Is it necessary for me to receive a referral for orthodontic treatment?

No, you do not, however we recommend you see your dentist for a check-up before your braces are fitted.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Modern techniques/materials now allow mature patients to successfully undertake orthodontic treatment.

Due to the fact that an adult’s facial bones cease growing, certain asymmetrical corrections cannot be accomplished through braces alone. These changes can be supported using a combined approach of orthognathic surgery and orthodontics.

Do braces hurt?

It is not uncommon to experience some slight discomfort after placement of orthodontic appliances and following adjustment appointments. Until your lips and cheeks get used to the braces on your teeth, you may find it helpful to use a small amount of orthodontic wax around the brace that causes irritation.

Is teeth removal necessary as part of procedures?

Where possible this requirement is avoided, however, extraction of teeth may be recommended in certain cases. The decision to do this will only be initiated once an analysis of all possible alternatives is exhausted.

How are dental implants placed?

Once the dentist has prepared a small hole into the site concerned, dental implants are then placed into the jawbone. This area is slightly widened to accommodate the new implant and gum tissue is then replaced over the implant. From there a protective screw is positioned on top for healing. The implant is uncovered and an abutment is attached to hold the crown or tooth to the implant.

How long do dental implants last?

When proper hygiene is followed and regular dental check-ups are maintained, a dental implant restoration can remain in place and function properly for more than 40 years.

What is the minimum age for dental implants?
Dental implants can be placed anytime after bone growth is complete.

Can smokers have dental implants?

Smoking can lead to major complications when it comes to dental implants. It is advisable to quit smoking before undergoing dental implant procedures as smokers are at higher risk of dental implant failure.

How long does this procedure last?

It’s important to recognise that this is not a permanent solution and will need to be repeated regularly to maintain desired results. If you eat or drink items which may stain your teeth, the effects may not last.

Treatment frequency can range from monthly to a yearly, depending on the condition of your teeth.

Do I need to get a dental clean before my teeth whitening treatment?

We strongly recommend a dental clean prior to any teeth whitening if you are due for one. This will help you achieve a longer lasting result.

Can this treatment damage my teeth?

Poor quality tooth whitening products may damage the enamel on your teeth. That being said, products which contain 100% carbamide peroxide are safe to use and won’t hurt your enamel.

You will be glad to know that there is no evidence to show that tooth whitening products can damage your nerves.

Does this treatment fix stains from smoking?

Yes, although stains from smoking can often be challenging to remove. Our team can advise how best to approach stains caused by smoking.

Who are the best candidates for dermal filler injections?

Dermal fillers can be used for both men and women who want to enhance their facial features. This procedure covers corrections such as:

⋅ Lips
⋅ Cheeks
⋅ Reducing signs of ageing on face
⋅ Restoring lost facial volume of youth

What can I expect?
The goal of this treatment is to restore your youthful contours, while still maintaining a natural appearance. The volume of the filler used depends on the amount of volume restoration required.

Our qualified physician will go through your medical history, advise the most appropriate way forward and talk through costs, risks and potentials.

Is the procedure safe?

The substances in our dermal filler injections are naturally occurring in the body and have been studied for over 20 years. They hold similar safety profiles to prescriptive drugs and are generally safe.

Are there any possible side effects?

Dermal fillers are generally well tolerated and have few side effects.

Common side effects may include:

⋅ Swelling in the treatment area (usually subsides in 2-3 days)
⋅ Needle bruising (depends on treatment area, eg. your lips tend to bruise more than your cheeks)

Less common side effects may include:

⋅ Dizziness and nausea
⋅ Lumpiness (however usually amenable through massaging)
⋅ Delayed onset of lumps or nodules in the treatment site after 3-6 months. This is generally associated with the inflammatory process and can be managed

Very rare side effects may include:

⋅ Infections
⋅ Injection of filler into blood vessels

How do I know that I am experiencing a dental emergency?

