DR CHRIS HART
Prosthodontist
BDSc Grad Dip Clin Dent MDSc (Pros)
COSMETIC DENTISTRY MELBOURNE
Dr Chris Hart and his team pride themselves on delivering the highest quality treatments, complemented by exceptional service and care. Each patient is treated as an individual, with treatments tailored to suit your specific condition. Choose Dr Chris Hart to ensure you receive the highest level of expertise and the right advice.
We are proud to be a QIP Accredited Practice. This means our practice and staff are committed to continuously improving the safety and quality of care we provide.
WHY CHOOSE US
OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
An experienced prosthodontist specialising in pioneering practical and cost-effective solutions, Dr Chris Hart is well known as an innovator and leader in the profession. After completing a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne in 1994, he worked as a general dentist all across Australia to gain experience in a variety of patient care environments. He returned to the University of Melbourne in 2001 to do a three-year specialist training program and received a Master of Dental Science.
WHY CHOOSE US
From 2004 to 2006 Dr. Hart was selected on the International Team for Implantology Scholars and worked in the Department of Surgery at the University of Berne. In recent years, Dr. Hart has worked both in private practice and in hospital settings as part of multidisciplinary teams treating oncology patients. The desire to find adequate prostheses to serve the functional needs of oncology patients, among others, encouraged him to design and develop dental and maxillofacial prosthetics which he continues to use in his practice. Dr. Hart is passionate about being able to make a real difference in patients’ appearance, comfort, and confidence.
When it comes to your health, there is no substitute for quality.
At Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist, we pride ourselves on more than just our ability to create functional, beautiful and healthy smiles. We are proud of being a cut-above-the-rest. That is our ability to provide patients with state-of-the-art equipment, effective and meticulous treatments, a modern and welcoming clinic, exceptional levels of service and, most importantly, the expert prosthodontic services of Dr Chris Hart and his technical team.
We treat each case individually and strive to listen to and understand the needs and concerns of all patients. Because your prosthodontic journey is about more than just your treatment.
Why choose a specialist?
A prosthodontist is first a general dentist, who has then gone on to complete advanced education and training in prosthetics. This means they are extensively trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions and for restoring optimum function and aesthetics to your smile.
Rigorous training and experience give prosthodontists a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth, and establishes them as leaders in dental treatment planning. Being a specialist in a field means constantly learning and teaching about the newest techniques and technology, and maintaining only the highest professional standards.
Choosing a prosthodontic specialist essentially takes the guesswork out of your dental work. You can be sure you are receiving the highest levels of expertise and the right advice.
Your smile deserves specialist care.
QIP Accredited Practice
Our practice and staff have undergone a process to meet a strict set of standards that commit us to continuously improving the safety and quality of care we can deliver to our patients.
TREATMENT PLANNING
ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
The treatment plan addresses all of your needs and the order treatment is carried out. Dr Hart works alongside the patient and other specialists. Sometimes a prosthodontist will utilise the knowledge of other specialists such as a periodontist (specialising in gums), an endodontist (specialising in the tooth’s root), an orthodontist or an oral surgeon to ensure a comprehensive, meticulous and complete treatment plan. Comprehensive planning is often needed to ensure things happen efficiently and in the right succession. Thanks to our experienced administration team and our qualified dental staff, you can be sure your treatment will be thoroughly planned to run a smooth course, and remain on-budget.
TREATMENT PLANNING
Why Choose a Specialist?
As Prosthodontists have additional training beyond that of a general dentist, they are skilled in determining what will and won’t work for patients with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy. This skill is based on clinical experience, a high level of knowledge and current research. Often, it is the ability to predict what will and will not work which ends up being most valuable to patients, ultimately saving time and money which could be better invested in more suitable treatment options. We only work with Registered Endodontists, Periodontists and Oral Surgeons.
Dr Hart works closely with other specialists to facilitate a shared care program for his patients. This allows our team to look at all aspects which may affect the success of your dental treatment and to consider all relevant information given by various relevant specialists if needed.
