dentist – The Smile Place Mt Eliza

Clear Braces – Watch how they are put on

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:49:00 +0000

Clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment designed to help align and straighten teeth. They function in a similar way to traditional braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets for a more discreet appearance.

At The Smile Place Mt Eliza, we provide guidance to help patients understand what happens during the process of having clear braces placed.

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that use brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire. These components work together to apply controlled pressure, gradually moving teeth into position.

Step-by-Step: How Clear Braces Are Put On

1. Cleaning and Preparing the Teeth

Before placing the braces, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried. This helps ensure that the brackets can bond properly to the tooth surface.

2. Preparing the Tooth Surface

A special solution is applied to the teeth to prepare the surface for bonding. This step helps the adhesive attach securely.

3. Applying Adhesive to Each Tooth

A dental adhesive is placed onto each tooth where the bracket will sit.

4. Positioning the Clear Brackets

Each clear bracket is carefully positioned onto the teeth. Accurate placement is important, as it helps guide how the teeth will move during treatment.

5. Setting the Brackets in Place

Once positioned, the brackets are secured onto the teeth. A curing light may be used to harden the adhesive and fix the brackets in place.

6. Inserting the Archwire

A thin wire (archwire) is then placed through the brackets. This wire is what applies gentle pressure to guide tooth movement over time.

7. Securing the Wire

Small elastic bands or clips are used to hold the wire in place within the brackets.

After the Braces Are Placed

After the procedure, it is common to notice some initial changes as your mouth adjusts, such as:

A feeling of pressure on the teeth
Mild discomfort
Awareness of the brackets and wire

These sensations are generally temporary as you adapt to the braces.

Ongoing Adjustments

Clear braces typically require periodic adjustments. During these visits, your dental practitioner may:

Adjust or replace the wire
Change elastic ties if used
Monitor tooth movement

This helps ensure the treatment progresses as planned.

When to Seek Advice

You should contact your dental practitioner if you experience:

Ongoing discomfort that does not improve
Broken brackets or wires
Difficulty managing your braces

The team at The Smile Place Mt Eliza can provide personalised guidance based on your needs.

Final Thoughts

Having clear braces placed is a structured process involving careful positioning of brackets and wires. Understanding each step may help you feel more informed about your orthodontic treatment.

Disclaimer:
This information is general in nature and does not replace professional dental advice. Please consult your dental practitioner for recommendations tailored to your individual circumstances.

The post Clear Braces - Watch how they are put on first appeared on The Smile Place Mt Eliza.

Root Canal Treatment Explained

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect

Root canal treatment is a commonly performed dental procedure used to manage infection or damage within a tooth. It focuses on treating the inner part of the tooth, known as the pulp, while aiming to preserve the natural tooth structure.

At The Smile Place Mt Eliza, we provide guidance to help patients understand what root canal treatment involves and what to expect.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

Inside each tooth is chamber – the root canal, filled with soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected—often due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma—treatment may be required.

Root canal treatment involves removing the affected pulp, cleaning the internal root canal space, and sealing the tooth to help prevent further infection.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Symptoms can vary, but may include:

Ongoing tooth pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Pain when biting or chewing
Swelling or tenderness in the gums
Tooth discolouration

A dental examination is required to determine the cause of symptoms and appropriate treatment.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Root Canal

1. Assessment and Imaging

An X-ray or 3D Ct scan may be taken to assess the shape of the root canals and identify any infection.

2. Numbing the Area

Local anaesthetic is used to help ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

3. Isolating the Tooth

A rubber dam (a protective sheet) is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment.

4. Accessing the Pulp

A small opening is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber.

5. Cleaning the Root Canals

Special instruments are used to remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the root canals.

The canals are also flushed with cleaning solutions to help remove debris and bacteria.

6. Filling the Canals

Once cleaned and dried, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material to seal the space.

7. Restoring the Tooth

After the root canal, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to help protect it and restore function.

After the Procedure

Following treatment, some temporary discomfort may occur. General care may include:

Avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until advised
Maintaining regular brushing and cleaning between teeth
Attending follow-up appointments if recommended

With appropriate care, a treated tooth may continue to function for many years.

When to Seek Advice

You should contact your dental practitioner if you experience:

Persistent or worsening pain
Swelling that does not improve
Difficulty biting or chewing

The team at The Smile Place Mt Eliza can assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance.

Final Thoughts

Root canal treatment focuses on addressing infection within the tooth while maintaining its structure. Understanding the steps involved can help you feel more informed about the procedure.

The post Root Canal Treatment Explained first appeared on The Smile Place Mt Eliza.

Crowns and Bridges procedure

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:14:00 +0000

What to Expect After Having a Crown Placed

After having a dental crown placed, it is common to notice some temporary changes as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration.

At The Smile Place Mt Eliza, we provide guidance to help patients understand what may be expected following treatment.

Common Sensations After a Crown

Following your appointment, you may experience:

Sensitivity to hot or cold
Mild tenderness around the gums
Awareness of the crown when biting

These sensations are typically temporary and may improve as your mouth adapts.

Your Bite May Feel Different

It is not unusual for your bite to feel slightly different after a crown is placed.

Some patients describe:

The tooth feeling “higher” than usual
Uneven contact when biting

If your bite does not feel balanced, or if you notice discomfort when chewing, it is important to contact your dental practitioner. A small adjustment may be required.

How Long Does It Take to Adjust?

Adjustment periods can vary between individuals. In many cases:

Minor sensitivity may settle over time
The crown may feel more natural as you get used to it

If symptoms persist or worsen, a review is recommended.

Caring for Your Crown

To help maintain your crown and surrounding teeth:

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Clean between teeth daily using appropriate aids
Follow any specific instructions provided by your dental practitioner
When to Contact Your Dental Practitioner

You should seek advice if you experience:

Ongoing or worsening pain
A bite that feels consistently uneven
Difficulty chewing
A crown that feels loose

The team at The Smile Place Mt Eliza can assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance.

Final Thoughts
It is normal to experience some changes after a dental crown is placed. Monitoring how your bite feels and seeking advice when needed can help support a comfortable adjustment.

The post Crowns and Bridges procedure first appeared on The Smile Place Mt Eliza.