At Dental at Keys, we understand that dental visits can be daunting for children. Our caring team provides gentle and effective treatments to keep your child’s smile healthy and pain-free. One common procedure we perform to save a baby tooth from infection is called a pulpotomy.
Your child’s dentist at Dental at Keys will perform a thorough dental examination, which includes:
A pulpotomy is suitable when:
A pulpotomy may not be the right option if:
If infection is present, a pulpectomy (baby root canal) or tooth removal may be needed instead.
At Dental at Keys, our dentists take every measure to ensure your child’s comfort and safety during treatment.
A small cotton pellet is placed over the pulp for a few minutes:
Once suitable, a restorative medication such as Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is placed to protect the remaining healthy pulp.
The tooth is then sealed tightly and finished with a stainless steel crown (SSC) to restore function and prevent future damage.
This crown acts as a strong protective cover, allowing the baby tooth to stay in place until it’s naturally ready to fall out.
The best way to avoid needing a pulpotomy is to catch cavities early and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Here’s how you can help your child prevent decay:
Addressing any dental pain promptly — early treatment helps prevent more invasive procedures
If you’re interested in a Pulpotomy in Keysborough, we invite you to visit Dental at Keys for a personalised consultation.
In some cases, yes. For example, if a permanent tooth is injured or has a small pulp exposure, a partial pulpotomy may be done using MTA. However, if the tooth’s roots are fully developed, a root canal treatment is usually the preferred option.
A pulpotomy generally takes 30–40 minutes, depending on the tooth’s condition and your child’s cooperation.
A Cvek pulpotomy (or partial pulpotomy) involves removing only a few millimetres of exposed nerve tissue, typically after trauma to a permanent tooth. The area is then treated and sealed similarly to a pulpotomy.
Thanks to modern bio-compatible materials, even more conservative options may now be available in some cases.
A pulpotomy removes only the top part of the nerve inside the tooth’s crown.
A pulpectomy (baby root canal) removes all the nerve tissue, cleans the canals, and fills them with a special root filling material called Gutta Percha.
If a pulpotomy isn’t suitable — for example, if the tooth is already infected — the alternative may be tooth removal.
Leaving an infected tooth untreated can cause:
Hall Crowns are a type of Stainless Steel Crown (SSC) treatment commonly used on baby molar teeth. They’re a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment option that usually requires no drilling or anaesthetic — making them ideal for young children who may feel nervous at the dentist.
The most common reason your child may need a Hall Crown is due to tooth decay or cavities on baby teeth. Decay can occur because of diet, oral hygiene habits, or natural developmental factors affecting the enamel.
Other possible reasons include:
You may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Even if not every hypomineralised tooth needs a crown, your dentist will carefully assess the tooth’s health to determine if a Hall Crown is appropriate.
Your dental professional will first perform a comprehensive dental examination to assess your child’s oral health. This may include taking X-rays and doing a professional dental clean if needed.
The dentist will assess whether the decay has reached the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.
Hall Crowns are only suitable when:
Once the tooth is confirmed suitable, the procedure and its benefits are discussed and consented to with you and your child.
Small rubber separators are placed between the teeth on either side of the one being treated.
After placement:
Because of their minimally invasive nature, Hall Crowns can usually be done without anaesthetic and are well tolerated even by very young children. This approach can prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.
To keep your child’s crown and teeth healthy:
If you’re interested in a Hall Crown in Keysborough, we invite you to visit Dental at Keys for a personalised consultation.
Yes. Stainless Steel Crowns are made from medical-grade metal alloys that are perfectly safe for children. They are durable, biocompatible, and designed specifically for use inside the mouth.
Once a cavity becomes moderately large, fillings tend to fail more easily in baby teeth. The bonding materials used for fillings don’t adhere as strongly to primary teeth, and as teeth move or erupt, fillings can loosen or fall out.
Stainless Steel Crowns provide greater protection and longevity, helping to preserve baby teeth until they naturally fall out.
We like to make it fun! We often call it a “superhero tooth” or a “robot tooth.” Many children love showing off their special new tooth — and usually realise that some of their friends have them too.
The Teeth Space maintainers we do in Keysborough are custom-made dental appliances used to hold open the space left by a prematurely lost tooth—most commonly in children. As your dentist in Keysborough, we can help your teeth space with a tooth space maintainer.
