your dentist is essential to your oral health. This enables your dentist to monitor your teeth so they can identify any problems that may arise. by doing this, they can detect them at an early stage and provide you with an accurate solution or treatment plan. Usually, you should book in for a check-up an clean every six months.

Excessive force

Like your teeth, crowns may still fracture when they are exposed to excessive force. These forces are created by bad oral habits such as:

  • Clenching or grinding your teeth
  • Regularly chewing on hard food

Dental Crowns on the Gold Coast

At the White Bite, our experienced dentists are more than happy to discuss strategies to help you get the most out of your treatment. We can develop a plan to maximise the longevity of your implants and other general treatments.

Take the first step in restoring your smile and contact our friendly team today for more information on dental crowns. Alternatively, you can complete our free online consultation form.

Is it possible to whiten your teeth in one day?

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If you undergo a teeth whitening treatment with your dentist, you can expect to whiten your teeth in one day. However, it will usually take a week or two for your best results to show.

There are also alternative ways to whiten your teeth through products such as DIY whitening kits and whitening toothpastes. Ideally, professional teeth whitening from your dentist will produce the most efficient and effective results. But is it possible to whiten your teeth in one day?

Are you looking to brighten your smile? Our team has outlined everything you need to know about our professional teeth whitening treatment.

How Does Teeth Whitening at the Dentist Work?

Teeth whitening at the dentist is a simple and effective procedure which involves the use of a whitening gel (bleaching agent) and an LED heat lamp. For this treatment, you can expect to be in the clinic for around 1 to 2 hours until the dental procedure is complete.

At The White Bite, we offer Philips Zoom In-Chair Whitening which can whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades. This treatment is available within our friendly dental clinic here on the Gold Coast.

For this whitening procedure, you will be seated in the dental chair while your dentist applies a whitening gel to the front of your teeth. The whitening gel used for our in-chair procedure is a high concentration hydrogen peroxide agent which is able to safely remove surface stains as well as improve the overall shade of your teeth.

Once the whitening gel has been applied to your teeth, your dentist will use the LED lamp to activate the gel. This process of teeth whitening breaks down and oxidises stains from the surface of your teeth and is much safer than using harsh abrasives.

Take-home Whitening from the Dentist

Following your whitening procedure, you will receive a Philips Zoom take-home teeth whitening kit. Our teeth whitening kit consists of a whitening gel, relief gel and custom-made trays to suit your mouth. The trays are custom-made to ensure they are comfortable, non-irritating and safe for the gums during use. Also, if they fit in your mouth perfectly, you will be able to achieve better results.

The whitening gel in the take-home kit is not as strong as the bleaching agent used by your dentist. However, it will enable you to perform touch ups and brighten your teeth up whenever it suits you. This will help you to maintain your white smile longer and reduce the amount of time you spend at the dentist.

Check out our before and after results of Philips Zoom in-chair whitening in our cases section.

zoom in-chair teeth whitening

Is ZOOM Teeth Whitening Safe for your Enamel?

Zoom whitening chemically oxidises the stains from your teeth rather than the use of abrasives which can wear away your enamel. After the Zoom teeth whitening treatment, we apply Relief gel to your teeth which is a remineralising agent containing Amourphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP). ACP ensures your teeth remain strong and mineralised after your treatment. The Relief gel assists in reducing post-operative sensitivity and protecting your enamel.

Will I Experience Sensitivity?

It is not uncommon for you to experience temporary sensitivity during your treatment. This is mainly caused during the bleaching process which can make your teeth dehydrated. Therefore, your teeth may experience some sensitivity on the day of treatment, and it is best to avoid cold foods. We will supply you with sensitive toothpaste to reduce your discomfort after the in-chair whitening procedure.

Protection methods dentists use during your treatment

There are several protection methods dentists use to ensure you are safe during your whitening treatment, these include:

Should any issues occur during your procedure, your dentist will be on hand to provide you with the appropriate medical care. If you have any type of side effects after leaving the practice, you should contact your dentist or GP for advice as soon as possible.

Furthermore, you should not undergo a tooth whitening procedure if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Have tooth decay or
  • Have gum disease (periodontitis)

Pre-existing veneers and crowns will also not respond to the teeth whitening bleaching agent. Therefore, you should consult with your dentist or come in to see us beforehand to discuss your whitening options.

At The White Bite, we offer Phillips Zoom! Our Zoom in-chair teeth whitening costs $450 and you will also receive a take-home whitening kit.

The whitening kit includes custom-fitted whitening trays to ensure they fit perfectly in your mouth. As a result, you will be able to continue to whiten your teeth comfortably within your home or while relaxing outside.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Depending on your lifestyle, your results can last between 1 to 3 years providing you maintain good oral hygiene practices every day. A healthy diet can also enhance your results to last long term.

