Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Millions of people are affected by bruxism, or teeth grinding. Occasional teeth grinding may not require treatment, but chronic teeth grinding can lead to serious jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems.

Signs & Symptoms of Bruxism
If tooth grinding happens at night, you may not realise you have a problem. We can easily identify signs and symptoms of bruxism through a simple evaluation. Here are some signs and symptoms you can look for:

• Worn, flattened, fractured or chipped teeth
• Worn tooth enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
• Earache
• Headache
• Facial pain
• Damaged tissue on the inside of your cheek

Treatment for Tooth Grinding
Treatment for tooth grinding varies widely based on the individual diagnosis. We will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause for tooth grinding and create a personalised treatment plan to take care of your needs.

Splint Therapy / Night Guard – A dental splint or teeth grinding mouth guard may be the simplest form of treatment. This type of treatment is appropriate for patients whose teeth fit together properly and who have a healthy TMJ. The teeth grinding mouth guard is worn at night to prevent teeth grinding and protect teeth from wear.
Orthodontics – We may recommend orthodontic treatment to bring your teeth into the proper position and allow them to fit together harmoniously. We offer invisible braces for discreet treatment.

Bite Equilibration – Bite equilibration, or bite correction therapy, involves the dentist making minor adjustments to the teeth to allow them to fit together properly, eliminating stress and pressure.

Restorative Dentistry – For teeth that have been damaged by teeth grinding, We offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures to bring the teeth back to their proper health and beauty. We may use dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or cosmetic bonding to restore teeth.

Brushing and proper diet are most important. We recommend flossing for a child who continues to get decay in between their teeth even after other preventative measures have not worked. If there are spaces in between your child’s teeth, there is no need to floss.
As we age through adolescence and into adulthood, flossing becomes increasingly important and should be starts as soon as teeth touch, so as to prevent gingivitis, periodontal infections and breath problems.

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, soft ball, football, wrestling, soccer, rugby, in-line skating, martial arts as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling should wear mouthguards while competing.

Yes, although crowding is common, we need to consider your child’s future oral health. A child with crowded teeth and jaw problems will not necessarily have more problems as they become an adult. However, adults with crowded teeth have more problems (tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, TMJ problems) than adults with good jaw and tooth alignment.

Because adult teeth are larger than baby teeth, jaw size and growth may not provide enough space. If you still see crowding by 8-9 years when all of the four upper and four lower adult teeth have erupted, the crowding will probably not improve. For most children and adults, crowding is the most common malocclusion. Sometimes a baby tooth is lost early because of lack of jaw space for new adult teeth. If you see crowding request an appointment for us at Wright Street Dental Clinic, Belmont, to examine your child, and discuss options with you.

Sealants are a very effective preventive therapy against tooth decay. On the chewing surface of the baby and adult molars are pits and fissures, which are normal imperfections of these teeth. Sealants fill in these areas to protect them from decay.

The sealant is a liquid that becomes hard like plastic after it is applied to the tooth. Sealant therapy, which was introduced over twenty years ago, is non-invasive (no drilling) and doesn’t require a local anaesthetic.

More than just a cosmetic issue, crooked teeth can contribute to serious oral health concerns. Crooked teeth make it difficult to brush and floss properly. This can allow plaque and debris to build up, leading to cavity formation and gum disease.

We at Wright Street Dental Clinic, Belmont, offer solutions for crooked teeth through invisible braces (Invisalign)

Straightening Teeth Without Braces
Straightening teeth without braces is used when there are no health considerations that would require braces. Common treatment options include porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain Veneers can be used to correct minor problems including gaps between teeth, crooked teeth or uneven teeth. Learn more about Porcelain Veneers
Cosmetic Bonding– Cosmetic bonding is a quick and easy way to fix minor imperfections in the teeth, including crooked teeth. For this procedure, a biocompatible resin is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted into the proper shape and form. Cosmetic bonding does not remove any of the natural tooth, but is not as durable and long-lasting as other procedures and may require touch-ups.

• Dental Crowns – A dental crown covers the entire tooth and can be used to close spaces between teeth, lengthen teeth, and achieve symmetry. A dental crown can also treat teeth that are worn, broken, or affected by tooth decay. Learn more about Dental Crowns

Orthodontics Straighten Crooked Teeth
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry focused on correcting the alignment and position of teeth, jaw joints and TMJ disorders. Orthodontic treatment may involve either metal braces or invisible braces to straighten teeth.

Invisible braces are preferred by many adult and teen patients. This treatment is well suited for patients with mild to moderate alignment problems.