Teeth space maintainers can be fixed or removable. They ensure adequate space for the erupting adult tooth and help prevent future orthodontic problems. Most space maintainers we do in Keysborough are done in children, however, adults may also benefit from space maintainers. Space maintainers are done to preserve the gap until a dental implant, bridge, or denture is placed in adults.
Read on to learn more about how we can help you with teeth space maintainers in Keysborough.
When a deciduous (baby) tooth falls out early, the adult (permanent) tooth underneath may not be ready to erupt. Without a space maintainer, surrounding teeth can shift into this space, leading to crowding or misalignment. This often results in the adult tooth erupting in the wrong position or becoming impacted (Stuck). In the lower or upper jaw, these changes can also affect the bite and the alignment of opposing teeth.
If an adult tooth is lost and isn’t replaced promptly (with an implant, bridge or plate), a space maintainer may be used to preserve the space and prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting.
Several factors influence whether your child may need a space maintainer:
There are 2 main types of Space Maintainers we can do as your Keysborough Dentist: fixed Space Maintainers and removable Space Maintainers. The fixed Space Maintainers are the most common as they are the most effective and compliance is high because the child cannot remove it. The efficacy of removable Space Maintainers often suffer because children often remove them.
The best way to avoid needing a space maintainer is through preventive dental care. Regular dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, proper brushing and flossing, and a tooth-friendly diet help protect baby teeth from decay. In the case of sports injuries, a custom mouthguard can help protect your child’s teeth from trauma.
Book an appointment to see if space maintainers are the right option for your child.
Costs vary depending on the type.
Band and Loop: From $350+ (includes eventual removal).
Removable options: From $260+.
Custom devices often require dental impressions or digital scans and may involve lab fabrication.
Removal occurs when the adult tooth begins to erupt or if the appliance becomes uncomfortable. This is assessed during regular dental visits.
Initial fitting might feel tight or strange but shouldn’t be painful. Children typically adjust within a few days.
A dental professional will gently remove it by detaching the bands or wires—this is quick and usually doesn’t require anesthesia.
Brush thoroughly around the appliance.
Use floss or interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Avoid sticky or chewy foods that can dislodge the device.
Have you noticed white spots on your teeth? Your dentist may refer to these as white spot lesions or tooth demineralisation. These are early signs of enamel damage, often appearing as bright white patches that stand out from the rest of the tooth surface. They usually result from prolonged plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene.
The main cause of white spot lesions is inadequate plaque removal, which leads to acid-producing bacteria eroding the enamel. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can also increase the risk, as it fuels plaque build-up and accelerates enamel breakdown.
Symptoms of tooth demineralisation can vary, but may include:
The treatment for white spot lesions depends on how advanced the enamel damage is. Early-stage lesions can sometimes be reversed or halted without invasive procedures.
Effective treatment options include:
Preventing tooth demineralisation and white spots is achievable with consistent care and healthy habits:
If you’re interested in checking your teeth for white spot lesions in Keysborough, we invite you to visit Dental at Keys for a personalised consultation.
Yes, in the early stages, white spot lesions caused by demineralisation can often be reversed. Treatments may include fluoride applications, remineralising agents like calcium-phosphate pastes, or improved oral hygiene to encourage natural enamel repair.
Some white spot lesions can fade with remineralisation treatments, while others may remain visible even after the enamel has been strengthened. Cosmetic dental treatments such as resin infiltration, whitening, or veneers can improve the appearance of stubborn white spots.
Anyone can develop white spot lesions, but those most at risk include:
Children and teenagers (due to developing enamel)
People wearing orthodontic braces
Patients with poor oral hygiene habits
Individuals with dry mouth or frequent acid exposure
Chalky teeth (Dental term: Hypomineralised teeth) develop when the enamel does not form properly, resulting in a compromised structure. This can cause the teeth to appear chalky white, yellow, or even brown. Since these areas are more porous, they are weaker and prone to breaking down faster than normal enamel. Read on to learn more about how to manage Chalky teeth with us in Keysborough.
Despite being relatively common, there is no single known cause of hypomineralised teeth. There are times when there are no obvious causes found. However, some factors have been linked to its development, including:
Your dentist will monitor your teeth every six months. If hypomineralisation of teeth is detected, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to prevent further breakdown. If you notice unusual discoloration or areas of weakness, consult your dental professional as soon as possible.
In cases where teeth break down easily, early intervention is key to preventing complications.
