Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic option for discreetly straightening teeth, but how effective are they for addressing severe alignment issues? In many cases, clear aligners can correct mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite problems. They work by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment using a series of custom-made, removable trays. If your alignment issues are more complex, clear aligners may still be an option, but it depends on your unique case.

Clear aligners can correct:

• Severe overbites
• Underbites
• Significant crowding

At Mitcham Central Dental, we offer personalised assessments to determine if clear aligners in Mitcham, VIC, are right for you. Thanks to advancements in aligner technology, we’re now able to treat more complex cases than ever before, often with results that are just as effective as traditional braces.

However, in some instances, especially where jaw positioning is involved, braces or a combination of orthodontic treatments might be more appropriate. We’ll take digital scans and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Clear Aligners in Mitcham, VIC 

We invite you to book a consultation with our friendly team. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide if clear aligners are the right fit for your smile goals.

The length of time for clear aligner treatment varies greatly depending on the specific needs of each patient and the complexity of their case. Generally, it takes anywhere from six to 18 months to complete, although some minor cases can be resolved in as little as three months, while more complex cases could take up to two years or more. This is why it's important to have an initial consultation with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the estimated timeline for your treatment.

During the consultation, the provider will assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a customised treatment plan that outlines each stage of the process. Advancements in clear aligner technology, like digital imaging and 3-D modelling, make it easier to predict how long treatment will take with greater accuracy than before.

It's important to wear your aligners as directed, which is typically for 20 to 22 hours a day. Not wearing them consistently or skipping aligner sets can delay your progress, and regular check-ups with your provider will help ensure your teeth are moving as planned and allow for any necessary adjustments to keep your treatment on track.

Clear Aligners in Mitcham, VIC 

We welcome your call. 

The results of teeth whitening can vary depending on individual habits and the type of whitening treatment used, but on average, professional teeth whitening typically lasts between six months to two years. Factors such as diet, oral hygiene and lifestyle choices can significantly impact how long your teeth maintain their results from whitening treatments.

For instance, frequent consumption of staining foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine or berries, can cause discolouration to return more quickly, as can smoking or using tobacco products. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, like brushing twice daily, flossing and attending regular dental cleanings, can help extend the longevity of your whitening results.

Touch-up treatments, whether in-office or using take-home kits provided by your dentist, can help maintain the brightness of your smile over time. Many patients opt for occasional touch-ups every six to 12 months.

Teeth Whitening in Mitcham, VIC

Ultimately, the lifespan of your whitening results depends on how well you care for your teeth and your ability to minimise exposure to staining agents. We recommend discussing maintenance options with your dental provider in Mitcham, VIC, to enjoy a whiter smile for as long as possible. Mitcham Central Dental welcomes your call.

The level of pain or discomfort associated with dental implants varies from patient to patient, as individual tolerance and healing rates differ. However, the procedure is generally performed under local anaesthesia, which means patients should not feel pain during the surgery itself, though you may experience pressure or mild discomfort while the implant is being placed.

After the procedure, it is common to experience some soreness, swelling or minor bruising in the implant area, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as recommended by your dentist or oral surgeon. Most patients report that the post-surgery discomfort is similar to having a tooth extracted, with the intensity subsiding significantly within a few days to a week.

In cases where multiple implants are placed or if bone grafting is required, the recovery period may involve additional discomfort, but these symptoms are generally temporary and improve as the area heals. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and to minimise any potential discomfort.

We Welcome Your Call

If you have concerns about pain or the recovery process, discuss them with your dental provider in Mitcham, VIC, as they can offer options to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

If your tooth has been knocked out, act quickly, as time is critical to save the tooth. Follow these steps:

• Locate the tooth. Find the tooth immediately and handle it carefully by the crown (the chewing surface). Avoid touching the root to prevent further damage.
• Rinse the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with water, but do not scrub it or use soap, chemicals or abrasive materials. Do not dry it with a tissue or towel.
• Try to reinsert the tooth. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket gently and hold it in place. Ensure it’s facing the correct way.
• Keep the tooth moist. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk, saline solution or saliva. Avoid storing it in water, as this can damage the root cells.
• Seek immediate dental care. Contact a dentist or emergency dental service right away. A tooth has the best chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Quick action can significantly increase the chances of saving your tooth, so don’t delay seeking professional help.

Our Emergency Dentist in Mitcham, VIC, Is Here for You

We invite you to call us for emergency dental care. 

Preparing for a full mouth reconstruction involves several steps to ensure a smooth process and the best possible outcome. Follow these guidelines to get ready:

• Arrange a consultation. Meet with your dentist to discuss your goals, concerns and the treatment plan. This visit may include a comprehensive exam, x-rays and digital imaging to assess your oral health and create a personalised plan.
• Understand the procedures. A full mouth reconstruction may involve multiple treatments, such as crowns, bridges, implants or orthodontics. Your dentist will explain the sequence and timeline of procedures to set clear expectations.
• Address existing issues. If you have cavities, gum disease or infections, these will need to be treated before reconstruction begins. Your dentist in Mitcham, VIC, may recommend cleanings or preliminary treatments to ensure your mouth is healthy enough for the procedures.
• Plan for recovery. Depending on the treatments involved, you may need time to heal between procedures. Arrange your schedule to allow for downtime, and stock up on soft foods and any medications your dentist recommends.
• Communicate with your dentist. Share any medical conditions, medications or concerns you have to ensure the treatment plan is tailored to your needs.

