How can we help you?
At Northside Dental Solutions, we're dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to our Clayfield community and beyond. We understand that patients often have questions about treatments, costs and what to expect during their visit. This comprehensive FAQ page addresses the most common queries we receive.
Our team believes in transparent communication and patient education. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to ring our friendly reception team. We're here to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with all aspects of your dental care journey with us.
Cosmetic Dentistry
At our practice, we provide three distinct teeth whitening solutions to suit different needs and budgets.
The first option is our in-office power whitening. This involves a one-hour session where we apply a high-strength whitening gel, which is too potent for at-home use. This method provides the most immediate and dramatic whitening results. However, to maintain these results long-term, we also require the use of take-home whitening trays. The cost for this treatment is $690.
Our second option is custom-made whitening trays. We take a quick mould of your upper and lower teeth to create trays that fit you perfectly. You will receive a professional-strength whitening gel to use at home for 15 minutes each day over one to two weeks. A significant advantage of this option is that you can keep the trays and purchase more gel to continue whitening your teeth in the future as needed. The cost for the custom trays and initial gel is $390.
The third and most affordable option is a take-home dental whitening kit, which is similar to an off-the-shelf product. You use this kit for 15 minutes daily for ten consecutive days. After the ten-day period, the kit is disposed of. This is an excellent choice if you wish to see how your teeth respond to whitening without a large financial commitment. The cost for this kit is $120.
There are several options available to help whiten your teeth.
The first option involves custom-made trays that are fabricated to fit your teeth precisely. A whitening gel is provided for at-home use with these trays. The protocol involves applying the gel in the trays and wearing them for 15 minutes each day for a period of two weeks, which will gradually whiten the tooth enamel. A significant advantage of this method is that the trays are reusable for future whitening top-ups, and additional gel can be supplied. The cost for the custom-made take-home trays is $390.
A second option is an in-practice whitening procedure. This involves a single, one-hour appointment where a high-concentration whitening gel, which is not available for take-home use, is applied directly to the teeth. This provides an immediate whitening result. This procedure is priced at $650. However, it is my clinical observation that this method may not yield results as effective as the slower, at-home whitening process. Consequently, we generally recommend the take-home kits over the in-office procedure.
A third option is a pre-fabricated, off-the-shelf whitening kit called Opalescence Go. Similar to the custom trays, this is an at-home treatment used for 15 minutes a day, but for a duration of 10 days. The primary difference is that these trays are disposable and cannot be reused after the treatment course is completed. The cost for this kit is $150.
Choosing the right dental treatment for your smile can be a significant decision. When it comes to dental veneers, patients often want to understand the key differences between composite and porcelain options so they can make an informed choice.
Composite and porcelain veneers offer excellent solutions for improving the appearance of your teeth, but they differ significantly in materials, aesthetics, durability and cost.
Understanding Dental Veneers in Clayfield
Porcelain veneers are crafted from a high-quality, tooth-like material in a specialised off-site laboratory. These premium veneers cost approximately $1390 each and offer remarkable aesthetic benefits. They boast exceptional longevity, typically lasting about twice as long as composite alternatives. The porcelain material provides a remarkably natural, translucent appearance that closely mimics natural tooth enamel, creating a shinier, more refined look.
Composite veneers, priced more affordably at around $300 each, are made from aesthetic filling material. While they offer a cost-effective solution, they come with some limitations. Over time, composite veneers tend to collect stains around their edges and can potentially turn yellow, especially for patients who drink tea or coffee regularly or who smoke.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Key differences include:
Appearance — Porcelain veneers look more natural and shinier, while composite veneers have a slightly matte finish
Durability — Porcelain veneers last approximately twice as long as composite options
Stain Resistance — Porcelain is more resistant to discolouration compared to composite
Cost — Composite veneers are significantly more affordable at $300 each versus $1390 for porcelain
At Northside Dental Solutions, we recommend a personalised approach. During your initial examination, our experienced dental team will discuss the best veneer option tailored to your specific aesthetic goals, budget and dental health needs.
The cost of teeth whitening can vary depending on the type of treatment recommended and your individual needs.
At Northside Dental Solutions, we offer two common options:
- At-home whitening: $390
- 1-hour in-chair (power) whitening: $650
At-home whitening is a more gradual approach, using custom trays and professional-grade gel to brighten your smile over time. In-chair whitening is performed in the clinic and provides a faster result in a single visit.
The most suitable option for you will depend on factors such as your current tooth shade, oral health, and desired outcome. A consultation with your dentist will help determine the best approach.
It’s important to note that results can vary between individuals, and whitening may not be suitable for all patients. Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss expected outcomes, risks, and costs before proceeding, so you can make an informed decision.
The cost of a porcelain crown can vary depending on the tooth being treated and the level of aesthetics required.
At Northside Dental Solutions, we offer:
- Porcelain crown (back tooth): $1750
- Highly aesthetic porcelain crown (front tooth): $1950
Porcelain crowns are used to restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth, helping to improve strength, function, and appearance.
The most suitable option will depend on your individual needs, including the condition of the tooth, its position, and your desired outcome. Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Please note that not all patients are suitable for the same treatment, and outcomes can vary. Your dentist will discuss the recommended options, risks, and costs with you before proceeding so you can make an informed decision.
The cost of dental veneers can vary depending on your individual needs and the number of teeth being treated.
At Northside Dental Solutions, we offer:
- Veneers: $1950 (per tooth)
Veneers are thin porcelain shells placed over the front of teeth to improve their appearance, including shape, colour, and alignment.
The most suitable treatment will depend on your smile goals and oral health. Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss whether veneers are appropriate for you.
Please note that not all patients are suitable for veneers, and results can vary. Your dentist will explain the recommended treatment, risks, and costs beforehand so you can make an informed decision.