There is no cure for hypomineralisation of teeth, but preventive and cosmetic treatments can help manage the condition:
Since chalky teeth are more prone to cavities and breakdown, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential:
Book an appointment with Dental at Keys today for a professional assessment and tailored treatment plan!
Yes. Because hypomineralised teeth have weaker enamel, they are often more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. This sensitivity happens because the protective outer layer of enamel is not as strong, leaving the teeth more vulnerable to discomfort and decay.
Unfortunately, hypomineralised teeth cannot always be prevented, as the condition develops while the teeth are forming. However, regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and early treatment can help manage symptoms, protect affected teeth, and prevent further damage.
Chalky or hypomineralised teeth are most commonly noticed in children when their permanent molars and incisors start coming through. However, adults can also have chalky patches if their enamel didn’t form properly during childhood, or if the enamel has been weakened over time.
No. While both conditions affect the enamel, chalky teeth (hypomineralisation) are caused by issues during enamel development, not by bacteria. However, because the enamel is weaker, hypomineralised teeth are more likely to develop cavities if not protected and treated.
Yes. Hypomineralised teeth may appear patchy or discoloured, which can make children or teenagers feel self-conscious about their smile. Treatment options such as bonding, microabrasion, or crowns can improve the appearance of chalky teeth and boost confidence.
While chalky teeth are not an emergency, they should be assessed by a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent enamel breakdown, reduce sensitivity, and lower the risk of decay. Addressing the issue early often avoids more complex dental work later.
Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. While Titanium-based implants are the most commonly used, our Zirconia implants in Keysborough provide a metal free Dental Implant alternative made from a ceramic material called Zirconium Dioxide. Zirconia has been used for many years in various dental procedures, such as crowns and implant restorations, due to its natural look and compatibility with the body.
There are several reasons why you might opt for Zirconia dental implants. One of the most common is if you have an allergy or sensitivity to metals, particularly the alloys found in Titanium implants. If metal allergies are a concern, they can be identified through allergy testing, and Zirconia can serve as an ideal solution without triggering any adverse reactions.
Additionally, some may prefer Zirconia implants for personal or aesthetic reasons, especially those who prefer to avoid any metal in their mouth. Zirconia offers a more natural, tooth-like appearance, making it especially desirable for those who need an implant in the front of their mouth where the cosmetic outcome is important. If you have thin gums, Zirconia can also provide a more seamless integration with your natural gum line.
Zirconia implants are made from a strong, white ceramic material, providing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. These implants are designed to resemble screws and are carefully affixed to the jawbone, where they integrate over time. Due to the ceramic composition, Zirconia implants lack the metallic shine of Titanium, offering a more discreet and natural look, especially for front teeth.
Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants, and it’s been thoroughly researched over several decades. This wealth of information has provided evidence of Titanium’s strength, reliability, and long-term success in implant dentistry. Titanium implants are particularly known for their ability to withstand pressure and stress, thanks to their higher flexural strength and thermal conductivity.
Zirconia, however, is a newer material and lacks the extensive research that Titanium has accumulated. Despite this, Zirconia implants are becoming increasingly popular for patients who prioritise aesthetics and want to avoid metal implants. While Zirconia may not be as mechanically strong as Titanium, it’s still a durable and biocompatible material that works well for many patients.
Ultimately, the best implant option depends on several factors, such as the location of the implant, your personal preferences, and the quality of your bone. It’s important to discuss these options with your dentist, who can guide you through the process and help you choose the right material for your needs.
Interested in a Zirconia Implant solution? Book a consult now to find out more at Dental at Keys!
Zirconia implants have a similar cost to our titanium implants. As Zirconia implants are not as popular as their titanium counterpart, there may be an increase in wait-times before we can order it in.
The main difference is the material: titanium is a metal, while zirconia is a ceramic. Both are biocompatible and integrate well with the jawbone, but zirconia implants are completely metal-free, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities or those who prefer a holistic option. Additionally, zirconia implants are naturally white, which can make them more aesthetically pleasing in areas where the gums are thin or prone to recession.
Yes. Zirconia is a highly biocompatible material, meaning it is well-accepted by the body and integrates strongly with the jawbone. It is also resistant to plaque build-up, which may help maintain healthy gums around the implant. For patients concerned about potential allergic reactions or sensitivities to metal, zirconia offers a safe and reliable alternative.
When placed correctly and cared for properly, zirconia implants can last many years — often decades. Their strength and durability are comparable to titanium implants. However, just like natural teeth, their success depends on good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking.