Our Melbourne practice is conveniently located in the same building, or close to a number of other dental or medical specialists, making our comprehensive treatment planning effective and efficient.
RESTORATIVE TREATMENTS
rejuvenate smiles and oral well-being
Restorative dental treatments encompass a range of procedures aimed at repairing and enhancing dental health and aesthetics.
Crowns, bridges, implants, and onlays are pivotal solutions in this area of dentistry.
CROWNS & BRIDGES
Crowns and Bridges restore strength, integrity and function to your teeth.
CROWNS & BRIDGES
Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist offers dental crowns as part of our restorative dental treatments. A dental crown, also called a ‘cap,’ may be needed when a tooth has suffered damage, decay, or trauma and a regular dental filling will not suffice. A crown can restore strength, integrity and function to a tooth.
A dental crown may also be used for cosmetic purposes. It has the capability to completely transform the aesthetics of a smile. These include changing the shape of a damaged, discoloured or misshapen tooth, or covering a dental implant to discreetly and seamlessly fill the gap left by the previously missing tooth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a ceramic restoration which covers the entire visible surface of the damaged or weakened tooth. Each dental crown is carefully designed, shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth. A well designed crown will complement your smile.
What is a dental crown made from?
A dental crown is usually made from porcelain. Sometimes they may have a metal frame for extra support and strength. All ceramic crowns are fast becoming a popular option. They are durable and can be colour-matched to your existing teeth to create a natural-looking result. Gone are the days when dental restorations had to be noticeable and unsightly.
Most of our ceramic crowns are made in our state-of-the-art laboratory. Our technicians are skilled in traditional artisan techniques as well as making full use of CADCAM technologies.
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
The treatment procedure for dental crown usually takes two appointments. In your first appointment, your tooth will be prepared and shaped for the crown. A temporary crown is usually made to protect the tooth and keep you smiling. This ensures both that the crown will stay secure, and that it doesn’t look bulky or unnatural. Molds will then be taken of your teeth to be used by the on-site laboratory when they custom-create your dental crown.
Dr Chris Hart always works closely alongside his patients to decide the shape and colour of the crown based on the surrounding teeth. This is to ensure that cosmetic (as well as functional) needs are met.
The next appointment is usually two to three weeks later to ensure the laboratory has time to meticulously create and perfect your crown. Dr Chris Hart will provide you with a temporary crown between appointments, both to protect the shaped tooth and for cosmetic reasons.
When you return, small colour or shape changes may be made to your preference and the crown will be fitted and secured.
Is a crown permanent?
A dental crown is not technically permanent, though they certainly are long-lasting. Your mouth constantly endures many different conditions, temperatures and pressures every day and certain combinations of these can cause dental crowns to become dislodged, damaged or to need to be replaced. It is therefore difficult to say how log your particular crown will last. If looked after properly, a dental crown can last over 30 years.
DENTAL BRIDGES
Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist offers dental bridges as an effective and conventional way to replace one or more missing teeth.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed form of tooth replacement. They are made from two or more crowns fused together and connected to the adjacent existing teeth. It is, as the name suggests, a ‘tooth-bridge’. Acting as ‘anchors’, the two outer teeth are capped to secure the middle ‘bridge’ tooth (the tooth over the gap) in place. The design is an effective and efficient way to replace missing teeth, or to fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
What are dental bridges made from?
Dental bridges are made using fused crowns, so are generally made of porcelain or ceramic, or of porcelain fused to metal.
What types of dental bridges may be recommended?
There are several types of bridges to suit each individual case:
- A conventional fixed bridge (the bridge is secured by the two adjacent teeth)
- A cantilever bridge (the fake tooth is supported by just one anchor tooth)
- A Maryland resin-bonded bridge (the fake tooth is supported by two wing-like structures secured behind the adjacent existing teeth)
Dr Chris Hart will assess each individual case thoroughly and with the utmost levels of care to determine the best option, and select the material and aesthetic for your mouth.
Can a dental bridge be removed? Is a dental bridge permanent?
