Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Proper care of clear aligners is essential for effective treatment and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout your smile transformation journey at Noranda Dental Clinic. Here are some straightforward guidelines to follow for clear aligner care. 

Tips for Quick and Easy Clear Aligner Care

Daily cleaning is crucial for your aligners. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm (never hot) water each time you remove them. For more thorough cleaning, gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and mild, clear soap. Avoid coloured or scented soaps, as these may stain or leave residue on your aligners. Toothpaste should be avoided as its abrasive properties can scratch the plastic, creating areas where bacteria can accumulate and making your aligners more visible when worn.

Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Consuming food or coloured beverages with aligners in place can cause staining and may damage the aligners themselves.

When not in your mouth, store your aligners in their protective case rather than wrapping them in tissue or leaving them exposed, which increases the risk of loss or damage.

Contact Our Team with Questions

During your regular visits to our Noranda, WA, dental practice, bring your current and previous sets of aligners so our dental team can assess your progress and ensure your treatment is advancing as planned.

Following these care instructions will help ensure your clear aligner treatment progresses smoothly and delivers the beautiful results you expect.

While dental crowns are designed to be durable and functional, certain dietary choices can affect their longevity and performance. At Noranda Dental Clinic, our dentists recommend the following guidelines to protect your investment and maintain your crown's integrity.

We advise avoiding extremely sticky foods such as toffee, caramel, and certain chewy lollies, which could potentially dislodge your crown. Similarly, hard foods like ice, boiled sweets, and nuts should be consumed with caution, as biting down on these items with excessive force may damage or crack your crown, particularly porcelain varieties.

Be mindful of chewy breads, tough meats, and fibrous vegetables, which can sometimes strain crowns when eaten. Where possible, cut these foods into smaller pieces and chew on the opposite side of your mouth, especially during the first few days after crown placement.

Protecting Your Temporary Crown

Additional care is essential for patients with temporary crowns. Avoid chewing gum and sticky desserts entirely until your permanent restoration is placed. Our Noranda, WA dental team also suggests minimising the consumption of foods and beverages that may cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, particularly if you have porcelain crowns in visible areas of your mouth.

With proper care and attention to these dietary considerations, your dental crown can provide years of functional service while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Should you have concerns about your crown or experience discomfort, please contact our Noranda dental practice promptly.

Dental implants offer an excellent tooth replacement solution, but aren't suitable for everyone. At Noranda Dental Clinic, our dentists carefully evaluate several factors to determine if you're an ideal candidate for this advanced treatment.

What Makes Dental Implants Successful?

Generally, good candidates for dental implants have sufficient jawbone density and volume to securely support the titanium posts. Your bone structure provides the foundation for implants, and adequate bone is essential for successful integration and long-term stability. If you've experienced bone loss, you may require preliminary bone grafting procedures before implant placement.

Optimal oral health is another important consideration. Healthy gums free from periodontal disease create the best environment for implant success. Our Noranda, WA team will assess your gum health and address any existing issues before proceeding with implant treatment.

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can affect implant outcomes. Uncontrolled diabetes, severe autoimmune disorders and smoking can compromise healing and osseointegration. During your consultation, we'll thoroughly review your medical history to identify potential concerns.

Age is rarely a limiting factor for adults, though we typically wait until jaw development is complete in younger patients.

Commitment to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is essential for implant longevity. Patients must be willing and able to maintain meticulous home care and attend recommended maintenance appointments.

Learn More about Dental Implants in Noranda

If you're interested in dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive assessment at our dental practice. Our experienced team will evaluate your specific circumstances and discuss whether implants or alternative tooth replacement options would best suit your needs.

Implant-supported dentures are an advanced tooth replacement solution that combines the comprehensive coverage of traditional dentures with the security of dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on your gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored securely to titanium implants surgically placed in your jawbone.

This innovative treatment offers remarkable benefits compared to traditional dentures. The secure attachment prevents uncomfortable shifting or slipping while speaking or eating, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods confidently. The implants also stimulate your jawbone, preventing bone loss and facial sagging, which are often accompanied by tooth loss and conventional dentures. 

