Blog | Dental Information and Tips | Port Melbourne Dental

How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer After Braces?

So you’ve finally said goodbye to your braces, and your teeth are looking straight and beautiful as ever—sounds like a dream come true! But before you start celebrating with all the popcorn and chewy sweets you had to avoid, there’s one more step in your orthodontic journey—the retainer. Why Do You Need a Retainer After Braces? Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into their ideal position. This may take years depending on the nature of your condition—years of metal wires and brackets pushing on your teeth for a better functioning smile with aesthetic appeal. However, once the braces are … Continue reading

Can You Enjoy Chewing Gum with Braces?

Woman wearing braces holding a piece of chewing gum to her mouth.

Getting braces is a big step towards a straighter smile—a step towards smiling more confidently in pictures and laughing louder in your daily life. But in the meantime where you have to wear your braces, this does come with a few lifestyle adjustments that take getting used to. One of the most common questions orthodontic patients ask is: “Can I still chew gum with braces?” The short answer? It depends. Let’s break it down. Why Gum and Braces Don’t Always Mix Braces come with brackets, wires and elastics, all of which are prone to damage if you’re not careful. Traditional … Continue reading

Do You Need a Crown After Root Canal? Pros and Cons

A root canal is the best solution for you if you are dealing with a damaged tooth. However a lot of patients ask us the question “Do I need a crown after a root canal?” The answer depends on various factors such as function, condition and location. We at PMD Dental want to make sure you make the best choice for your oral health and are here to help you understand when a dental crown is needed after root canal, pros and cons and what you can expect when you visit us at Port Melbourne for the treatment. What is … Continue reading

How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?

Woman holding clear aligners and smiling

Invisalign is a game-changer in orthodontics, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. If you’re considering starting this treatment, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to see the desired results. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all but let’s break it down. How Long Does It Typically Take? When it comes to Invisalign, one of the first questions people ask orthodontists is: “How long will it take to straighten my teeth?” So how long does it actually take for Invisalign to work? It depends from person to person. Choosing Invisalign is a … Continue reading

Will a Small Chipped Tooth Smooth Out? Here’s What You Need to Know

A close up shot of a woman's teeth with one chipped tooth

Accidents can occur in our lives and sometimes leave a chip on one of our teeth. It may be a slight chip, but you may wonder if that tooth will smooth out on its own, or does it call for an immediate dental treatment? Here’s a detailed guide to understanding chipped teeth with detailed information on their nature and impacts, along with the best solutions available at Port Melbourne. What Causes a Chipped Tooth? Chipped teeth can be caused by various factors: Biting on hard objects like ice or hard candies.Sports injuries or accidents.Weak enamel caused by poor oral hygiene … Continue reading