Much like dental crowns, dental bridges aren’t permanent, but are long-lasting if cared for properly. Certain factors can damage your dental bridge, but your prosthodontist will walk through its proper care with you.
A dental bridge cannot be removed by anyone other than a dental professional, as it is securely bound to your existing teeth. There is generally no need to have a bridge removed, as it has been custom designed for your mouth and should fit comfortably.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Implants are the superior and most reliable way to replace a missing tooth
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are arguably the superior and most reliable way to replace a missing tooth, or to stabilise a denture, as they look, feel and function exactly like your original tooth. Many patients even forget there once was a gap where the implant now sits!
What are Dental implants?
Dental implants are small, yet strong, fixed titanium screws which are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. The implants then creates a strong structure for the artificial tooth to attach to. This makes Dental implants therapy long-lasting and extremely durable. To make a dental implant look a little less like a titanium screw and more like a natural tooth, your prosthodontist will build a dental prosthesis to cover it – from a single-tooth porcelain or ceramic crown, through to a full set of teeth on multiple implants. The latter may incorporate pink and white acrylic portions to mimic the teeth and gums.
Do I need a dental implant?
At your consultation, your prosthodontist will determine the best course of action for you. You may be recommended a dental implant if you have:
Bone atrophy:
When you lose a tooth, the part of the jaw bone which is usually stimulated by the everyday pressures of the tooth through the tooth’s root can begin to deteriorate. Like your muscles, if your jaw bone isn’t used or stimulated, it can begin to atrophy and wear away. This can lead to a sunken, aged appearance in the face and jaw.
Unstable teeth:
Your teeth are kept stable and in position by the teeth around them. When a tooth is missing, it can cause the adjacent teeth to become unstable, slant or to shift position. This can not only affect the appearance of your smile, but also its functionality in terms of chewing, talking and eating.
Unstable dentures:
Some of the complaints about dentures is that they can become loose or unstable at unexpected, awkward or inconvenient times. Stabilising and securing a full denture using dental implants can not only hold the denture in place and give you peace of mind, it can also make it easier to speak and chew.
A decayed tooth which cannot be fixed by a root canal:
A root canal treatment is usually required when the root of a tooth is damaged or decayed. Sometimes, the extent of the damage may be significant enough that root canal treatment will not suffice to save the tooth. Your prosthodontist may then recommend an implant instead, to maintain the integrity of your jaw and to restore health and functionality to the area.
What is the dental implant process?
We treat every patient as an individual, not just a number, so every treatment plan is personalised and varied. A dental implant procedure has five ‘phases’ and each are as important as the last:
- Consultation and assessment.
In your initial consultation, you will meet with your prosthodontist and your mouth will be assessed, to determine the best course of action for your case. - Treatment planning.
Your ultimate treatment result can only be as good as the plan to achieve it. At Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist, we consider planning to be a critical part of the process. Working closely with our surgical team and laboratory technicians, we strive to ensure we achieve the right result, in the right sequence, at the right cost. - Surgical.
Often, dental implants can be inserted into the bone on the day your teeth are extracted (if necessary). If this isn’t possible, there will be a period of healing before the implants are placed. When teeth are removed, the bone remodels itself and this may mean additional augmentation of bone and/or gum tissue is required. The surgical part of the process can be a nerve-wracking time for some patients, but our friendly team will ensure your comfort. - Restorative.
During this phase, the prosthesis (usually a porcelain or ceramic crown) is attached to the implant. After the implant has successfully and healthily integrated with the bone (usually 3-6 months after the implant is placed), you will receive your new teeth. You will not be without a tooth during the healing process. You will usually be provided with a temporary replacement. The colour, shape and size of your replacement tooth is completely customised; both you and your prosthodontist will work together to decide on the most desirable look for your mouth. Our promise is a result you are one hundred percent happy with. - Maintenance.
After an implant is successfully placed, maintenance will be the key to keeping it healthy. An implant with visible plaque/bacteria coating is more likely to encounter problems. Dental implants require daily care and professional visits one to two times a year over your lifetime.
What are implant teeth made from?