Benefits of Invisible Braces

• Effective treatment for a wide variety of alignment problems including: crowding, spacing, overbite and underbite
• Removable trays allow you to eat whatever you want
• Improved hygiene because you can brush and floss normally
• Smooth plastic instead of sharp metal means more comfortable treatment
• Convenience of visiting our Wright Street Dental Clinic, Belmont, to monitor treatment instead of specialist

Straighter Teeth For A Healthy Smile
Improve your self esteem as well as your dental health by straightening crooked teeth. Contact Wright Street Dental Clinic, Belmont, to schedule a consultation and learn about which treatment options are right for you.

Malocclusion is a faulty bite. Most of the time, it happens because the size and shape of the teeth don’t match that of the jaws. It can also happen because the upper and lower jaws don’t match each other and the other bones of the face. A look at your child’s profile (side view of the head and face) may help you to see whether there is a problem with the growth of their jaw and facial bones.

The genetics of the parents determine the jaw growth and tooth size of children. Tooth decay of the baby teeth, premature loss of baby teeth from tooth decay and crowding are major causes of malocclusion. Premature loss of baby teeth due to lack of jaw space from erupting adult teeth also causes malocclusion.

A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma.
 

Baby teeth are important for jaw growth, appearance, speech and most importantly, to keep the spacing for their adult teeth. Baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth at certain times that are specific to your child. Baby teeth lost early because of tooth decay is the leading cause for crowding of the adult teeth.

There are many reasons for tooth discolouration and even healthy children can experience this. Most stains are on the tooth surface and are caused by the build-up of plaque, usually from lack of good brushing or mouth breathing. We should be able to remove the stain if it is on the tooth surface.

Some discolouration is caused by disturbances that happen during tooth growth and cause stains in the enamel (hard outer covering) or the dentine (hard tissue under the enamel). Stains can also be caused by excess fluoride. In cases of childhood malnutrition, chronic illness, long term use of some medications or radiation therapy, tooth spots can result and the teeth will appear malformed (i.e. chipped or broken).

Back teeth (molars) may also be affected. By asking questions about your child’s health history and looking at the teeth, we may be able to identify the cause and suggest options to improve their appearance.

Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.

• Stock mouth guards - these are a bulky gutter of rigid plastic available from pharmacies and sports stores. They are very uncomfortable, interfere with speech and breathing and because they are not firmly secured offer a false sense of protection.

• Boil and Bite mouth guards - Pharmacies and sports stores also sell “boil and bite” mouth guards. They are made from a thermoplastic material which is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth to mould to the teeth as the guard is bitten. Like stock guards, they are cheap but never fit well and their shape easily deforms. They can be uncomfortable, impair breathing and speech, offer limited protection and can be an airway hazard.
• Custom fitted mouth guards - These are made by a dental professional using an impression of the teeth from special shock absorbing plastic. A custom fitted mouth guard fits a person’s mouth perfectly. The accurate fit and control of the thickness maximizes the shock absorbing effect. They fit comfortably and won’t interfere with breathing.

We support the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities to protect your mouth from injuries. More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year. A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.

The timing of your next appointment can depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Your oral health history
• Current dental needs
• Any advice provided by your Cloverdale dentist

Routine Check-Ups

For many patients, routine examinations and professional cleanings are recommended every six months. These visits allow your dentist in Perth to:

• Monitor changes in your teeth and gums
• Detect early signs of decay, gum inflammation or other concerns
• Provide guidance on oral hygiene practices and preventive care

Individual Factors That May Affect Timing

Some patients may require more frequent visits based on specific needs, such as:

• History of gum disease or periodontitis
• Frequent cavities or dental restorations
• Orthodontic treatment or other ongoing dental procedures
• Medical conditions or medications that affect oral health

Planning Your Next Appointment

During your visit, your dentist will usually recommend a timeframe for your next appointment. They may also provide reminders or guidance on what to watch for between visits.

Ready to Book Your Next Dental Visit in Perth?

Even if you are unsure when to arrange your appointment, it’s appropriate to contact your dental team for advice. Our staff can help determine a schedule that supports your ongoing oral health and addresses your individual needs.

We welcome your call!

Brushing and proper diet are most important. We recommend flossing for a child who continues to get decay in between their teeth even after other preventative measures have not worked. If there are spaces in between your child’s teeth, there is no need to floss.
As we age through adolescence and into adulthood, flossing becomes increasingly important and should be starts as soon as teeth touch, so as to prevent gingivitis, periodontal infections and breath problems.

Baby teeth are important for jaw growth, appearance, speech and most importantly, to keep the spacing for their adult teeth. Baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth at certain times that are specific to your child. Baby teeth lost early because of tooth decay is the leading cause for crowding of the adult teeth.

