Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are you in pain now?

  Your immediate wellbeing is our primary concern at Pitt Street Dental Centre. If you’re experiencing dental pain NOW and need an emergency dentist in Sydney CBD, then please call us IMMEDIATELY and we’ll make time for you IMMEDIATELY. Teeth problems usually happen when you least expect them and can often be a painful experience. Dental pain can occur for many reasons – however the most important outcome is to immediately alleviate the pain you are experiencing and then determine a permanent solution to ensure you remain pain free. Our friendly reception staff can assist to make an immediate appointment with our emergency dentist in CBD Sydney so we can get the problem sorted as soon as possible.  

  OCCASIONAL DENTAL PAIN

  Sometimes, dental pain only occurs in response to eating certain kinds of food, when you eat or drink something cold, or when you brush your teeth. This sort of pain is usually a signal that something requires attention and, if ignored, the issue can deteriorate and the outcome can be much more painful and require urgent treatment. Any pain you experience in your mouth should be examined by a dental professional as soon as you can get into a clinic and treatment may be simple and straightforward – which is much better than if it is ignored and allowed to deteriorate. If you experience any kind of dental pain, take advantage of our Free Examination offer and ensure it is not a symptom of a more severe problem. Our dentists in Sydney CBD are here to help you with regular checkups as well as emergency care so call us today.

• Do you have missing teeth?

  If you’ve recently lost a tooth or have had a tooth or teeth missing for some time, then it’s important to have this problem fixed immediately.

  Take advantage of our Free Examination offer and we can explain all the available treatment options. The position of all the teeth in your mouth is dependent on them being in contact with other teeth. Both side to side contact and contact when biting or chewing is important. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth will drift from their proper position in order to restore the necessary contact with other teeth. This initially creates a problem in appearance and inevitably causes major issues with how your mouth functions. So please call us immediately if you lose a tooth. A temporary solution can be implemented to maintain the proper positioning of your remaining teeth until a permanent solution can be found. This preventive treatment can mean the difference in time, cost and appearance of your tooth replacement. As part of your treatment, we will explain all the options that can be used to correct this problem which will depend on the overall health of your mouth, the number of teeth missing and your budget. Solutions can be either removable or permanently fixed in place, and your options depend on which tooth is missing and the strength of the supporting bone and teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Typical options for replacing missing teeth include dentures, a ceramic bridge or a dental implant. If you have a missing tooth, we will examine your full mouth in order to determine your exact situation and offer the best options to replace that missing tooth.

• Are your teeth crooked?

  CROOKED TEETH, INVISALIGN AND ORTHODONTICS

  If your teeth are in the wrong position in your mouth, are crooked or have gaps between them, then we offer the latest developments in high-tech orthodontic treatments that can make your smile straighter… and for a limited time at no extra cost… whiter too. Take advantage of our Free Examination offer and our Sydney orthodontist can explain all the available treatment options and if you proceed, we will whiten your teeth at the end of your treatment on the house. Orthodontics has been around for a long time – it works by applying pressure to your teeth over time, which causes your teeth to move. Luckily though, technology has improved the way orthodontics is applied with some great alternatives available. Orthodontics has moved beyond the obvious metal braces that you or your friends may have worn at school and options like high-tech, invisible aligners are now available.

  ADULT ORTHODONTICS

  Many developments in today’s orthodontic treatment have been focused on helping adult patients. If your teeth are crooked, orthodontic treatment at any age may be just what you need to give you a smile you can wear with confidence.

  INVISALIGN

  Invisalign is the breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of braces. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you’ll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into a straighter position step-by-step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike conventional braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.

  CONVENTIONAL BRACES

  Recent improvements in traditional braces have resulted in smaller, stronger, more efficient and less conspicuous brackets. Metal brackets are the most familiar, however, clear and tooth-coloured ceramic and plastic brackets are also available. Braces are bonded brackets, arch wires and elastic bands that move crowded or spaced teeth into the proper position for appearance and function. Over a period of time, teeth will shift if constant, gentle pressure is applied. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and wires are attached to the brackets with elastic bands. The slight tension on the wire is gently transferred to the bracket through the elastic band. Today’s orthodontic treatment is faster, comfortable and more fashionable than ever before for children, teens and adults. To chat about the possibility of orthodontics and what it can achieve for your smile, please contact our dental and orthodontist in Sydney CBD clinic and speak to an experienced member of our team.

• Do your teeth need cleaning?

  Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are the golden rules for good dental health. Daily brushing and flossing keeps healthy mouths healthy, however there are many other dental problems that brushing and flossing alone cannot fix. For this reason, we recommend all our patients come in for a check-up and clean every six months, just to make sure there are no problems that need to be addressed. If you haven’t visited our practice before or it’s been a long time since your last check-up, then please take advantage of our Free Examination offer so we can ensure your mouth is in great shape.