Most patients who are suitable for titanium implants can also consider zirconia implants. You may be a good candidate if you:
Have missing teeth and want a long-lasting replacement
Prefer a metal-free or holistic option
Have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone for implant placement
Are free from uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect healing
Your dentist will assess your oral health, bone structure, and treatment goals to determine if zirconia implants are the right choice for you.
Stainless steel crowns are an effective solution for restoring and protecting baby teeth damaged by decay or fractures. These durable crowns cover the entire visible surface of the tooth, providing long-lasting protection and helping preserve the teeth until they naturally fall out at the appropriate age. Learn more about Stainless Steel Crowns in Keysborough by reading our blog post below!
The enamel on baby teeth differs significantly from the enamel on adult teeth. This difference makes fillings on baby teeth less durable, as the bonding strength is weaker. As a result, fillings on baby teeth can frequently dislodge or wear down. Stainless steel crowns offer a reliable solution by fully covering and protecting the entire tooth, ensuring long-lasting durability and protection.
We start with a thorough and gentle examination of your child’s teeth in a calm, friendly environment. Our goal is to ensure the experience is comfortable and enjoyable for your child. Plus, our ceiling-mounted TV keeps kids entertained and relaxed throughout the check-up!
If we detect any cavities during the examination, we carefully evaluate the extent of the decay both visually and through X-rays. Additional factors we consider include your child’s age, the expected timeline for the baby tooth to fall out, and the position of the incoming adult teeth.
For small cavities, a filling may be sufficient. However, for larger areas of decay, we often recommend a stainless steel crown to provide optimal protection and durability.
Once our Dental professional determines that your child needs a stainless steel crown, the procedure will vary depending on the type of preparation required.
If the tooth requires preparation or pulp therapy:
Both methods restore your child’s tooth effectively and comfortably.
Caring for a stainless steel crown is similar to maintaining your child’s natural teeth. Follow these tips to ensure its longevity and success:
With proper care, the stainless steel crown can protect your child’s tooth effectively until it naturally falls out.
We understand the importance of creating the ideal environment for your child’s dental visits. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care, ensuring every child feels comfortable and supported. We’re grateful to have earned the trust of so many families in our community to care for their most precious little ones. See us for your child’s Stainless Steel Crowns in Keysborough.
Please see our Kids Dental page for more info!
Stainless steel crowns are a safe and effective way of restoring your child’s baby teeth.
Yes, stainless steel crowns are completely safe and widely used in children’s dentistry. They are biocompatible, strong, and have been used for decades as a reliable treatment option. Because they fully cover the tooth, they also prevent bacteria from re-entering, reducing the risk of future infections or decay.
Stainless steel crowns are designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out. In most cases, they stay securely in place until the permanent tooth is ready to come through. This makes them an excellent long-term solution for protecting children’s teeth without needing repeated dental treatments.
Caring for a tooth with a stainless steel crown is just like caring for any other tooth. Encourage your child to:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss once a day
Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that might loosen the crown
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, stainless steel crowns help keep your child’s smile healthy until their adult teeth come in.
If your child is eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme, then the cost of the crown will be covered under this. Our private fees for this range from $250+; depending on the complexity.
Good oral hygiene helps to prevent a range of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. While brushing your teeth every morning and night is a great start, proper effective oral hygiene requires a bit more work and commitment.
It is important to brush your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes long. Any less than this possibly means you are not cleaning your teeth as effectively as you should be. Brush your teeth in a circular motion, whilst covering all the surfaces of the tooth. Don’t forget to brush the inside and outside surfaces! Angle the brush 45 degrees into the gum when cleaning around the gumline. This helps to get the bristles under the gum a little to get rid of plaque.
Ensure that you use a SOFT bristle brush. Anything harder may damage your gums and may cause recession (and hence sensitivity). A manual or electric toothbrush is a personal preference. Both are equally effective in cleaning however the electric brush does the circular movement which makes it easier for some.
It’s important that you choose a toothpaste that is fluoridated. Fluoride helps to harden enamel and reduces the risk of decay. Children under 6 should be using a low-fluoride version and child older can use a pea-sized amount of adult toothpaste.
