FAQs

We strive to provide every patient with the best dental care possible.

In keeping with our commitment to individualized treatment, the initial examination is performed in two phases, one with a dentist and the other with a hygienist. Each phase takes about an hour, including visual examination, consultation, and possibly diagnostics as needed. The goal of the first visit is for us to get to know you, understand your unique dental needs, answer any questions you may have, learn about your aesthetic goals, scheduling or budget issues, and discuss your various options.

After the initial visit, your dentist and hygienist devise an optimized and personalized treatment plan. We will invite you back for a follow up about a week later, at no additional charge. During this appointment, you will meet with the treatment coordinator to review and discuss your plan, which is designed to address all dental issues including:

• Dental caries (also called decay or cavities)
• Periodontal health including gum disease treatment
• Functionality, including tooth alignment, cracked teeth, or gaps between teeth
• Cosmetic treatment to enhance the appearance of your smile or correct aesthetic flaws

Your consultation with the treatment coordinator will include reviewing radiographs, photographs, models, and other diagnostics to help you understand which treatments are recommended and what they will accomplish. We will only recommend treatments or plans that we believe will achieve the best possible results. However, if there is more than one good option, you will be presented with a choice, and a comprehensive explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed plan.

For your convenience, we accept several forms of payment. Your options are:

• Interest free payment plans with National Dental Plan (Certegy Easi-Pay)
• EFTPOS
• HICAPS
• Visa, MasterCard, American Express
• Cash

We are happy to assist our patients with private health insurance claims. Simply bring your insurance card to your appointment, and we will use the HICAPS system to electronically file your insurance claims. Any difference in cost can be paid in the same system using your EFTPOS card.

We choose digital x-ray technology for several reasons. This technique only uses about 20 percent as much radiation as standard film x-rays do, which is healthier for you as well as the environment. Digital x-rays do not involve film, so there is no harmful chemical waste produced as a by-product of processing. Additionally, these images are clearer and immediately viewable, improving the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostics.

Smile in Style is equipped with a secure, state-of-the-art computerised record system. This allows us to easily make appointments, share vital information with our patients, and collaborate between offices when necessary. Both of our offices are set up on this system, which means no matter which office you visit, all of your pertinent patient information will be readily accessible.

Holistic dentistry—sometimes called biological or integrative dentistry—focuses on oral health as an essential part of overall well-being, emphasising the connection between the mouth and the entire body. While traditional dentistry focuses mainly on diagnosing and treating issues in the teeth and gums, holistic dentists consider how oral health is connected to overall wellness. This often includes using biocompatible materials, minimising exposure to toxins (like mercury), and addressing underlying causes of dental problems such as diet, sleep, or systemic inflammation. Holistic Dentists often work closely with other specialists and allied health care professionals to improve patient care.

Yes. A key principle of holistic dentistry is using materials considered safe, non-toxic, and compatible with the body. This often means avoiding substances like mercury-based amalgam fillings or fluoride when possible. Instead, holistic dentists opt for BPA-free composites, ceramic restorations, zirconia implants and other biocompatible alternatives to support both oral and systemic health.

Holistic dentistry doesn't treat chronic health conditions directly, but it can help identify and address oral contributors to systemic issues. For example, gum disease has been linked to heart problems, diabetes and pre term births and jaw alignment or airway issues can impact sleep and energy levels. By viewing the mouth as part of the entire body, holistic dentists often collaborate with other healthcare providers to support long-term wellness.

Cosmetic dentistry is dedicated to improving the look of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. It covers a variety of elective treatments, including natural-looking fillings, teeth whitening, dental veneers, bonding, Clear Aligners to straighten teeth, crowns, and full smile makeovers. These treatments correct discolouration, misalignment, chips, gaps, and other aesthetic concerns. While the primary goal is improving your smile, many cosmetic procedures also support better oral health and functionality, offering both beauty and strength. Modern techniques and advanced materials ensure natural-looking results are tailored to your facial features and personal goals.

Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone who wants to feel more confident about their smile, whether that means subtle refinements, full transformations or something in between. Some patients choose cosmetic dentistry to address lifelong insecurities, while others seek minor corrections like reshaping a tooth or whitening stained enamel. Today's cosmetic options are highly customisable, allowing your dentist to create a look that matches your personality, age, and lifestyle. Whether preparing for a big event or simply wanting to smile more freely in everyday life, cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a natural and confident appearance.

Yes, cosmetic dentistry is very safe when performed by an experienced dentist using high-quality materials and modern technology. Many treatments, like veneers or Clear Aligners, are not only effective but also biocompatible and minimally invasive. The longevity of your results depends on the specific procedure and how well you maintain your oral health. With regular dental checkups, daily brushing and flossing, and lifestyle choices like avoiding tobacco, vaping or foods that may stain your teeth; cosmetic results can last many years. Our team will guide you on the best ways to care for your smile and keep it looking great long after treatment.

The Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry advises that children visit the dentist for the first time by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears, whichever happens sooner. Early dental visits help familiarise your child with the dental office environment. Having your child go for a ride in the dental chair when you have your own dental appointment, can make the dental visit a fun experience. This allows the dentist to develop trust with the child to monitor their teeth and jaw development. These visits also provide an opportunity to educate parents about proper oral hygiene, diet, and habits that promote healthy teeth from the very start. Starting early means potential problems can be caught and managed before they worsen.