  BRUSHING

  Regardless of your age, always use a soft brush with a small head. Hard brushes can destroy your teeth. You should also replace your toothbrush every 3 months; if it is looking worn in less than 3-months, then your technique may need correcting – which we can help with at your next check-up. Remember to always brush your gums as well as your teeth. Tips to brush correctly:

  1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle against your gums.

  2. Rotate the brush gently in small circular motions.

  3. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth and the chewing surfaces.

  4. Brush or scrape your tongue as this removes bacteria that cause bad breathe.

  5. Rinse with water.

  REMEMBER: Only floss the teeth you want to keep!

  Flossing is as important as brushing. It removes plaque from between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing correctly takes practice and is an acquired skill! Here are some tips on how to floss properly:

  1. Start with a length of floss around half a metre long, wrapped around the middle fingers of both hands.

  2. Hold the floss between the thumb and forefingers.

  3. Guide the floss gently between the teeth using a sawing motion.

  4. Be gentle and move the floss up and down the inside of each side of the tooth.

  No matter how diligent you are at brushing and flossing, some dental problems need professional attention, so please remember your check-up at least every 6 months.

• Do you have bad breath?

  Bad breath, known as Halitosis, affects 50% to 60% of the population. It is generally agreed that the source of bad breath is a group of sulphur-containing compounds which are produced in the mouth or nasal areas. These compounds are created by the breakdown of bacteria and are known as Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC). There are many causes of bad breath but the main ones are diseased gum tissues and tooth decay. Gum diseases such as gingivitis or the more advanced periodontitis need to be detected immediately. With periodontitis, the gum loses its attachment to the tooth and a pocket develops in between. Within this pocket, bacteria accumulates that can produce VSCs.

  OTHER CAUSES OF BAD BREATH

  Dryness of the mouth can also cause halitosis. Saliva is a strong antibacterial substance and without it, bacteria can grow. A dry mouth can be caused by certain diseases or as a side effect of medicines taken to treat conditions such as high blood pressure. Disturbances of the digestive system may cause bad breath but the stomach is not generally the main source. Eating foods such as onions and garlic will result in bad breath. The first step in treating bad breath is detection. A test for separating nasal and oral bad breath is to pinch the nose, breath-in, and then close the mouth. Mouthwashes reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and help reduce halitosis. They are only partially effective and if used as the only method of combatting bad breath, the improvement will only be temporary. Tongue cleaning is also an essential factor in beating bad breath. The cleaning should be directed towards the back of the upper surface of the tongue. This can be done with a specially designed tongue scraper which can be bought from our practice. Sugar-free chewing gum will increase saliva flow and help combat a dry mouth. If you have bad breath and you suspect it is a symptom of a dental-related problem, then please take advantage of our Free Examination so we can begin to address the problem immediately.

• Are Your Teeth Yellow?

  Do your yellow, dull teeth make you look tired and stop you from feeling comfortable and confident? Get dramatic, instant results with Philips Zoom teeth whitening and achieve teeth 8-15 shades whiter in just one visit. A brilliant, bright, white smile will take years off your age and give you the confidence to smile again! Get in touch with the experienced team at Pitt St Dental Centre to find out how to get your brilliant, bright, white smile.

  CAUSES OF DISCOLOURATION

  Diet, lifestyle and genetics all play a role in the colour of your teeth. Whether it’s a daily coffee, morning cigarette, medication, ageing or simply just genes, yellow teeth are a common concern across people of all ages. Yellow teeth can add years to your age, making you look unhealthy and tired. A simple Philips Zoom Teeth whitening treatment can take years off your age, boosting your confidence and self-esteem and making you glow with health and vitality. Studies show that people with whiter teeth are considered to be more successful and affluent, so why not book in today? Discolouration can occur over years, slowly changing the way your teeth look and feel. Whatever the current state of your teeth, discolouration does not have to be permanent. We’re able to offer a wide range of treatments to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

  EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS

  Regular check ups and teeth cleaning help you maintain a healthy and glowing smile and prevent gum disease which can have an overall effect on your health and general wellbeing. If you’re looking for a dramatically and instantly whiter and brighter smile, Philips Zoom teeth whitening gives you 8-15 shades of whiter teeth in just one hour. With a simple, non-invasive in chair solution with only one session required, you can achieve a brilliant white smile. If after teeth cleaning and Zoom Philips teeth whitening you’re looking to further enhance your smile, why not chat to our team about dental veneers. They can help you to design the smile that you’ve always dreamed of!

  WHITER TEETH IN ONE SESSION

  Our Philips Zoom teeth whitening services act fast, delivering dramatic results in just one session. Maintain a healthy and flawless smile with regular teeth cleaning and Zoom teeth whitening for a bright and lasting glow. Book a free consultation and examination from the professional dentists at Pitt St Dental Centre to find out what our teeth cleaning and whitening services can do for you.

• Do your gums bleed when you brush?