Implant teeth are made from various materials depending on the size and demands of each patient. Generally for single teeth, they are made from porcelain ceramic. However, for larger spans of teeth, a metal frame with pink and white acrylic portions to mimic the teeth and gums, or a high-strength ceramic or metal frame with porcelain teeth is used.
How do dentures attached to implants work?
We provide a wide range of customised solutions. In general, we call them “removable” or “fixed” dentures depending on whether you routinely take them out to clean or the dentist must remove them periodically for professional care. In general, fixed dentures tend to be more costly, but allow greater comfort and ability to chew like natural teeth. Removable dentures are more cost effective and easy to keep clean, but can sustain less chewing force. Both are very good options and offer vast improvements over failing teeth or traditional dentures that sit on the gums.
How long does the entire treatment process take?
It’s important to know that implants are not an immediate solution to tooth loss. From planning to the time the restorative phase is usually a few months, this allows maximum integration of the implant to the bone and less chance of implant failure. However, we are able to arrange an immediate temporary replacement of your teeth during the healing time so you will not be without teeth.
What are the risks of getting a dental implant?
Dental implants are a relatively minor procedure and a prosthodontist specialises in such procedures; they are the most qualified and practiced. As with all medical procedures, dental implants carry some risks, albeit small ones. About 1-2% of all implants do not take to the bone, meaning they will need to be removed and replaced. Your prosthodontist will be able to assist you in the unlikely event of a complication.
DENTURES
A convenient and cost-effective way to replace multiple missing teeth
DENTURES
Missing multiple teeth can not only impact the look of your smile, it can also significantly impact on its functionality and overall health. Dentures are a popular and efficient way to replace multiple missing teeth. At Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist, we offer denture solutions which are subtle, comfortable, secure and will have you smiling again.
What are dentures?
There are two common options when considering dentures to replace missing teeth.
- Conventional dentures
Conventional dentures are fully removable and are an alternative to fixed, implant-supported dentures. They cover the entire jaw and are made for patients who are missing all their teeth. This is arguably the simplest way to replace multiple teeth, as it doesn’t necessarily require surgery and can be cleaned and looked after easily. - Fixed dentures
Fixed, implant-supported dentures are, as the name suggests, secured permanently to the mouth using a number of dental implant fixtures. Many patients prefer this option, as they are permanently attached to the gums and jaw and are therefore less likely to become dislodged when talking or eating. The most common of these is called an ‘All-On-4’ dentures, and involves the strategic placement of four implants to secure a full arch restoration.
Within these two options, your prosthodontist may also suggest either partial or full dentures:
Partial dentures can replace one or several missing teeth in a section of your jaw, and can reduce the pressures on your existing, natural teeth, helping to distribute everyday forces from chewing and grinding.
Full dentures are a complete replacement for all teeth, and replace the entirety of the dental arch. Full dentures may require the extraction of any remaining natural teeth to ensure a secure fit on the gums and an optimum result.
At Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist, natural-looking and secure dentures are our priority. We work hard to ensure your prosthetic dental appliance not only fits your mouth, but also fits-in with the natural look and colours of your gums and cheeks.
What are the advantages of dentures?
No food restrictions– patients fitted with dentures will no longer be restricted to a soft-food diet and will be free to indulge in all kinds of foods.
Aesthetic appeal– high quality dentures, that are well fitted almost look and feel like natural teeth.
Muscle support– tooth loss can give your face a gaunt, sunken appearance. Dentures provide support to the facial muscles, decreasing instances of oral bone loss and giving the face definition and form.
Will dentures be painful to wear?
Initially, you may experience slight irritation with the new denture that will dissipate as you become used to wearing it. If the denture was fitted immediately after an extraction, you will experience pain and discomfort for a few weeks, until your mouth has healed from the extraction.
How long does it take to make a set of dentures?
Most conventional dentures can be delivered after six to eight appointments, over one to two weeks. Occasionally more time is required to ensure the appliance is a perfect fit, or if small changes need to be made. The amount of time required will be estimated at the initial appointment thanks to our comprehensive treatment planning.