If you are considering a tooth whitening treatment with your dentist, then you may want to consider your food and beverage choices. We have outlined several types of food and drinks to avoid or moderate within your diet following your treatment.

Foods that may stain your teeth

Foods are a part of our everyday life as we need to eat to fuel our bodies to conduct daily tasks. Therefore, everything we consume is going to play a part in staining the surface of our teeth. However, there are some foods which are more likely to cause more damage over time. These include:

Drinks that can stain your teeth

Just like food, there are several drink products that can lead to the discoloration of your teeth. Some drinks to avoid or limit the consumption of are:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Soft drinks
  • Red Wine

If you lessen your consumption of these foods and drinks, and only have them within moderation, you can prolong and lengthen your whitening results.

However, if you drink products like coffee or tea regularly to give you a lift in the morning you should visit your dentist every couple of months for a touch up. This is not required but if you would like to keep your teeth shining bright, a general maintenance treatment will help your teeth staying white.

On the other hand, if you undergo a whitening treatment at The White Bite you will receive a take-home whitening kit to use at home. This will allow you to brighten your smile whenever you like, you will not need to see your dentist for touch ups.

In addition, our whitening kits are also available for purchase at our practice which is located in Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast. If you are not comfortable undergoing dental procedures, our take-home whitening kit could be your alternative solution.

Whiten Your Teeth in One Day at the White Bite

Before undergoing whitening treatment, you will require a dental check-up and clean. This ensures that your teeth are assessed and are suitable to undergo whitening treatment.

If you are looking to brighten your smile on the Gold Coast you can contact one of our practices today to see your friendly dentists. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online 24/7.

5 Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth

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Your smile can influence the way you perceive yourself. A missing tooth can make you feel uncomfortable and affect the way you chew your food.

You may lose a tooth if you have tooth decay, disease or through trauma. If this has happened to you, what is the best way to replace missing teeth?

We have outlined 5 treatments to replace a missing tooth that may help you in this situation.

5 Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a long-lasting treatment option to replace a single (or multiple) missing teeth. Depending on your case, the cost for a single dental implant treatment starts from $3,450.

For this treatment, your dentist will inject local anaesthesia to numb the affected area. This ensures you are comfortable during the process.

Your dentist will then make an incision into your gum where your missing tooth is, to expose your bone. As a result, your dentist will be able to drill a hole into the bone, ready for the titanium base of the implant to be placed.

Once the implant has been placed, it may take several months for your jawbone to integrate with the implant. During this time, your dentist may give you a temporary restoration until your implant is strong enough to hold the final restoration in place.

Once your implant has successfully fused with the bone your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to fabricate a dental crown restoration. The crown will match the shape and size of the surrounding teeth and will blend in naturally.

Traditional Dental Bridge

Traditional dental bridges are used when you have natural teeth either side of the gap created by your missing tooth. Your dentist will use your natural teeth as support pillars to ensure the bridge is strong and stable throughout its lifespan.

At The White Bite, we offer traditional dental bridges from $3,908, depending on your case. It can take up to 2 appointments to complete your treatment.

For this treatment, your dentist will cement the bridge which includes crowns on the support teeth as well as a bonded ‘false’ tooth to replace the missing tooth.

Cantilever Bridge

A Cantilever Bridge is used when there is only one adjacent tooth present or if it better to only use one adjacent tooth as a pillar.

Our Cantilever bridges range from $1,450 and can be completed in 2 appointments.

For this procedure, your dentist will prepare the adjacent tooth to support the bridge.

As a result, the bridge is only supported by one tooth but restores both gaps, granting you a fresh new smile.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland Bridge is often a temporary (can be permanent) solution for replacing a missing tooth. It involves the use of a false tooth and dental resin (can be in ceramic as well). Depending on your case, a Maryland Bridge can cost you around $1,100 and can be completed in 2 appointments.

For this treatment, your dentist will first take an impression of your remaining teeth. This is done so that an accurate crown can be made to match your surrounding teeth.

Once complete, your dentist will bond porcelain wings (or metal wings) to either side of the false tooth. Then, he or she will place the fake tooth into the gap and fuse the wings to the adjacent teeth using dental resin.

Implant bridge

If you are missing multiple missing teeth in your jawline, an implant bridge may be a possible treatment option for you.

The procedure is very similar to a traditional dental bridge. The only difference is that your bridge is supported by dental implants rather than your adjacent, natural teeth.

For this treatment, your dentist will connect a series of crowns together to form a bridge. The bridge will be then cemented on top of an implant or multiple implants, previously inserted into your jawbone.