  GUM DISEASE

  The most common cause of bleeding gums is Gingivitis. Also known as inflammation of the gums, gingivitis is a disease of the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a bacterial infection caused by microbes in plaque which is allowed to settle and grow around the gum edges. One of the most significant signs of gingivitis is bleeding from the gums. This is not normal, but is an inevitable indication of disease. It might be noticed on the toothbrush following brushing, in the toothpaste on spitting out, or even on biting into some fibrous foods, eg. apples. In severe cases, the gums might bleed spontaneously, particularly during the night when blood may be found on the pillow. Most gingivitis is of the chronic type: it is generally painless, has slow onset and is most easily detected by bleeding. Most gums are pink in colour, although they are sometimes pigmented, especially in dark skinned people. When diseased, the gums look red and may be swollen and loose at the margin where the tooth emerges. There may even be some tenderness if the inflammation is severe. Who is susceptible to gingivitis? Almost anyone, particularly if their cleaning is inadequate. In between the teeth is a very common area for gingivitis to occur if dental floss is not used daily, and also on the tongue side of the teeth because this is a harder area to reach with the toothbrush. Some people are unusually susceptible: eg. during hormonal changes as in young people during puberty – the so-called puberty gingivitis, and during pregnancy. Smoking makes people more prone to gum infection from plaque. Other risk factors are stress and general disease, particularly poorly-controlled diabetes. If left untreated, Gingivitis may progress to Periodontitis, in which the disease spreads along and around the root of the tooth, destroying the bone attachment, and eventually leading to tooth loosening and loss. Do your gums bleed when you brush? If so, take advantage of our Free Examination offer and we can ensure the problem is immediately addressed.

• Does your smile need a makeover?

  TEETH WHITENING

  If your teeth are stained or discoloured due to lifestyle factors, development problems, age or other reasons teeth whitening may be the perfect solution.

  PORCELAIN VENEERS

  If your teeth are chipped, heavily discoloured, have small gaps between them or are slightly crooked, then veneers may be an option. As the name suggests, veneers are thin shells that are bonded onto the front of your teeth to effectively hide these problems.

  ORTHODONTICS

  Very crooked teeth may require orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics uses braces and other devices to apply pressure to your teeth over time to gradually move one or more teeth into their correct positions. Today, braces are available in a variety of materials including tooth coloured ceramics that are less noticeable than traditional stainless steel braces. Invisible plastic aligners worn like a sheer mouthguard may also be an option.

  DENTAL IMPLANTS

  If you have a tooth missing, Your Dentist may recommend using a dental implant that is surgically placed into the bone where the tooth is missing to act as a replacement for the root. A precision fitted prosthetic crown is then attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth.

  BRIDGES

  Alternatively, we may use the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth (or teeth) as supports to attach a new prosthetic tooth. This is known as a bridge. There are many options available to help improve your smile and only a few have been mentioned here. There are also many factors to consider before undergoing any form of cosmetic dentistry including possible side effects and on-going maintenance requirements. If you want to improve the look of your smile, Dr Michael Cai and his team are the perfect peoples to ask. Take advantage of our Free Examination offer to discuss with us how you want to improve your smile and we can then examine your teeth and recommend the best way to achieve the result that you want.

• Dental IQ Test

  1. How is NASA associated with dentistry? They originally developed the material used to make invisible braces.

  2. What’s the universal expression of happiness? A Smile!

  3. The hardest part of the human body is? The enamel on the teeth.

  4. Who smiles more male or females? The Average women smiles about 62 times a day. A man?Only 8.

  5. Colgate faced a big obstacle marketing it’s toothpaste in Spanish- speaking countries. Colgate translates into the command ‘go hang yourself’.

  6. Those who don’t floss miss cleaning 35% percent of their tooth surfaces.

  7. What do black & green tea have in common? US & Japanese studies have found they have antibacterial powers that help prevent cavities & gum disease.

• 10 Reasons to Smile

  1. Smiling makes us attractive, it melts hearts & is seen as more authentic & flirtatious. It plays a significant role in attracting the opposite sex & making new friends. We are drawn to people who smile!

  2. Smile & the world Smiles with you. Smiling is contagious!

  3. A beautiful white smile boosts confidence &self-esteem. Implies good health & vitality as well as significantly contributes to a more youthful appearance. A natural facelift, it pumps up the cells & gives you a radiant glow!

  4. The best facelift is a beautiful smile!

  5. Wind back the clock! Zoom 4 will dramatically whiten your teeth by 8-15 shades in 90 mins. Look 10 years younger instantly & lighten up the room!

  6. Does your smile reflect the real you? Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. Improving your smile is so easy, ask us today!

  7. A beautiful smile will open doors & leave a memorable impression!

  8. Smile your way to success. People who smile are more likely to get a promotion. People with an attractive, healthy smile are perceived as more successful, intelligent & friendly!

  9. Achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! Ask us today.

  10. Smile like you mean it, you’ll be remembered!