A professional dental cleaning is an important part of maintaining oral health. During your visit, our team focuses on providing thorough care and useful information about your teeth and gums. While individual experiences may vary, most cleanings follow a similar structure.

Initial Assessment

Before the cleaning begins, your Perth dentist will:

• Review your medical and dental history
• Ask about any concerns or recent changes in your oral health
• Examine your teeth and gums for signs of plaque, tartar or gum inflammation

Teeth Cleaning Process

The cleaning itself typically includes:

• Removal of plaque and tartar — Using specialised instruments to clean hard-to-reach areas
• Polishing — Smoothing the surfaces of your teeth to reduce staining and buildup
• Flossing guidance — Ensuring proper cleaning between teeth and along the gumline

Advice and Next Steps

After the cleaning, your dental team may provide:

• Recommendations for at-home brushing and flossing
• Advice on diet or habits that may affect your oral health
• Information on the timing of your next check-up or cleaning

Professional cleanings are intended to support oral health and provide guidance, but individual needs may vary.

Your Cloverdale Dentist Welcomes Your Call 

 If you have questions or concerns before your appointment, our team is available to discuss what to expect during your visit.

It is highly likely that you will have to deal with a tooth cavity at some point in your life. While cavities are a particularly prevalent in children and adolescents, they can also affect adults. Regular visits to the dentist can stop cavities before they start.

What Causes Tooth Cavities
Tooth cavities, also called dental caries by dentists, are tooth decay. Tooth decay is often accelerated by plaque build up. When plaque comes in contact with sugars and starches from foods, it produces acid, which can damage tooth enamel over time and lead to tooth decay.

Tooth Cavity Symptoms
We can identify dental cavities before most patients experience symptoms, so it is important to maintain regular dental check-ups. At appropriate intervals, digital dental x-rays can identify problems at a very early stage, which will minimise treatment needs.  In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience:

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Visible holes or pits in the teeth
• Soreness around the gums

Tooth Cavity Treatment
If you already have cavities or if your teeth are showing signs of decay, Wright Street Dental clinic offers a range of general dentistry services to restore stability to the tooth and provide protection from future damage or decay.

• Composite Dental Fillings – Composite fillings are placed in a single visit and are used to treat teeth with minor tooth decay.
• Root Canal – If the tooth decay has advanced and is causing an infection at the root of the tooth, you may need a root canal. This procedure is the best way to treat a diseased tooth and avoid an extraction.

Dental Cavities are Highly Preventable
If you are experiencing tooth pain and suspect you have a tooth cavity, contact Wright Street Dental Clinic, Belmont, for a consultation and examination.

A root canal in Cloverdale, WA, protects your natural tooth and restores its strength and function, so you can continue chewing, speaking, and smiling comfortably.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is usually recommended when a tooth shows signs of severe infection or damage, including:

• Persistent tooth pain or a constant throbbing sensation
• Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
• A darkening or discolouration of the tooth
• Pain while biting or chewing

Addressing the issue quickly can prevent more severe infections or the need for tooth extraction.

Aftercare Tips

After a root canal, mild sensitivity or soreness is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage discomfort. To help your tooth heal properly:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored. 
• Brush and floss carefully.
• Attend follow-up appointments to place a crown, if needed, to ensure proper healing. 

Contact Us for a Gentle Root Canal in Cloverdale, WA

A root canal can save your natural tooth, protect your smile, and get you back to your daily life without pain.

Please give us a call today if you have any questions or need a checkup! 

When you hear you need a tooth extraction, it can be scary and confusing. You don’t want to lose one or more of your teeth, but when your oral health is affected, sometimes it’s the best course of action.

So, if you’re wondering if a tooth extraction is painful, you’ll be glad to hear that we will thoroughly numb your mouth before the procedure.

The Extraction Process: Keeping You Comfortable in Cloverdale

On the day of your procedure, here’s what you can expect:

• We’ll numb your mouth so you shouldn't feel anything during the extraction. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel pain.
• Using specialised dental tools, we’ll loosen your tooth from its socket and remove it. For a surgical extraction, we’ll make a small incision in your gums to access your tooth.
• Once your tooth is removed, we’ll clean the socket and place any necessary stitches.
• We’ll ask you to bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding and encourage clotting.
• You’ll go home to rest and recover. That’s it!

Book a Consultation in Cloverdale, WA

If you’d like to arrange a consultation with our dental team, we welcome your call on (08) 9479 1970.

At Wright Street Dental Clinic, we’ll do whatever we can to inform you of your treatment options and answer your questions along the way.