Preventing cavities involves a combination of good daily habits and professional care. Encourage your child to brush twice daily with toothpaste and floss regularly as soon as teeth touch. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is essential because sugar feeds the cavity-causing bacteria. Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to pick up any problems early. Teaching children the importance of oral care early fosters a positive attitude toward dental health that can last a lifetime.

Baby teeth are more than just placeholders for permanent teeth. They assist with proper chewing and nutrition, aid speech development, and guide permanent teeth into their correct positions. If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, it can result in misalignment or crowding problems later on. Caring for baby teeth ensures your child maintains a healthy mouth and prevents discomfort or infections that could affect overall health. Healthy baby teeth play an important role in boosting your child's confidence and overall well-being, which in turn supports their growth and development.

General dentistry covers a comprehensive range of services to maintain and improve oral health. These services include routine dental exams, looking for decay, misalignment of teeth, oral cancer screening and addressing your concerns. Apart from giving you a professional clean, our hygienists/oral health therapists also check your gums for gum disease, remove staining and tartar on your teeth which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Your dentist may also perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, or a Cone Beam CT scan which is a 3D image of your teeth and jaw which can detect issues not visible during a regular exam. Restorative treatments like fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and root canals repair damaged teeth and restore function. General dentistry addresses issues like tooth sensitivity and oral infections and provides education on daily oral hygiene practices. By focusing on preventive care and early detection, general dentistry can help you avoid more extensive and expensive procedures in the future.

Routine dental visits to see the dentist and hygienist/oral health therapist are typically recommended every six months for most patients, which allows the dentist and hygienist/oral health therapist to monitor your oral health regularly and provide professional cleanings. However, your individual needs might require more frequent appointments. For example, if you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions like diabetes, your dentist might suggest checkups every three to four months. Regular checkups ensure early detection and treatment of issues before they become serious.

A comprehensive dental exam at Smile In Style will take approximately 45 minutes. During this time your dentist will discuss with you, your dental concerns, evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues for any signs of decay, infection, or abnormalities. They will review your dental and medical history, ask about any pain or sensitivity that you may be experiencing, and perform a visual and tactile examination. Photographs and X-rays are taken as a base line and to identify hidden issues such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth. After the examination, your dentist and treatment coordinator will discuss the findings. They will plan out your care and will recommend any necessary treatments, optional treatments or preventive measures. They will also recommend that you see our hygienist/oral health therapist to assess your gums for periodontal disease and perform professional dental cleaning. The treatment coordinator will coordinate appointments for you and discuss payment options. They are also there as a point of contact should you have any ongoing questions about your dental care.

Laser dentistry uses highly focused light beams to perform dental treatments with precision and control. This advanced technology allows dentists to target specific areas in the mouth—whether it's hard tissue like teeth or soft tissue such as gums—without affecting surrounding areas. The laser's energy can remove decay, reshape gums, reduce sensitivity, and disinfect and clean root canals in root canal therapy. This results in less pain, reduced bleeding, and quicker healing times than traditional dental instruments like drills and scalpels. Patients typically experience less discomfort and treatment can often be done without anaesthetic during procedures, making laser dentistry an attractive option for those seeking a gentler treatment experience. For this reason, dental lasers are terrific when treating children.

Laser dentistry is incredibly versatile and can be used for numerous procedures. Common treatments include cavity removal, gum disease treatment by removing infected tissue, root canal sterilisation using the SWEEPS technique, and soft tissue surgeries like frenectomies or biopsy removals. Lasers can also be used to enhance healing after surgery (laser biostimulation), reduce bacteria and promote tissue regeneration. This technology often results in faster procedures with less bleeding and swelling, improving patient comfort and shortened recovery time.

Laser dentistry is safe for most patients, including children, seniors, and those with dental anxiety or sensitivity. However, it may not be ideal for every dental issue. Extremely deep cavities, extensive restorations, or complex surgical cases may require traditional methods. Your dentist will assess your oral health and treatment needs to determine whether laser technology is the best choice. When appropriate, laser dentistry offers a minimally invasive alternative that can enhance your comfort and treatment outcomes, making dental visits more pleasant and less stressful.

Restorative dentistry is a branch of dental care focused on repairing and restoring teeth that are decayed, damaged, or missing. Its goal is to improve your smile's function and appearance while protecting your oral health. Common treatments include dental fillings to repair cavities, crowns to cover and strengthen weakened teeth, bridges to replace one or more missing teeth, dentures for multiple missing teeth, root canal therapy to save infected teeth, and dental implants for a long-lasting tooth replacement option. By restoring damaged teeth, these treatments help maintain proper bite alignment, prevent further dental issues, and improve your ability to eat and speak comfortably.

You may require restorative dental treatment if you experience tooth pain, increased sensitivity, or notice visible damage such as cracks, chips, or large cavities. Missing teeth or difficulty chewing are also signs that restorative care might be necessary. Additionally, persistent infections or swelling in your gums could indicate underlying issues requiring intervention. Regular dental exams are essential because your dentist can detect early signs of damage or decay that might not be causing discomfort yet. Early diagnosis allows for simpler, less invasive restorative options that can save your natural teeth and reduce the risk of complications.

Restorative dental procedures are usually done using local anaesthetic, which helps ensure patients experience minimal to no pain throughout the treatment. With modern advancements in dental technology and anaesthesia methods, many of these treatments have become less invasive and significantly more comfortable than in the past. Some procedures, like fillings or crowns using CEREC technology, can often be completed in just one visit. After treatment, discomfort or sensitivity is typically mild and temporary, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will provide post-treatment care instructions to support a smooth recovery and address any concerns you may have.