We Can Help You Love Your Dentures 

Our team of experienced dentists can determine if you're a suitable candidate for implant-supported dentures in Noranda through a comprehensive examination and discussion of your dental history, goals and budget. Most patients with adequate jawbone density or those willing to undergo bone grafting procedures can benefit from this life-changing treatment.

The procedure typically involves several appointments over a few months, allowing the implants to fuse with your jawbone before attaching the custom-made dentures.

If you're struggling with traditional dentures or facing multiple tooth extractions, we invite you to book a consultation at our Noranda, WA, dental practice to discuss how implant-supported dentures might transform your smile and quality of life.

Tooth pain should never be ignored, as it often signals an underlying issue requiring professional attention. At Noranda Dental Clinic, our dentists recommend the following steps if you're experiencing tooth discomfort.

First, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce inflammation and dislodge any trapped food particles that might be causing irritation. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers according to package instructions can provide temporary relief while you arrange to see us.

Apply a cold compress to your cheek in 15-minute intervals if you notice swelling. This can help minimise inflammation and provide some comfort until your appointment.

Avoid placing aspirin or other pain medications directly on your gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Similarly, steer clear of extremely hot, cold or sweet foods and beverages that might trigger or worsen your discomfort.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Noranda

Most importantly, contact our dental surgery promptly to schedule an examination. Dental pain rarely resolves on its own and often indicates conditions like decay, infection, cracked teeth or exposed roots that require professional treatment. Delaying care could lead to more extensive problems and potentially more complex treatment.

During your emergency appointment, our experienced team will thoroughly assess your condition, identify the source of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options to restore your comfort and protect your oral health.

Your child's first dental visit is an essential milestone in their oral health journey. At Noranda Dental Clinic, we recommend bringing your child for their first dental appointment around their second birthday, which aligns with recommendations from leading dental associations.

By age two, most children have a significant number of primary teeth, allowing our dentists to evaluate their development and establish a baseline for future visits. These early appointments are crucial for identifying potential issues before they become serious problems. 

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

During this initial visit, one of our three experienced dentists will conduct a gentle examination of your child's teeth, gums and oral tissues. We'll check for proper development, early signs of decay and alignment issues. We may also perform a gentle cleaning if appropriate.

Just as importantly, these early visits help familiarise your child with the dental environment in a positive, non-threatening way. Your trusted Noranda children's dentist takes special care to create a welcoming atmosphere for our youngest patients, helping to establish a foundation for lifelong positive dental experiences.

We also use this opportunity to provide parents with valuable guidance on proper cleaning techniques, healthy dietary habits and preventive measures specific to your child's needs. Topics often include proper brushing, fluoride use and strategies to prevent habits like thumb-sucking that might affect dental development.

Contact Noranda Dental

We understand that every child is unique at Noranda Dental. Our dentists are skilled at adapting their approach to suit your child's personality and comfort level, ensuring a pleasant experience for both you and your little one.

To schedule your child's first dental visit with us, please get in touch with our friendly reception team today.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health throughout your life. At Noranda Dental Clinic, we typically recommend that patients visit us every six months for routine examinations and professional cleanings.

These bi-annual appointments allow our team to monitor your oral health, detect any potential issues early and provide preventive care that helps avoid more complex problems in the future. During these visits, one of our experienced dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and oral tissues while our dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing and flossing cannot address.

Dentistry Tailored to Your Needs

However, we recognise that everyone's dental needs are unique. Some patients with excellent oral hygiene and no history of dental problems might require less frequent visits, whilst others with specific concerns such as gum disease, frequent decay or certain medical conditions may benefit from more regular appointments, perhaps every three or four months.

If you have dental implants, complex restorations or orthodontic appliances, your Noranda dentist might also recommend a customised schedule to ensure these are properly maintained and functioning as they should.

For pregnant women, we often suggest an additional check-up due to the hormonal changes that can affect oral health during pregnancy. Similarly, patients undergoing cancer treatment or managing chronic conditions like diabetes may require more frequent monitoring.

At our Noranda, WA dental practice, we'll work with you to develop a personalised dental visit schedule that addresses your specific needs and helps maintain your healthiest smile. Remember, consistent preventive care is far more comfortable and cost-effective than treating advanced dental problems.