Depending on how many teeth that need replacing the number of implants required may vary.

At the White Bite, we offer two types of implant bridge treatment options:

All-on-4

An All-on-4 treatment involves the use of four implants and a bridge to replace all the teeth in one jaw. The cost for this procedure starts at $14,200 and can take 2-6 months to complete.

All-on-6

Like an All-on-4 treatment, the All-on-6 procedure involves the use of six dental implants and a bridge to replace the missing teeth in your jawline. The cost for this procedure starts at $18,000 and can take 2-6 months to complete.

Start your smile journey today

For more information about our treatments contact our friendly staff today. We offer a variety of cosmetic and general dental treatments for your convenience.

You can fill out our free online consultation form so we can customise a treatment plan catered towards your needs.

Alternatively, you can book an appointment online 24/7.

Shade selection for veneers

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If you are considering the treatment options of veneers, shade selection could be more challenging than deciding whether to get veneers in the first place.

Picking a shade which blends in well with your teeth, skin and facial features will require you to work with your dentist to ascertain an accurate contrast that suits you best.

Therefore, your shade selection is crucial to achieve your desired results. Because of this, we have outlined what is involved in getting veneers and provided you with tips on how to carefully select the right shade for you.

What are veneers?

Veneers are a popular way to enhance the look of your smile. Veneers are a thin layer of dental material which are placed over your teeth. As a result, they improve the aesthetic look of your teeth and help protect your teeth from further damage. Depending on the material, veneers can last over 10 years if you regularly maintain your oral hygiene.

Generally, veneers can be made from two different types of materials: porcelain and composite resin. Composite veneers consist of composite resin, a white filling material which are shaped directly inside your mouth.  Porcelain veneers are made from porcelain which is stronger and more durable than composite resin and is made through a laboratory.

Furthermore, veneers are custom-made to ascertain an accurate shape and colour to match your surrounding teeth. Depending on your case, you can expect to visit your dentist around three times throughout the treatment process.

At The White Bite, we offer several veneer treatments options including our Veneer Smile Makeover packages starting from $2,575. Fill out our free online consultation form so that we can recommend the best treatment option suitable for you.

When should you get veneers?

If you are looking to restore or enhance your natural smile veneers are the perfect option for you. There are several underlying reasons why patients undergo this type of treatment. You should get veneers when your teeth are:

  • Stained or discoloured
  • Chipped or cracked
  • Widely spread apart

Why do veneers come in different shades?

If you decide to get veneers, one of the first choices you will have to make is the shade selection of your veneers.  When selecting the shade, there are several things you must consider such as the colour of your surrounding teeth. In the end, you do not want you veneers to stand out or out of place as this can make your teeth look unnatural. However, if you do wish for a lighter result, you may require more veneers to cover more teeth.

girl with dentist veneers shade selection

How do pick a veneer colour?

To ensure you choose the suitable colour for your veneers, your dentist will use a shade card and compare it with your teeth.

Shade cards help your dentist to colour match your teeth with your new veneers as accurately as possible. A shade card comes in four different colours:

  • Reddish brown (A)
  • Reddish yellow (B)
  • Grey (C)
  • Reddish grey (D)
  • Bleach Shades (BL)

Tips for shade selection

For the shade matching process, your dentist will place the shade card adjacent to your teeth and select an accurate match. As a result, your veneers will be made to match this colour.

Don’t rush the shade selection

Take your time when you and your dentist are selecting your veneers’ shade selection. Make sure you choose the right option for you. Discuss your wishes and desired outcome with your dentist. It is important to select the shade of your veneers carefully as they will last a long time.

Use your eyes for guidance

In general, your veneers should not be any whiter than the whites in your eyes. The whites in your eyes can be used a guideline when deciding on the brightness of your veneers.

Consider your surrounding teeth

In most cases, you will not receive veneers on all your surrounding teeth. You may choose to get them whitened before you undergo your veneer treatment.

To enhance your aesthetic look, it is recommended that you choose a shade selection to match your natural teeth. However, you should further consult with your dentist to obtain your desired outcome.

Do some research

Before you undergo or even consider getting veneers you should do some research on similar veneer cases on our website. By doing this, you will begin to understand how well different shades interact and look on people.

Furthermore, you can understand how well your veneers will match your surrounding facial features such as skin undertones and eye colour. Therefore, you will be able to select the right shade for your treatment.

Book an appointment

Are you looking to get veneers? The White Bite offers a variety of veneer smile makeover packages catered towards your needs.

Additionally, you can start your smile journey today with our free online consultation form.

Alternatively, you can book an appointment online 24/7 or contact our friendly staff to consult with one of our dentists.

