FAQs.

We believe informed patients make the best choices for their oral health. To help you feel confident every step of the way, we’ve answered some of the questions we get asked most often.

  • It all begins with an idea. Almost half of New Zealand adults have some form of periodontal disease. However, the majority of them do not realise they have it. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums, bones and periodontal ligament (attachment fibres that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw). Periodontal disease is usually painless and silent, until its advanced stages. If left untreated, symptoms can include:

    • Persistent bad breath.

    • Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.

    • Red, swollen and tender gums.

    • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.

    • Loose or separating teeth.

    • Pus between the gum and tooth.

    • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

    Our dental practices are specially set up to treat and prevent symptoms of periodontal disease.

  • Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It is recommended to schedule a dental check-up at least every six months. During the examination, the dentist will look for cavities, abnormalities, plaque, and tartar. Plaque is a clear, sticky film of bacteria that, if not removed, can harden into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be eliminated by brushing or flossing. The accumulation of plaque and tartar can lead to oral diseases. While daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque, professional cleaning is necessary to remove tartar. During this cleaning, a dental hygienist uses specialized tools to perform scaling, effectively removing tartar buildup.

  • Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-coloured porcelain (ceramic) shells carefully crafted to bond to and cover the front of teeth. Similar to a false fingernail, the veneer can cover dark or yellow teeth, fill gaps, lengthen short or stubby teeth or straighten a crooked smile.

    A veneer creates a life-like tooth appearance and its translucency as it mimics the light absorption of your natural teeth enamel. Veneers are a more conservative treatment than a crown and are often used if the underlying tooth is strong and healthy.

  • Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s colour and shape and they generally don’t require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative.

    • They provide a natural tooth appearance.

    • Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.

    • Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.

    • The colour of a porcelain veneer can be selected so it makes dark teeth appear whiter.