Smile enhancement in Bundaberg
Chipped, worn, uneven or discoloured front teeth can be improved more simply than most people expect. Dr Darryl Lock has a special interest in smile enhancement, and our in-house CAD/CAM technology means ceramic work is designed and made on site.
Cosmetic dentistry at Acclaim Dental always starts with health. Gums and teeth are checked and treated first so the finished result lasts.
Options
- Teeth whitening, the quickest change and often the only one needed
- Composite bonding to repair chips, close small gaps and reshape edges in a single visit
- Tooth-coloured restorations to replace visible old fillings
- Ceramic veneers to change the shape, colour and alignment of front teeth
- Ceramic crowns for front teeth that are broken or heavily filled
- Gum contouring with our soft-tissue laser to even out a gummy or uneven gum line
How we plan it
Consultation
Tell us what you'd like to change. We take photos and a digital scan and talk through what's realistic.
Preview
For veneers and larger changes, a digital or wax mock-up lets you see the proposed result before any tooth is touched.
Treatment
Completed over one or more visits depending on the option chosen, with a review to fine-tune.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Composite bonding
Bonding uses the same tooth-coloured resin as a white filling, sculpted onto the front of the tooth to repair a chip, close a small gap, lengthen a worn edge or cover discolouration. It's done in one visit, usually without numbing, and costs a fraction of a veneer. Bonding stains more and lasts less long than ceramic, typically five to seven years, but it's easily touched up and it's fully reversible.
Ceramic veneers
A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers change colour, shape, length and minor alignment problems, and because they're ceramic they resist staining and keep their gloss for many years. A small amount of enamel is usually removed so the veneer sits flush. Our in-house CAD/CAM system means veneers are designed and milled on site, so the process is faster and you're involved in the design.
Veneers are a good option for teeth that are discoloured, chipped, worn, slightly crooked or oddly shaped. They're not the right option for teeth with large fillings or significant decay (a crown suits those better), or for heavy grinders who won't wear a night splint.
Gum contouring
Sometimes the teeth are fine and it's the gum line that's uneven, or too much gum shows when you smile. Our soft-tissue laser reshapes the gum line precisely with minimal bleeding and quick healing, often in a single short visit.
Costs and what to consider
You'll receive a written quote per tooth after your consultation. Cosmetic treatment is generally not covered by health funds, though where a crown or restoration also repairs a damaged tooth, part of it may be. Payment options include Denticare, Fund My Dental and ZIP Pay.
Think about longevity as well as price. Bonding is cheaper now and replaced sooner; ceramic costs more and lasts longer. Your dentist will give you both options.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.