Flossing, or cleaning between your teeth is equally as important as brushing twice a day. If you do not floss, you will miss about 30% of the tooth’s surfaces. These areas are a potential hole waiting to happen. You’ll notice as well that your gums may bleed more easily if you haven’t flossed for a while – this is a sign of gum disease. We recommend running the floss around your middle fingers and using your index finger &/or thumb to run the floss down between your teeth in a slow, gentle, sawing motion. If you have large gaps between your teeth, interdental brushes like the Piksters we sell are much easier to use than floss.
Having a good diet not only benefits your oral health, but also your general health as well. It is important that you try to eliminate the amount of sugary food and fizzy drinks in your diet. Sugar is converted to acid by the bacteria in your mouth which then dissolves the minerals in your tooth enamel, causing decay/holes. Acidic foods and drinks can also cause tooth erosion which causes sensitivity, discolouration and cracks over time. Ideally, you should be not only be reducing the amount but the frequency of intake as well (ie. reduce the number of snacks you have).
It is a good idea to rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse after every meal. Cleaning your tongue may help to reduce the amount of bacteria causing bad breath. Try not to use your teeth to open bottles or to crack nuts as they might crack, chip or break! Remember to visit your dentist every 6 months for a check and clean to maintain your healthy teeth!
A good oral health routine from when your children are young is very important in establishing good oral hygiene habits. In this blog, we will discuss our top oral health tips for babies and toddlers, helping you to ensure they develop beautiful, healthy smiles.
For this Oral health tips blog, we won’t go into detail when it comes to breastfeeding and bottle feeding, however it is commonly accepted that if you can breastfeed, this is best for your baby. Breastfeeding in particular allows your baby to develop proper tongue placement and suckling habits – which is great for the development of their jaws. Read more about this here.
In the first 6 months of your baby’s life, breast milk or infant formula provides all the nourishment they need. Once your baby has finished feeding, it’s important to remove them from the breast or bottle.
When babies fall asleep with a bottle, some of the milk remains in their mouth and on their teeth. Because this can cause tooth decay, and also increase the risk of choking and ear infection. We recommend that you do not allow your child to bring the bottle to bed. Furthermore, this can have a detrimental effect on the shape of the jaws if your child suckles on the teat the whole night – this constant pressure can reshape the jaw into a narrow, V-shaped arch with a large overjet.
Between 6 and 12 months, your baby can progress from drinking from a bottle to a cup. When babies reach the age of 12 months, they should only drink from a cup. There are lots of different cups out there, including the non-spill versions. Using a cup discourages the improper placement of the tongue, again changing the shape of the upper jaw and tongue thrusting.
Water should be your toddler’s go-to drink, making sure they drink tap water throughout each day. For babies aged under 12 months, tap water should be boiled and cooled before drinking.
In Melbourne, our water is fluoridated, which helps protect teeth from decay. In contrast, most shop-bought bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride.
Milk is a good source of calcium which helps make teeth strong and healthy. While babies under 12 months should be drinking breastmilk or infant formula, children aged 1 to 2 years can drink plain full fat cow’s milk.
After 2 years of age, low-fat milk is suitable. Note that flavoured and formula milk may have added sugar which can cause tooth decay.
Fruit juice and sweet drinks can greatly increase the risk of tooth decay and are not recommended for children under 12 months. Important to note, fruit juice with ‘no added sugar’ still contains natural sugar, which can also cause tooth decay. Diet soft drinks contain acids which can also damage teeth. Sweet drinks that should be avoided completely include soft drinks, fruit juice, sports drinks, cordial, tea drinks, fruit drinks and energy drinks.
From 12 month of age, children should be enjoying a wide variety of healthy foods, similar to the rest of the family’s diet. They learn about eating food from watching their parents and other family members and so it’s important to set a good example and create healthy habits. Solid foods are also important for jaw development (improving the jaw shape, size and muscles).
Another interesting fact is that babies don’t have a preference for sweetness. With many common foods containing sugar, it’s actually something they become accustomed to when they consume sweet foods and drinks regularly. We recommend avoiding anything sugary in their formative years.
As your baby’s teeth erupt, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a soft cloth or brushing with a small toothbrush and water. At 12 months, you can begin using a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste to brush your child’s teeth. Make sure they spit out the toothpaste after brushing but do not rinse. Some children take a while to get used to spitting out so monitor this closely before proceeding to the next type of toothpaste.
Most children will need an adult to help them brush their teeth and gums twice a day until they reach 7 to 8 years old. Remember, you can floss your babies teeth even if there are lots of gaps. It’s important to establish good oral hygiene habits early.