INLAYS & ONLAYS
preserve the health of your teeth and protect them from future damage
INLAYS & ONLAYS
Even though you might think you are taking proper care of your teeth, dental problems like decay can still occur. Inlays and onlays are often used on a tooth which has previously had a filling, developed holes, began to decay, or suffered some sort of mild trauma. If a filling is not enough, but a crown is too much, your prosthodontist may recommend an inlay or an onlay is placed over or between the cusps of your tooth to protect and strengthen it.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are essentially types of fillings, but are usually required when a more extensive restoration is needed, or the tooth has suffered significant damage.
A dental inlay is similar to a filling and fits inside the top edges of the tooth to repair a large chewing surface. Chewing surfaces commonly develop cavities, as their deep fissures mean plaque and food can become trapped.
A dental onlay is more extensive and extends over the cusps of the tooth. It is used to repair a cavity in the central part of the tooth and extends over one of the tooth’s cusps (the raised points of the molar teeth.)
Inlays and onlays offer a conservative preparation which preserves and protects as much of the healthy tooth as possible, and are made on-site using our in-house milling machine.
What are inlays and onlays made from?
Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, gold or resin materials. Porcelain and resin materials are usually the more popular choice, as they can be made to match the exact colour of the existing tooth and are virtually invisible. However, gold inlays and onlays are far more durable and long-lasting, but, as the name suggests, are gold in colour.
How long do inlays and onlays take?
Thanks to modern dentistry techniques, and the experience of your prosthodontist, getting an inlay or an onlay is a virtually pain-free experience. The area will be numbed during the treatment.
Generally two appointments are required for inlays and onlays. The first involves the preparation of the tooth and an impression being taken, on which the restoration will be designed and created. At the second appointment, the custom-made inlay or onlay is meticulously placed and cemented in place.
How long do onlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays can be long-lasting if looked after correctly. Porcelain or ceramic restorations generally are weaker than their gold counterparts and so have a shorter lifespan. Typically, inlays and onlays can last up to 15 years. At some point, however, they will need to be replaced.
COSMETIC TREATMENTS
IMPROVE SYMMETRY, FUNCTIONALITY, AND AESTHETICS
Cosmetic dental treatments focus on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of smiles to remove discolouration, reshape, and improve balance to create harmonious and confident smiles.
VENEERS
Obtain a perfect, yet natural-looking smile, with dental veneers
VENEERS
Whether your teeth are chipped, cracked, discoloured, disproportionate, misaligned, worn or have gaps between them, veneers can help to enhance the look and function of your smile.
What is a dental veneer?
A porcelain veneer is a thin custom-made shell which is bonded to the surface of a tooth to instantly hide imperfections and to improve its appearance. Veneers can also be made from a composite resin, as a lower-cost alternative. However, they tend to attract stains and discolour over time. A porcelain veneer is a customised fit and colour with high stain resistance which creates a realistic and long-lasting result.
Your prosthodontist and dental technician work together to design and create your porcelain veneer shells to specifically fit your teeth. Veneers provide a more conservative and less-invasive approach to modifying the look of a tooth.
What are veneers made from?
Veneers are most commonly made from porcelain as it is durable, stain-resistant and natural-looking. Each individual veneer is carefully custom-made in Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist’s on-site dental laboratory. This allows us to customise the colour, shape and texture to match with your existing natural teeth.
For us, creating natural-looking and seamless veneers is a top priority. In order to do this, Dr Chris Hart will gently remove a thin layer of the natural tooth, to allow the porcelain shell to fit snugly and evenly over its surface, without looking bulky or fake.
What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?
A veneer is a thin facing which is placed over the front of a tooth to change the way it looks. A crown is more extensive as it covers and strengthens the whole tooth. Usually, a crown is used in restorative dentistry for damaged teeth. Veneers, however, are more-so used for cosmetic reasons.
How long does it take to get veneers?
Dental veneers usually take around three appointments, to ensure perfectly shaped and natural-looking shells.