 

Christmas oral health tips

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Over the silly season, many of us love to indulge in festive sweets and treats that unfortunately, aren’t the best for our pearly whites. With a few simple Christmas oral health tips from The White Bite, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape for the Christmas holidays.

The White Bite encourages you to book an appointment for your regular check-up and clean ahead of the Christmas and New Year period with our friendly dentists.

Also, if you want to look your best this Christmas, The White Bite offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services to make your smile the hero of this holiday season.

Whether it be one of our smile makeover packages, a new set of veneers, or a sparkling teeth whitening treatment, The White Bite has you covered!

Check out some of our amazing before and after transformation cases here!

1: Keep the grazing at bay

During a regular day, meal-times are generally broken into separate windows. The White Bite recommends coupling this with an effective brushing and flossing routine after each meal, which ensures your teeth are well taken care of. However, snacking and grazing is much more frequent during the Christmas period, meaning your teeth aren’t getting a chance to recover. Also, an effective oral hygiene routine may be swept to the side.

It may be awfully tempting to reach for the candy in the bowl or sneak a slice of Christmas cake from the tin, but it’s important to remember to brush and floss after every meal. This ensures your teeth are kept free of food and debris, that can ultimately lead to bacterial build-up – causing dental decay, cavities or gingivitis.

By keeping your Christmas meal sittings at regular intervals, you can look after your smile while also keeping your waistline happy too! This ensures you can maintain your oral hygiene routine with flawless form throughout the season! To keep Christmas snacking to a minimum, chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to keep cravings at bay between meals.

2: Keep the bubbles to a minimum

It seems obvious to raise a glass and make a toast over the festive season, but prosecco and champagne is highly acidic, with excess amounts wreaking havoc on your teeth. By cutting back on the bubbles and only consuming in moderation, your teeth will stay protected.

The same goes for other alcoholic beverages, with excess sugar content spelling disaster for your smile! The White Bite recommends using a straw where possible to minimise risk and take care of your teeth this season.

3: Healthy snack alternatives

Vegetable crudités, anyone? There is a whole range of healthy snack alternatives you can prepare over Christmas time – that are better for you and better for your smile!

Veggie platters with dip or hummus are a great alternative to sugary treats. We also recommend breaking out the nutcracker and some nuts for a delicious and healthy Christmas snack. Treats don’t have to be laden with sugar to be delicious. If you still like it sweet, using artificial sweeteners such as Stevia will keep the oral nasties at bay.

4: Christmas activities come first!

It may seem logical to sit down and eat whatever you see in sight over the holiday period. After all, you worked hard this year and deserve to relax! You most certainly earned the candy canes, mince pies and a drink or two.

However, meaningful Christmas activities should take pride of place over simply snacking. With a whole range of things to do at Christmas time, you can avoid the brownie or gingerbread by keeping busy!

The White Bite recommends a few of these to stay busy and keep your oral health in check:

  • Christmas craft activities
  • Decorating the tree
  • Writing Christmas letters and cards
  • Making home-made stockings
  • Creating a Christmas light display in the yard
  • Cooking some healthy Christmas treats
  • Playing a game of Christmas cricket
  • Starting an all-star Christmas Carol group

5: Finish with some cheese

After gorging on a delicious Christmas meal and maybe a few red wines, try some cheese for dessert! Cheese is heralded for its myriad of dental benefits. Cheese is highly effective at reducing the acid levels in your mouth after eating, therefore protecting your precious enamel.

6: Be careful when eating

At The White Bite, we have seen first-hand the damage some foods can do to your teeth. We recommend using caution when biting into hard foods, such as pork crackling or Christmas candy. The last thing we want to see is a cracked or chipped tooth from getting a little too festive with your food.

With mindful eating habits and a few small tweaks, you can ensure your teeth are kept in optimal health during the Christmas holidays. If something bad does happen (touch wood), please get in touch with us immediately.

The White Bite wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to assisting you with all your dental care needs in 2020!

Our Christmas hours are below for your reference:

Monday 23rd Dec 8.00am – 5.00pm

Tuesday 24th Dec Closed

Wednesday 25th Dec Closed

Thursday  26th Dec Closed

Friday 27th Dec 8.00am – 5.00pm

Sat 28th Dec 8.00am – 12.00pm

Monday  30th Dec 8.00am – 5.00pm

Tuesday 31st Dec Closed

Wednesday 1st Jan Closed

Thursday 2nd Jan 8.00 – 7.00pm

Start your smile journey today

For more information, please contact the friendly team at The White Bite today.

We offer a range of cosmetic and restorative dental services and our practice is conveniently located in Emerald Lakes. Best of all, we offer a free online consultation and a personalised approach to best help you. Alternatively, you can book a consultation appointment with one of our dentists online 24/7.