Your toddler’s first oral health assessment can be provided by a dentist, oral health professional, child health nurse or doctor. Beginning regular check-ups from the age of 2 enables any dental problems to be identified early and treated in its early stages. We also encourage taking X-rays and cleaning their teeth professionally early – which helps develop good oral hygiene habits. Oral Health tips for Babies and Toddlers are important for all parents to know.
Babies are not born with the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Did you know that often parents and carers pass this bacteria to babies? To help prevent this, we recommend that:
At Dental at Keys, we are committed to providing expert care to effectively address your kid’s teeth and gum health. Our approach begins with personalised assessments, where we thoroughly examine your symptoms, jaw, teeth, and bite alignment to identify the root cause of your discomfort.
Using advanced dental technology, we ensure accurate diagnostics to guide the most effective treatment plan. Throughout the process, our compassionate team offers ongoing support, guidance and follow-up care. If you want to learn more about Oral Health tips for Babies and Toddlers, contact us to organise a visit to check your oral health and overall wellbeing with patient-focused, professional care.
The Maryland bridge is a lesser-known type of dental bridge often overlooked by patients. Developed and popularised by the University of Maryland in the early 1980s, Maryland Bridges provide a cost-effective option, particularly for patients seeking a conservative approach.
A Maryland Bridge is a prosthetic item that is used when a single front tooth is missing. The most common teeth to be replaced with a Maryland Bridge is the bottom or top front teeth. Unlike traditional Dental Bridges, Maryland Bridges use a metal or porcelain framework and a wing to bond to the back of adjacent teeth, offering a minimally invasive solution for replacing missing teeth.
These bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, ceramics such as E.Max (Lithium Disilicate) or Monolithic Zirconia, and even metals like such as gold.
The benefit of a Maryland Bridge is that there is much less preparation and thereby, damage done to the surrounding teeth in order to construct a Bridge.
Maryland Bridges are a popular choice for tooth replacement, with a typical lifespan of 7-10 years or more. Key to the success and longevity of a Maryland Bridge is a favourable bite alignment — meaning the bridge should avoid direct impact when moving teeth side-to-side or front-to-back. Because they are not as strong as other prosthetics, it’s best to avoid biting hard foods directly on them. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, a Maryland Bridge can last longer, and if it becomes dislodged, it can often be re-bonded.
When considering a Maryland Bridge, it’s essential to understand the two types available, each with different requirements for tooth preparation:
No preparation – This requires no drilling on the adjacent teeth. Instead, the teeth are cleaned and prepared using special dental materials like etchants and bonding systems. While this approach is more conservative, it can be slightly more challenging to seat and bond firmly compared to bridges with minimal preparation.
Minimal Preparation – In this type, the adjacent teeth undergo very minimal drilling to create space and enhance retention for the bridge wings. This slight preparation allows the wings to fit more accurately and securely.
Each option has its benefits, and our team of Dentists can recommend the best type based on your specific dental needs.
The cost of a Maryland Bridge can vary based on factors like the material chosen and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, Maryland Bridges are more affordable than traditional 3-unit bridges, making them a popular choice for patients seeking a cost-effective tooth replacement. It’s also important to discuss potential re-bonding costs with your dentist, as these may vary depending on the case if the bridge becomes dislodged.
For personalised cost estimates and options, consult with our Team to find the right fit for your dental needs.
Cleaning a Maryland Bridge requires special care due to its design, which joins two natural teeth with one artificial tooth, making conventional flossing impossible. To maintain optimal oral hygiene and extend the life of your dental bridge, it’s recommended to use tools like Superfloss or interdental brushes to clean under and around the bridge. These tools help remove plaque and debris, keeping surrounding teeth and gums healthy. Proper cleaning is essential for the longevity of your Maryland Bridge and overall dental health
If a Maryland Bridge isn’t the right choice for you, there are several other effective options for replacing missing teeth. Alternatives include dental implants, dentures, natural tooth bridges, cantilever bridges, and traditional dental bridges. In some instances, Orthodontic Treatment such as braces or Clear Aligners may be possible to close the space. Each of these solutions offers unique benefits, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your cosmetic and functional needs. In some cases, if the gap is not visible or does not affect oral function, leaving the space as is may be a viable option.
The Maryland Bridge’s conservative approach makes it a popular choice for patients seeking a tooth replacement option that preserves as much natural tooth structure as possible. Discover if the Maryland Bridge is the right solution for you today by contacting our team now!
