FAQs

We understand that life happens, and sometimes going to the Dentist after such a long time can be scary. At Tewantin Family Dental, we won’t judge you, we just want to help. Just let one of our friendly receptionists know that it’s been a while, and we can start with a basic check-up with some small x-rays to help us understand how to help you. We will then discuss what treatment you may require and make a plan to help you get back-up to speed.

Just like anything we use daily, be it dentures, car tyres and hips, everything we use eventually wears-down. On average, a dentures can last between 5-7 years. Depending on your diet and habits, some may need to be replaced more often, while others can be modified to fit and function better. Rob, our Prosthetist offers a free consultation to help you understand what may suit you.

Well done for practicing great oral hygiene! While brushing and flossing are really important to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, sometimes there are other factors that make people more likely to get holes in their teeth. Some of these include having a dry mouth, being on certain medications or experiencing different health conditions. Even the types and frequency of the different foods and drinks we consume can make you more likely to develop holes in your teeth. Everyone is different, but we can help you understand what could be behind your issue.

All of us at Tewantin Family Dental really care about our patients. The best way to overcome a fear is to face it! We particularly love winning-over the scaredy cats. Here are three tips to help make your visit easier.

1. Make early morning appointments – it will stop you from thinking about it all day.

2. It may help to bring a friend or partner along with you for support.

3. It always helps to make a check-up appointment first. It helps us get to know you, and for you to get to know us.

Your dentures or plates need to be cared for differently from your teeth. Here are some tips to keep them looking great!

• Do use a dedicated denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures, and a separate brush to clean any of your own teeth.

• Toothpaste can make dentures smell funny. Use liquid or bar soap rather than toothpaste to clean your dentures to keep them looking shiny and new.

• At least once to twice per week, soak your dentures using a special oral appliance or denture cleaning tablet.

• Overnight, do soak your dentures in water-filled container to give your mouth some room to ‘breath’.

• Try to clean your teeth and your dentures after every meal.

The answer is simple - You are never too old to get your teeth straightened. We can help you figure out which options might suit you best.

Unless you are brushing too hard, bleeding gums can indicate that you may have gum disease. As part of your check-up, we use a special tiny ruler that helps us work-out if you have gum disease. If you do, the good news is, in most instances, gum disease can be managed and treated well.

In most instances, yes. The main difference between the products you can buy at the shops versus what we offer at our practice is time. We are qualified to offer whitening products that work faster, but there are other things we consider when we discuss whitening. For instance, did you know whitening doesn’t work on teeth with white resin fillings, veneers, crowns, false-teeth or root canals?

The most common age for a first check-up is 2 years, but you are welcome to bring your toddler in when they cut their first teeth. We try to make check-ups for children as fun as possible. Regular visits help build trust between your child and us, and makes coming to the dentist normal and (believe it or not) a fun event. Your child may be eligible for bulk-billed dental care through Medicare. You can check their eligibility here.