Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for asking this question. Currently the practice is not contracted with District Health Boards and we are not providing dental services to children and teenagers for FREE, as a result.

However, parents need to be aware that some dentists in NZ provide free dental services for children until their 18th birthday.

Call 0800 Talk Teeth (0800 825 583) to find a contracting dentist.

If you would like us to see your teenager privately, please contact the office to book a consultation with our dentist and we will be happy to find an appropriate time to dedicate ourselves to help him or her.

There is an active agent in every whitening gel which gets inside the discoloured segment and dislodge the dark particles.
The common theory is that free radicals from the active agent (hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide) attack organic matrix inside the tooth. That new formed matrix reflects less light, so tooth appears brighter and lighter in shade. The active agent removes the discolorations as well as alters and brightens the inherent colour of dentin.
At Tauranga Crossing Dental we use an advanced tooth whitening system making the whole experience easy, painless and highly effective.

There are many reasons why the teeth are dark. The main question is to ask if the stains on surface or inside the teeth?

Stains on the surface are easily removed by external cleaning. Surface stains are usually due to poor oral hygiene, ingestion of colour producing food and drinks or use of tobacco. Some mouthwashes can stain the teeth as well. Our hygienist or dentist at Tauranga Crossing Dental can assess the staining on your teeth and remove them usually in one visit by polishing and cleaning with specially designed tools and materials.

Some inside stains  are removed by whitening (bleaching). Inside stains are usually due to aging, micro-cracks in the outer layer of the tooth (enamel), taking tetracycline medication earlier in life, excessive fluoride ingestion when teeth were developing, some medical conditions and medications can alter the colour of your teeth as well. Our team at Tauranga Crossing Dental can offer different systems to whiten your teeth. The result can amaze you making your teeth to look whiter and the whole smile younger and healthier! A great place to start is to book a consultation with us. We are happy to explain the procedures in more detail.

Sometimes some inside stains can be only removed by cosmetic dental procedures. Those stains are usually due to dental caries, old and discoloured restorations, non-vital teeth, thinning enamel due to wear, acid erosion and excessive over-brushing. Careful planning is required, but usually involves special treatments such as placement or replacement fillings, placement of veneers and crowns, root canal treatments following the internal bleaching. We will be happy to see you at Tauranga Crossing Dental to examine your teeth thoroughly and address the problem. The result after treatment can be life-changing as it can give you confidence to speak and smile!

During the time that the tooth had a toothache, the pulp (nerve) inside the tooth was severely inflamed and infected causing the death and necrosis of the pulp. It no longer hurts because following an inflammatory challenge, the pulp may have died and become chronically inflamed showing little or no symptoms. However, the infection remains inside causing irreversible damage to the surrounding tissues and to your wellbeing. Removal of bacteria from inside the tooth is essential to your health and to avoid another toothache.

Congratulations!
Being pregnant is exciting time, however pregnancy demands can lead to some dental problems. It can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in some woman. Research has also found a link between gum disease in some pregnant woman and premature birth with low birth weight.

Our team at Tauranga Crossing Dental can help to maintain your dental health during this difficult, demanding and exciting time.

We know that the most common causes for dental health problems are:
• Hormonal changes
• Morning sickness (vomiting)
• Poor oral hygiene due to lack of energy and retching during brushing
• Diet due to craving sugar food and soft drinks

We recommend:
• Visit our hygienist 2-3 times during pregnancy
• If it is possible check your dental health before you conceive
• Let us know if you have any worries or concerns regarding your diet cravings, home care or oral health
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss between your teeth at least once a day
• Use mouthwash for your needs

The good news is with the proper home care regime and professional help, your teeth and gums should stay healthy during pregnancy.

People who have been diagnosed with Diabetes have Glucose (Sugar) present in saliva. If the condition is not controlled, high level of sugar supports the growth of harmful bacteria which can potentially damage your teeth and gums/bone. If you are over 50, the risk of damage is even higher.

The resistance to gum infection is low, as a result, you are more likely to develop severe gum disease.
Diabetes impairs healing process and starting the production of the agent responsible for chronic infection causing gum/bone disease and tooth loss.

Also people with diabetes are at high risk for dry mouth as the saliva production slows down meaning more decay and gum disease, ulcers and sores.

Fungal yeast infection is also common, especially if you wear dentures. The yeast infection thrives on sugar.

Controlling your diabetes will help you to protect your teeth and prevent the gum disease progress. Reduce the discomfort due to ulcers, sores and thrush.

What can you do?
The best thing is to make sure that you see our dentist for dental check-ups and our hygienist for cleanings regularly. We will be able to see the early sign of decay, remove harmful plaque to reduce the gum infection or bone disease and try to fix them before they effect your entire mouth.

Even the most beautiful restorations can be compromised by gum problems, recurring cavities and poor oral hygiene habits. Part of our commitment to you is to provide you with the proper information to keep your gums and teeth (natural or restored) in good health. Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist at recommended intervals keeps your mouth healthy and can intercept potential problems early enough to avoid additional restorative work or unnecessary discomfort. It is also important to maintain a professional cleaning schedule throughout the course of your dental treatment.

The Invisalign™ system works to straighten your teeth, little by little, though a series of discreet, comfortable, and removable plastic aligners. 

They’re a popular and affordable option for those with overcrowding, gaps, and over/under/cross bites. A major advantage being the fact that they can be removed, meaning your teeth can be brushed and flossed as normal, eliminating many potential complications.

How it works:

1. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, we’ll create an incredibly accurate computer-generated model of your teeth.
2. We’ll devise a treatment plan for your specific needs by creating a series of virtual models of your teeth, each one straighter than the last, until the final aesthetic goal is met.
3. The 3D models are printed and used to create a series of clear, durable, plastic aligners that will gradually straighten your teeth over time.
4. Following our tailored treatment plan, you’ll wear each aligner day and night for a week or two before switching to the next, removing only for eating and cleaning.
5. We’ll track your progress with in-clinic check ups every couple of months.
6. Once the final goal has been achieved, we’ll create new retainers of your teeth in their final position that you’ll wear according to our recommendations, ensuring that your teeth remain perfectly aligned. 
7. You have the smile you’ve always wanted! No metal, no glue, no wires.