Bruxism
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can happen during sleep or even during the day—often without you realising. Over time, it may contribute to worn teeth, chipped edges, cracked enamel, jaw discomfort, and problems around the jaw joint (TMJ).
Signs you may be grinding or clenching
You might notice:
- Frequent morning headaches, jaw tightness, or facial muscle fatigue
- Sensitive teeth (especially to cold)
- Teeth that look flatter, shorter, or more worn than before
- Chips, cracks, or repeated breakages in teeth or fillings
- Clicking, aching, or tenderness around the jaw joint
- A partner noticing grinding sounds while you sleep
How we can help
Treatment depends on what’s contributing to your symptoms. After an assessment, we may recommend:
- A custom night guard / splint to help protect teeth from further wear and reduce strain on the jaw
- Checking your bite and how the teeth are meeting
- Discussing sleep quality and breathing factors, especially if symptoms suggest a sleep-related issue
- Referral for further assessment (such as a sleep study) if there are indicators that grinding may be linked with sleep-breathing disturbances
If you suspect bruxism, book an appointment so we can assess tooth wear early and talk through protective options.
Children’s Dentistry and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
We love helping kids build positive dental habits early. We encourage parents to bring children in from around 2–3 years of age, so we can:
- Check how teeth are developing
- Support brushing routines at home
- Identify early signs of decay
- Give practical tips to help reduce the risk of fillings later
We aim to keep visits relaxed and friendly. We also have a TV on the ceiling, so children can watch cartoons during their appointment where appropriate.
Helping kids feel comfortable
A great way to introduce dentistry is to bring your child along to your own appointment, so they can become familiar with the clinic, the sounds, and the experience.
How often should children visit?
Just like adults, we generally recommend a dental visit every 6 months, depending on your child’s individual needs and risk factors.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
If your family receives certain government payments, your child may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which can help cover a range of basic dental services such as:
- Check-ups and examinations
- X-rays
- Professional cleaning
- Fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment (where appropriate)
- Tooth removal (extractions)
To check eligibility, call our clinic on 9318 7678 with your child’s Medicare card details handy, and we can assist you.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are commonly used to restore strength, function, and appearance when teeth have been damaged or when one or more teeth are missing.
When might a crown be recommended?
A crown may be considered when a tooth is weakened due to:
- Decay or a very large filling
- A fracture or trauma
- Wear over time
- Root canal treatment (to help protect the tooth afterwards)
Crowns can also be used to improve the shape or colour of a tooth where suitable.
What is a bridge?
A bridge can replace one or more missing teeth by using neighbouring teeth (or sometimes an implant) to support the replacement tooth/teeth. It’s fixed in place and can be an alternative to dentures for suitable patients.
What are crowns and bridges made from?
Depending on your bite, tooth position, and goals, they may be made from:
- Tooth-coloured porcelain / ceramic
- Metal alloy (such as gold-toned or silver-toned options)
- Or a combination of materials
What to expect
Crowns and bridges commonly involve two appointments:
- Assessment, planning (including X-rays where needed), and tooth preparation
- Fitting and cementation once the final restoration is ready
3. A temporary crown/bridge may be used in between appointments to protect the tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term option to replace missing teeth. They can support:
- A single tooth replacement
- Multiple teeth
- Full-arch tooth replacement options (in suitable cases)
An implant is placed into the jawbone and functions like an artificial tooth root, with a crown (or other restoration) placed on top once healing is complete.
Is an implant right for everyone?
Not always. Suitability depends on gum health, bone support, medical history, bite forces, and other factors. During your consultation, we’ll assess your needs and explain the options that may be appropriate for you.
Hygienist (Gum Care & Preventive Support)
Our hygienist focuses on preventing and managing gum disease, helping patients keep their teeth and gums healthy long-term.
Hygiene appointments may include:
- Professional scale and clean
- Removal of plaque and hardened tartar
- Gum health checks and periodontal (deep clean) support where needed
- Personalised advice on brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning
- Guidance for managing bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum sensitivity
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile—regular hygiene visits can make a real difference over time.
Orthodontics and Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment helps straighten teeth to improve alignment, function, and long-term oral health. Options may include traditional braces or clear aligners (such as Invisalign), depending on your case.
Why might orthodontic treatment be recommended?
It can help address issues such as:
- Crowding or overlapping teeth (harder to clean effectively)
- Gaps
- Bite problems (where teeth don’t meet well)
- Teeth that wear unevenly due to misalignment
- Functional concerns such as chewing difficulties
When is the best time to start?
Many patients begin treatment in the teen years, but orthodontics can be suitable for adults too. Where appropriate, early assessment can also help detect issues before they become more complex.
Clear aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners use custom-made trays to gradually guide teeth into position. Treatment typically involves:
- An initial assessment and digital planning
- A series of aligners worn daily (as directed)
Regular review appointments to monitor progress
Retention is often recommended afterwards to help maintain results.
Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding
Veneers and bonding can improve the appearance of teeth by refining shape, colour, and symmetry.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings placed on the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. They may be made from:
- High-strength porcelain
- Composite resin (bonding)
They may be considered to help address:
- Chipped or worn edges
- Uneven shapes
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolouration that doesn’t respond well to whitening
- Minor alignment concerns (case-dependent)
What to expect with porcelain veneers
Veneers typically involve:
- Consultation and planning (including shade selection)
- Minimal tooth preparation (where required)
- Impressions or digital scans sent to a lab
- Final fitting and bonding once you’re happy with shape and colour
Not all cases suit veneers, and they may not be reversible—your dentist will discuss alternatives and what’s appropriate for your teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment aims to save a tooth when the nerve (pulp) inside becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to:
- Deep decay
- A cracked tooth
- Trauma that affects the nerve
- An old restoration that no longer seals properly
When infection develops, symptoms can include severe toothache, sensitivity, pain on biting, swelling, or sometimes no symptoms at all.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Treatment often requires 2–3 appointments, depending on complexity:
- The tooth is numbed and the infected nerve tissue is carefully removed
- The canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected
- The canals are sealed with a dental filling material
- A final restoration is placed to protect the tooth (often a crown is recommended for strength, depending on the tooth)
We’ll explain the process clearly and discuss what to expect for your specific tooth.
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. It’s often associated with snoring, poor sleep quality, and daytime tiredness.
Snoring in adults isn’t always “normal” and can be worth investigating—especially if you also notice:
- Waking unrefreshed
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth on waking
- Restless sleep
- Reports of pauses in breathing during sleep
How dental support can fit in
If sleep apnoea is suspected, a sleep test is commonly recommended to assess severity. In some cases (often mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea), a custom dental appliance such as a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) may be an option, depending on the diagnosis and medical guidance.
If you think you (or your child) may have sleep apnoea, book an assessment and we can discuss next steps and referral pathways where appropriate.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can help brighten teeth that have become stained or yellowed over time. Whitening isn’t suitable for everyone, and results vary based on the cause of discolouration, existing dental work, and tooth sensitivity.
Whitening options
1) Take-home whitening
We create custom trays and provide dental-grade whitening gel. You’ll wear the trays for a set time each day, following our instructions, with gradual change over the treatment period.
2) In-chair whitening
This is performed in the clinic using a professional-strength whitening system. For suitable patients, it can produce a noticeable change in a single visit.
We’ll assess your teeth first to help choose the safest and most suitable approach.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
Wisdom teeth often emerge in the late teens to early 20s. If there isn’t enough space, they can become impacted, difficult to clean, or prone to infection.
Wisdom teeth may contribute to:
- Pain or swelling around the back of the mouth
- Gum infection around a partially erupted tooth
- Food trapping and decay in hard-to-reach areas
- Pressure on neighbouring teeth
- Cheek biting (if the tooth erupts at an angle)
- Rarely, cyst formation around an impacted tooth
Assessment and removal
If you’re having symptoms, we’ll assess your wisdom teeth and may recommend imaging such as an OPG (panoramic X-ray) to understand position and risk factors. If removal is recommended, we’ll explain the procedure, expected recovery, and potential risks so you can make an informed decision.
Book an Appointment
If you’d like to discuss any of the procedures above—or you’re not sure what you need—book an appointment with our team. We’ll assess your concerns, explain options clearly, and tailor recommendations to your situation.
Important note
Information on this page is general in nature and does not replace personalised dental or medical advice. Every smile and situation is different, and any procedure may involve risks and limitations. We’ll always discuss suitability and options with you during your appointment.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can happen during sleep or even during the day—often without you realising. Over time, it may contribute to worn teeth, chipped edges, cracked enamel, jaw discomfort, and problems around the jaw joint (TMJ).
Orthodontics
We provide comprehensive orthodontic solutions, including traditional braces and clear aligners, tailored to meet the needs of children, teens, and adults.
CEREC Crowns & Bridges
We are delighted to offer CEREC Crowns and Bridges, a state-of-the-art solution for restoring and enhancing your smile.
Digital Smile Design
We use Digital Smile Design (DSD), an advanced planning tool that allows you to visualise and co-design your dream smile before any dental work begins.
Wisdom Teeth Surgery
We offer safe, effective wisdom teeth surgery to alleviate discomfort, protect your oral health, and prevent future complications.
Teeth Whitening
We specialise in professional teeth whitening treatments designed to remove stains and discoloration, revealing a brighter, more radiant smile.
Periodontal Treatment (Gum Disease)
We specialise in comprehensive periodontal care to treat gum disease at every stage, helping you maintain healthy gums and a vibrant smile.
Children's Dentistry
We know that creating positive dental experiences early in life is key to developing lifelong healthy habits.
Veneers
Veneers are a popular and effective cosmetic treatment designed to cover and correct imperfections, giving you a brighter, more uniform appearance.
Sleep Dentistry (IV Sedation)
We understand these challenges and offer Sleep Dentistry (IV Sedation) as a solution to ensure you remain calm and comfortable throughout your dental treatment.
Extractions
We perform safe, efficient, and comfortable extractions, whether due to severe decay, crowding, infection, or impacted wisdom teeth.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)
We offer specialised treatments to help relieve TMJ pain, restore proper jaw function, and enhance your quality of life.
Occlusal Splints
We offer custom-fit occlusal splints (nightguards) designed to protect your teeth and reduce the effects of grinding and clenching.
Check up & Clean
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are fundamental for maintaining a healthy mouth, preventing decay, and catching potential issues before they become serious.
Mouthguards
We design mouthguards tailored to each patient’s unique dental anatomy, providing superior comfort, protection, and durability.
Sleep Apnoea
We provide non-invasive, customised oral appliances designed to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnoea and improve sleep quality.
Fillings
Dental fillings are a common restorative treatment used to repair teeth affected by cavities or minor damage.
Dentures
We offer high-quality, custom-made dentures that help restore the appearance and function of your natural teeth.