Please contact our friendly team today to schedule your next appointment. 

Many patients approach root canal treatment with apprehension, often based on outdated information or anecdotes. At Noranda Dental Clinic, we're pleased to reassure you that modern root canal procedures are significantly more comfortable than their reputation suggests.

The truth is that root canal therapy typically relieves pain rather than causes it. When a tooth pulp becomes infected, the resulting inflammation and pressure on nearby nerves can create considerable discomfort. The root canal procedure removes this infected tissue, eliminating the source of your pain.

What to Expect During a Root Canal in Noranda

Before beginning treatment, one of our experienced dentists will thoroughly numb the affected area with a local anaesthetic. Most patients report feeling no more discomfort during a root canal than they would during a routine filling. Our team is particularly attentive to ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

For patients with dental anxiety, we offer additional options to help you relax during treatment. These may include listening to music, using distraction techniques or discussing appropriate sedation options if necessary.

How to Have a Smooth Recovery after Root Canal Therapy

After a root canal, you might experience mild tenderness for a few days as your body's natural healing process occurs. This is entirely normal, and you can usually manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. We'll provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your situation. 

At our Noranda, WA dental practice, we prioritise both your comfort and dental health. Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise require extraction, preserving your natural smile and proper dental function.

If you're experiencing tooth pain or have questions about root canal treatment, we encourage you to contact our clinic for a thorough assessment and compassionate care.

The healing process following a tooth extraction varies from person to person, but there are general timeframes you can expect. At Noranda Dental Clinic, we find that most patients progress through several distinct healing stages after having a tooth removed.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Extraction Procedure

Within the first 24 hours, a blood clot forms in the socket—this clot is crucial for proper healing and should be protected. During the first few days, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding, all of which are normal parts of the recovery process.

What to Expect After a Few Days of Healing

Any significant discomfort should subside substantially by the end of the first week. The soft tissue healing typically progresses well, and you'll likely feel much more comfortable. Most patients can resume their normal activities within 48-72 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise during this initial recovery period.

Soft tissue healing is generally complete within 3-4 weeks. However, the underlying bone remodelling continues for several months after the extraction. Complete healing of the socket, where new bone fills the space, typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the size of the extraction site and your individual healing capacity.

We're Here to Guide You Through the Healing Process

Our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions following any extraction procedure. These include guidance on managing discomfort, appropriate cleaning techniques and specific foods to avoid during recovery.

Healing time may be slightly longer for more complex extractions, such as wisdom teeth removal, and we would discuss this with you beforehand based on your specific situation.

If you're experiencing prolonged pain, swelling or bleeding beyond what we've advised is normal, please contact our Noranda, WA, dental practice promptly so we can assess your healing and provide appropriate care.

Porcelain veneers represent a significant investment in your smile, and with proper care, they can maintain their beautiful appearance for many years. At Noranda Dental Clinic, we recommend several key practices to ensure the longevity of your veneers.

Your Guide to Proper Care of Dental Veneers

Daily oral hygiene remains essential—brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Harsh, gritty toothpastes may scratch the surface of your veneers, diminishing their lustre over time. Flossing daily is equally important to maintain healthy gums around your veneered teeth.

Although veneers are stain-resistant, excessive consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can gradually affect their appearance. Moderate consumption and rinsing your mouth with water afterwards can help minimise potential discolouration.

Be mindful of how you use your veneered teeth. Avoid biting directly into hard foods like ice, hard sweets or nuts with your front teeth. Additionally, if you participate in contact sports, we strongly recommend wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your veneers from damage.

For patients who clench or grind their teeth, particularly during sleep, our dentists may suggest wearing a night guard to protect their veneers from excessive pressure and potential fractures.

Regular dental check-ups every six months are vital for monitoring the condition of your veneers and the health of the underlying teeth. During these visits, we can identify any issues early and provide professional cleaning that safely maintains your veneers' appearance.

At our Noranda, WA, dental clinic, we're committed to helping you maintain your investment. Should you notice any chips, cracks or issues with your veneers, please contact us promptly for assessment and advice on appropriate repair options.