Adult’s Dentistry FAQs

Maintaining your teeth and gums as you age is an important step in sustaining your general health and wellbeing. Whilst exercising, eating well and regular health checks are important – looking after your teeth and gums is also essential. Good dental health can help you to lead a long and healthy life as the health of your smile is intrinsically linked to your overall wellbeing.

Routine visits to your dentist are of great importance. By visiting the dentist every six months for a thorough examination and clean our dental team may be able to detect any dental problems early and limit the extent of the problem. It is also essential to brush at least twice each day (after breakfast and dinner) and floss once a day. This will help to prevent decay and gum disease. Speak with our team during your next visit for more information on preventive care and hygiene.

If your teeth become damaged, lost or simply worn over time, there are a number of options available to treat these problems. If teeth are lost, then dental implants, dentures or bridges may be an option for you. If a tooth needs rebuilding, then crowns, inlays or onlays could be the solution. For cosmetic changes teeth whitening, veneers and bonding are amongst some of the treatments that you could consider. During your initial consultation we will evaluate your dental condition and work with you to determine the best treatment option for your individual situation.

Teeth may seem to darken as plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as we age. Staining from coffee, tea, soft drinks, certain medications and smoking can also occur. Changes in dentin may cause teeth to appear a little darker as well.

Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dental practice focused on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, gums, and smile. While primarily concerned with aesthetics, many cosmetic procedures also provide functional benefits. These treatments utilise various restorative materials and techniques to address dental concerns such as discolouration, chips, cracks, misalignment, gaps, and tooth shape. Common procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, bonding, and crowns.

It is important for patients to have a consultation with a qualified dental practitioner to discuss their goals, understand the appropriate treatment options, and be informed of the associated risks and benefits. All dental treatment in Australia, including cosmetic procedures, must be performed by registered practitioners adhering to the standards and guidelines set by the Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA.

A candidate for cosmetic dentistry is any individual who is looking to improve the appearance of their smile and whose oral health is suitable for the desired procedure. The most important factor is that a candidate must have good underlying oral health, or any existing issues (such as gum disease or tooth decay) must be treated first. A comprehensive examination with a qualified dental practitioner is essential to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for a specific cosmetic procedure.

At TFI Connect Dentistry, one of our registered dentists will discuss the patient's goals, explain the appropriate treatment options, and outline the associated benefits, risks, and limitations to support informed decision-making.

Teeth whitening is a commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedure. It is a treatment aimed at lightening the natural colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. Many patients choose this treatment to address discolouration or to achieve a brighter smile.

The suitability and outcomes of teeth whitening can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors such as the original tooth colour and the cause of staining. A consultation with a dental practitioner is necessary to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate, to explain the different options available (including in-chair and take-home kits), and to discuss realistic outcomes, potential risks, and side effects.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments can be used to address a range of concerns with the aim of improving the appearance of a person's smile. It is important to note that the suitability of any procedure and the specific results that can be achieved vary for each individual and depend on their unique circumstances and oral health.

A consultation with a qualified dental practitioner is essential to discuss your goals, determine which treatments are appropriate for you, and understand the potential outcomes, limitations, and risks involved.

Some of the aesthetic concerns that may be addressed through various cosmetic dental procedures include:

• Improving the appearance of discoloured or stained teeth
• Reducing the appearance of gaps between teeth
• Addressing the appearance of crowded teeth
• Improving the appearance of overlapping or crooked teeth
• Repairing the appearance of chipped teeth
• Concealing blemishes or imperfections on the tooth surface
• Replacing missing teeth
• Repairing broken teeth
• Replacing existing amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured restorations
• Reshaping gum tissue to alter the appearance of a 'gummy' smile

All dental treatments in Australia must be performed by registered practitioners adhering to the standards set by the Dental Board of Australia.