Proper preparation helps make your full mouth reconstruction journey more comfortable and successful.

We Welcome Your Call

We invite you to contact us for more information.

Yes. Many dental practices, including ours, are happy to provide care for your entire family, offering services tailored to all ages, from young children to seniors. Family dental care means your household can enjoy the convenience of seeing the same dentist for everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more advanced treatments.

For children, we focus on creating a welcoming and fun environment to help them build positive dental habits early. Services for kids often include gentle cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants to protect against cavities.

Adults benefit from a wide range of preventive, restorative and cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening, fillings, crowns and orthodontic options. Seniors receive care that addresses their unique dental needs, like dentures, implants and gum health.

Arranging visits for the whole family can be streamlined, allowing you to book appointments back-to-back or at the same time for added convenience.

By choosing a family-friendly dental practice, you ensure consistent, high-quality care for everyone in your household while fostering a comfortable relationship with your dental team.

Ready to Get Started? 

We invite you to contact our Mitcham dentist today to arrange an appointment for you or your loved ones.

After oral surgery, it is important to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid complications, as these steps are designed to promote recovery and minimise discomfort or risks such as infection or dry socket.

Immediately after surgery, you should bite down gently on gauze placed over the surgical site to control bleeding and allow a clot to form, replacing the gauze as needed, and avoid rinsing, spitting or using a straw for at least 24 hours to prevent dislodging the clot.

It is recommended to stick to soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce or soup during the first few days and to avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site or cause discomfort. Keeping your head elevated while resting can help reduce swelling, and applying an ice pack to the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals may also alleviate swelling and discomfort.

Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing gently around the surgical area and rinsing with a saltwater solution after the first 24 hours, and avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as these can significantly impair healing.

Our Mitcham Dental Clinic Welcomes You

For any concerns, prolonged pain or unexpected symptoms, please contact your dental provider immediately for guidance.

Gum disease can be reversible in its initial stage, referred to as 'gingivitis', which is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth leading to redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. With proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and arranging professional dental cleanings, gingivitis can be resolved, and the gums can return to a healthy condition.

If gum disease progresses to the advanced stage, known as 'periodontitis', it is no longer considered reversible. Periodontitis involves damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and connective tissues. However, with appropriate periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planing, along with improved oral care habits, the progression of the disease can be managed and further damage minimised.

The ability to reverse or control gum disease depends on early detection and consistent adherence to oral hygiene recommendations. It is important to arrange regular dental checkups and report any symptoms such as gum bleeding, swelling or persistent bad breath to your dental provider promptly for evaluation and treatment. Following professional advice can help maintain the long-term health of your gums and teeth.

We Offer Periodontal Care in Mitcham, VIC

We welcome your call today. 

Sleep apnoea is a common condition, but many people go undiagnosed because they don’t recognise the symptoms. Here are some signs that may indicate you might have sleep apnoea:

• Loud snoring: If your snoring is loud enough to disturb others or happens almost every night, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Pauses in breathing: Often, sleep apnoea causes brief interruptions in breathing during sleep. These may be noticed by a partner or family member.
• Daytime fatigue: Feeling excessively tired during the day, even after a full night of sleep, is a common symptom. Sleep apnoea disrupts restful sleep, leaving you groggy or struggling to concentrate.
• Morning headaches: Waking up with frequent headaches may result from low oxygen levels during sleep.
• Dry mouth or sore throat: These symptoms are often caused by mouth breathing associated with sleep apnoea.
• Mood changes: Irritability, depression or anxiety can also be related to poor-quality sleep caused by sleep apnoea.

If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, we recommend consulting a medical professional. A sleep study may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. Treatment options, including oral appliances or CPAP therapy, can improve your quality of life and overall health.

Let Us Offer Our Help

We provide treatment for sleep apnoea and snoring in Mitcham, VIC. We welcome your call. 

TMJ disorders may resolve on their own in some cases, especially if the symptoms are mild and caused by temporary factors like stress or muscle tension. However, persistent or worsening symptoms often require treatment to prevent long-term issues.

Minor discomfort or jaw clicking might subside with simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding hard foods, practicing stress management or resting the jaw. Applying heat or cold packs can also help alleviate minor pain or swelling.

For moderate to severe TMJ disorders, professional treatment is usually necessary. If symptoms like chronic pain, jaw locking or difficulty chewing persist, they are unlikely to go away without intervention. Ignoring these issues can lead to further damage, such as worn teeth or worsening joint problems.

Your dentist in Mitcham, VIC, can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate care, which may include nightguards, physical therapy or medication. In rare cases, advanced treatments like injections or surgery may be required.

We Welcome Your Call 

While some TMJ symptoms can improve over time, addressing the root cause is the best way to ensure relief and prevent complications. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort, it’s essential to seek professional advice. Please don't hesitate to call us for assistance.