The first appointment will involve meeting your prosthodontist, who will thoroughly assess teeth. You will be able to discuss the precise look you are after, and address any cosmetic concerns you might have.
In your second appointment, your teeth will be prepared for the veneers. This will generally mean gently filing and shaping the teeth, and is important as it ensures the final result is natural-looking and proportionate to the rest of your mouth. Moulds will also be taken of your teeth so your prosthodontist and dental technician can create your veneers accurately.
The final appointment will see your new veneers carefully fitted. You may wish to make some small changes and Dr Chris Hart will always ensure you are completely happy with the result. This final procedure is usually quite simple, so you will soon be showing off your dazzling new smile.
How long does a veneer last?
As front teeth are not generally used for chewing, porcelain veneers are long-lasting if properly maintained and looked after. You can expect your veneers to last over 10 years, however it is quite common to see veneers which are 30 years old. They are designed to be equally as durable as your natural teeth and can withstand all the everyday pressures such as chewing. Although porcelain veneers don’t stain, it is important they are cared for with the same attention to detail and care as you would give your natural teeth.
TEETH WHITENING
A simple way to drastically improve the aesthetics of your smile.
TEETH WHITENING
Everyone wants a beautiful smile, but not everyone has naturally white teeth. Everyday factors such as coffee, wine, some medications, and the natural ageing process can all contribute to a dull, worn-out looking smile.
Teeth whitening performed or administered by a dental professional is one of the easiest and most effective ways to add vitality to and brighten your smile. Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist offers take-home teeth whitening kits, so you can gradually whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening involves the use of a medical-grade bleach to lift and remove stains from your natural teeth. Your prosthodontist may recommend undertaking a whitening treatment before commencing crown or bridge work, so your prosthesis can be matched to your new brighter smile, rather than to the potentially worn-out colour of your natural teeth.
Professional teeth-whitening treatments use a medical-grade, pH-balanced peroxide to whiten teeth. It is administered so the bleach touches only the teeth, reducing the risk for irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth. The hydrogen peroxide effectively penetrates the tooth to break-up stains and to remove discolouration.
What is a take-home tooth whitening kit?
A take-home teeth whitening kit is, as the name suggests, a way for patients to whiten their teeth at home. As it is provided by a dental professional, it is stronger, safer and considerably more effective than over-the-counter whitening solutions. Your prosthodontist will take a mould of your teeth and custom-make bleaching trays which fit comfortably over your teeth. The bleach will then be applied using the tray in the comfort of your own home, until the desired shade is achieved over a period of time.
How long does the entire treatment process take?
Most diligent patients should notice changes to the colour of their smile inside approximately two weeks. This means wearing the bleaching trays for approximately 60-90 minutes each day and avoiding foods which are likely to stain your teeth, or compromise the whitening process. For best results, whitening treatments need to be maintained approximately every six months.
Is teeth-whitening safe?
Tooth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. Having your treatment performed or administered by a professional is also beneficial, as it ensures the correct strength and type is used for your unique teeth.
Many patients are concerned that whitening treatments are damaging to the teeth because of the sensitivity they experience. However, this is not the case. In order to remove tough stains, the bleach must open the internal channels of the tooth, which may cause some sensitivity. It is a similar sensation to what you may experience when biting on an ice cream and is nothing to be concerned about. Any sensitivity is usually brief and should last no longer than a day.
How do teeth whitening kits work?
Your prosthodontist will custom-make bite trays that are designed to perfectly fit over your teeth, to ensure equal coverage once the whitening gel is placed into the trays. The whitening gel given to you will contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which are active whitening agents. Once the gel is applied to your teeth, it breaks down into water and oxygen ions. Once these oxygen ions come into contact with the enamel on your teeth, they begin attacking the long stain molecules, breaking them down into colourless short stain molecules. Your saliva then naturally removes these short stain molecules.
Are teeth whitening treatments suitable for everyone?
Teeth whitening treatments are generally suitable for patients with healthy teeth and gums.
