The Problem

The patient presented to us seeking advice regarding severe tooth wear. Although they were not experiencing any discomfort, they had become increasingly aware of shortening of the lower front teeth and changes in the appearance of their smile over time.

During examination, significant tooth wear was noted not only on the lower teeth, but particularly on the palatal surfaces of the upper front teeth. The pattern of wear had resulted in loss of tooth structure, reduced incisal length and changes to the overall bite relationship.

As a significant amount of tooth structure had already been lost, we aimed to restore the teeth in the most conservative way possible while also helping reduce the overall treatment cost.

Our Approach

With the patient’s budget in mind, we discussed a range of treatment options to close the gaps between the front teeth. In this case, a simple and cost-effective solution using bonded resin fillings was recommended.

This approach allows us to reshape and close spaces without removing any natural tooth structure, unlike more involved treatments such as porcelain veneers. It is a conservative option that preserves the teeth while still achieving an excellent aesthetic result.

As the procedure is minimally invasive, no local anaesthetic was required at any stage, making the experience comfortable and straightforward for the patient.

The Result

As a result of treatment, approximately 7 mm of height was restored to the front teeth along with a more natural and balanced smile.

The final result restored the patient’s tooth proportions, smile aesthetics and functional bite while maintaining a highly conservative treatment philosophy.

The patient was extremely pleased with the outcome and appreciated that the rehabilitation could be completed without aggressive preparation, injections or full coverage crowns.

Faq's

As a family-owned and operated practice, we occasionally take time away for holidays and family commitments. During these times, our phones and emails may not be monitored, and we understand how stressful a dental emergency can be.

If you have an urgent dental issue outside our normal hours or while we’re away, you can find an emergency or after-hours dentist through the Australian Dental Association (SA Branch) website:
www.sa.ada.org.au/after-hours-and-emergency-dentists

They maintain an up-to-date list of practices across South Australia that can assist with urgent care when your regular dentist is unavailable.

We look forward to helping you again once we’re back in the clinic and hope you’re comfortable until then.

Two options exist for maintaining your new straight smile. The first is a bonded wire placed discreetly on the back of the teeth, and the second is routine use of clear removable retainers. Both are effective, and we will help you choose which option is right for you.
Gum disease treatment requires lifelong maintenance following the initial procedure. We’ll provide you with the tools and techniques for effective cleaning at home, along with regular professional maintenance cleanings up to four times per year. Additionally, we measure your gum health annually to ensure your smile stays on track.
Dental implants have the best chance of success if the bone is given time to bond with the implant before adding the new tooth. The minimum time we recommend is three months. If the tooth has been recently extracted, the bone may require an additional 2-3 months to heal prior to implant placement.
We keep emergency appointments open each day to help patients in need of urgent care. Please call us directly at 8366 2221 if you are unable to book an appointment online, and we will help assess the problem and get you an appointment as quickly as possible.
Dental cavities often cause no pain until the problem is quite advanced. We prefer to see patients early to avoid more significant treatment down the road. We are more than happy to examine the area, even if there ends up being no issue, to provide you with peace of mind.
We typically see young children from about two years of age, as this is when they can usually sit on a parent’s lap and allow us to examine their teeth. However, we’re happy to see children of any age if you have concerns or questions regarding their development.
This varies based on age, temperament, and previous dental experiences. We assess how your child might respond during the initial exam and cleaning. We believe that a young child’s first dental experience should be positive, so if we think treatment might cause stress, we may recommend treatment under light sedation with a trusted paediatric specialist.
Nightguards act as a barrier to prevent your teeth from grinding together while you sleep. As long as your nightguard fits comfortably and isn’t fractured, it can still be used. People typically replace nightguards if they break or become stained over time. Replacement every 2-3 years is common, depending on the level of grinding. Also, please keep nightguards out of pets’ reach, as they are often a favourite chew toy for dogs!
Before providing a cleaning, we need to ensure your teeth are healthy and that there’s a plan to prevent future issues. For this reason, a full exam and recent X-rays are required before scheduling a cleaning.

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Christmas Hours

Thankyou everyone for your support this year and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy new year!

We we be taking a break for for a family holiday starting  December 23, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

If you have a dental emergency over the break North Adelaide Dental Care will be open and can be contacted on (08) 8267 1894