If you are experiencing severe pain, it is advised that you get in contact with us to support you with a relevant dental service. Some examples of where you may need an emergency appointment can include:

⋅ Broken/cracked tooth
⋅ Gum swelling
⋅ Pimple-like lesions growing on gums
⋅ Foreign like objects lodged between teeth
⋅ Dental restoration eg. filling or a crown

Please contact us at your earliest opportunity and one of our specialists will diagnose your situation and provide the necessary treatment plan to treat your situation.

What is generally involved with emergency dental appointments?

The objective of an emergency dental appointment is to analyse your immediate need, resolve the issue at hand and alleviate the pain from being experienced.

If ongoing care is required, our team will advise of a relevant treatment plan and confirm when future visitations are required.

What if I have a toothache?

Dental pain can be excruciating. Usually, this sort of indicator could be demonstrative of a dental infection and if this is the case, you may need to seek treatment immediately.

What if my tooth is broken? How soon can I be seen?

Here at Smile Crew, we do our very best to administer same-day procedures where possible. Instances where this scenario cannot be immediately addressed, we will schedule an appointment for you to be seen ASAP.

What is Digital Smile Design?

DSD enables you to plan and confirm your smile makeover prior to any actual intensive treatment taking place through the use of tools such as photography, dynamic video and other specialised software.

A “mock-up” is drafted to illustrate how the finished treatment can potentially look like.

What dental treatments are performed using Digital Smile Design (DSD)?

Using DSD, your dentist can co-design your smile with you – showing you how the result will look. This is a truly unique process – for a truly unique smile.

Rather than having to hope you will like how your smile looks at the end of treatment, you will be able to see for yourself – in a digital preview on your face.

Your dentist will also use DSD to plan treatment, giving greater accuracy and precision to treatment planning. For example, if dental implants are to be placed, your dentist will use DSD to choose the optimum placement for success.

A range of cosmetic dental treatments are carried out with the assistance of DSD technology. These can include:

⋅Veneers
⋅Crowns
⋅Bridges
⋅Variety of dental implants

DSD generally supports patients who have lost, broken and/or damaged some or all of their upper/lower teeth.

How much will it cost to have Digital Smile Design performed?

You will get an accurate breakdown of costs and proposed treatment so you can plan accordingly. Book a consultation today and our team will be able to assist with the process.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

From a historic standpoint, our ancient human ancestors used their wisdom teeth to grind up food which they found hard to digest. Historically they had large jaws and ample room to accommodate a third set of molars.

Modern humans have evolved since to eating cooked food and a more effective digestive system, hence less room in our mouths for wisdom teeth to fit.

In what instances do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?

Justification for this treatment which can include the below:

⋅Impaction – If there is not enough room for your wisdom teeth, they can become erupted, causing them to grow at an angle.
⋅Damage to other teeth – Impacted wisdom teeth can push against your second molars, potentially damaging them and making them more susceptible to tooth decay.
⋅Disease – Narrowed spaces between molars due to impaction also allows for bacteria to form easily. This may lead to inflammation, cysts and possible gum disease.

Removal of wisdom teeth can support in managing short and long term dental complications.

How are wisdom teeth generally removed?
Firstly, an incision is made into the gum to expose the tooth in question. If the tooth is difficult to remove, a process of dividing the tooth into several pieces before being removed may be actioned. Following this, the extraction site is cleaned and any lingering debris is detached. If required, the site is stitched up for healing before gauze is placed over the site to manage any bleeding.

To support with this procedure, your dentist may use local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia to numb your mouth and/or suppress your consciousness during the surgery. This will be discussed in advance.


What does the recovery process look like following this dental procedure?

Surgical removal of wisdom teeth generally comes with a greater level of post-operative discomfort. This pain can be managed however through recommended pain relief medication.

The recovery time involved for these procedures can vary, and is dependant on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. The team at Smile Crew will provide you with post operative instructions on the day of your appointment. It’s critical that these instructions are followed to assist with your healing.