Teeth whitening isn’t recommended for:
- Children under the age of 16 as teeth whitening treatments could cause irritation to the tooth pulp or result in sensitivity;
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- Individuals allergic to the peroxide contained in whitening products;
- Individuals with tooth and gum sensitivity;
- Individuals who have receding gums or defective tooth restorations;
- Individuals with untreated cavities, eroded enamel, exposed tooth roots, and gum disease;
- Those with dental fillings, crowns, bonding, bridges or veneers- as the material used in these restorations do not whiten, resulting un uneven whitening between teeth with the restorations and teeth without the restorations.
RECONTOURING
Change the shape and look of a tooth to improve the symmetry and functionality
COSMETIC RECONTOURING
As a significant part of a tooth is not connected to a nerve, it can be reshaped and recontoured. This might be achieved by gently filing or grinding away sharp edges, chips or bumps which are out of symmetry with the rest of your smile.
What is cosmetic recontouring?
As your teeth are constantly subjected to a myriad of different external pressures, like changes in temperature and differing forces, they are likely to change shape, chip or wear-down at some point. Often it is necessary to remove sharp edges or to change the length, shape or surface to improve the appearance and function of teeth, and to create a seamless blend with a dental prosthesis.
Sometimes, cosmetic recontouring can reduce the need for crowns or veneers, and is usually performed without anaesthetic. Carefully adjusting teeth is sometimes performed to reduce the chance of tooth fracture or to remove a small, potentially problematic section.
What does tooth recontouring involve?
Your prosthodontist will first examine your teeth, and then determine whether a small portion of your enamel can be removed. If the tooth pulp (which contains all the nerve endings of the tooth) is too close to the surface of the tooth, or the enamel is too thin, then your prosthodontist will recommend another cosmetic procedure. If you are a suitable candidate, your prosthodontist will remove a tiny bit of the enamel of your tooth/teeth, using a sanding disc or a diamond bur. No aesthetic is required because there are no nerves in the enamel of your teeth. The entire process is virtually painless, non-invasive and offers instant results.
What does the typical treatment cost?
The treatment cost is approximately $200. In Australia, the code to describe cosmetic recontouring is item 113.
What are the risks involved?
Cosmetic recontouring rarely poses any problems for patients, but in some cases, teeth can become sensitive and bite changes may not be comfortable.
How long does the entire treatment process take?
Cosmetic recontouring treatments are usually completed in one treatment. It is a non-invasive and simple procedure which can garner fantastic results in a short space of time.
MAXILLOFACIAL
Maxillofacial surgery involves treating trauma or congenial defects of the face
MAXILLOFACIAL TREATMENT
Being a highly-regarded dental specialist, Dr Chris Hart is often receives referrals from hospital clinics and doctors to help patients following treatment for oral cancer, so as to recreate and restore their mouth. As much as this treatment requires surgery, there is often a need for replacement of more than just teeth. Sometimes this even includes replacement of whole jaws, eyes and ears. This is a highly specialised subspecialty which most patients will never need to call upon.
As many patients have had chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as highly invasive surgery, unique problems such as limited mouth opening, dry mouth, limited chewing and unusual anatomy mean oral procedures can be a challenge. However, Dr Chris Hart adapts techniques for each patient to make treatment possible. Dr Hart has worked across multiple hospital settings since 2006 and is not only highly proficient in the area, he also shows a genuine level of understanding and care to his patients.
CONTACT US
MELBOURNE CLINIC
Suite 3, Level 10, 20 Collins St,
Melbourne VIC 3000.
Australia.
Ph: 18000TEETH(83384)
Our practice is located in the Coates Building at the Spring Street end of Collins Street. This is a short walk from Parliament Train Station, and immediately in front of the 11, 42, 48, 109, 112 trams (stop 8).
BENDIGO CLINIC
113 Forest Street
Bendigo VIC 3550
Australia
Ph: 18000TEETH(83384)
Dr Hart provides prosthodontic expertise through his practice in Bendigo, seeing local patients as well as those from Shepparton, Echuca, Castlemaine, and other regional locations.
MESSAGE US
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