When & why would you recommend IV Sedation?
When patients are highly nervous and or have a severe gag reflex whereby they are unable to tolerate treatment then intravenous sedation is a carefree way to have dental treatment. All major surgery, extended reconstruction appointments and implant treatment is provided under I.V. Sedation.
Our services section on this website has more information on I.V. sedation. Please contact our practive or talk to one of our Dentist’s if you would like to discuss the option of having this sedation.
Do you refer to orthodontists etc?
Yes we do. You will need to see one of our Dentist’s or Oral Health Therapist and they can write a letter of referral to an Orthodontist of your choice, or recommend one if you are unsure.
Do you accept new patients?
Absolutely, new patients are welcome at our practice and we look forward to meeting you.
There is more information on the front page of our website under “Patient Info” on becoming a new patient to our practice. You can either book on line or phone and speak to one of our friendly receptionist to make an appointment, and they can answer any questions you may have.
As a new patient you will be asked to complete a Health Questionnaire form, it is important that we are aware of any health issues or areas of concerns you may have. We need to know if you have any allergies or any medication you are currently taking.
Why should I see a hygienist?
No matter how well people look after their teeth and gums, very few maintain perfect oral hygiene day by day. Plaque is easily missed between the teeth and around the gumline. If plaque is missed regularly, it calcifies into tartar.
We strongly recommend regular visits to our Hygienist to assist in the prevention and treatment of periodontal (gum and jawbone) disease and maintain a healthy mouth.
There is more information on the advantages of visiting our hygienist regularly on the front page of our website under “Hygienist”
What does it cost for my child?
Children of Primary school / Intermediate age are seen by our local Community Dental Service through their school.
Once your child starts College Year 9, until the age of 18, we have a contract with the ministry that entitles them to yearly free dental treatment. We strongly recommend that all children attend these regular appointments and maintain healthy hygiene habbits – please remember this service is FREE and very IMPORTANT.
There is more information under the Services section of our website “Dentistry for Adolescents”.
I have allergies to some medication, can you work around this?
Yes we can still treat you as a patient but it is VERY important that if you have ANY allergies, please notify reception BEFORE you see the Dentist or Dental Hygienist.
It is very important that we are made aware of any allergies.
How often should I have a checkup?
Everybody is different. Your Dentist and Dental Hygienist will discuss and advise you what is the best option for you.
You can make your next appointment on leaving our practice or we can send out regular recall reminders of when your next visit is due.
When do I pay?
We do ask for payment on the day unless a prior arrangement for payment terms has been made with our Practice Manager before the appointment.
There is more payment information under “Patient Information” on the front page of our website.
Do you have payment options?
Yes. You will need to pay for your first examination appointment and if you require further treatment, you will be given a Treatment Plan with the costings involved. If you can not afford to pay for this in one payment we do offer Payment terms, and you can discuss these with our Finance Manager Catherine Mould, or Practice Co-ordinator Bernie Jopson prior to treatment commences.
We also accept Qcard and Zip.
Where do I take my child for dental care?
All children under high school age are seen through the Ashburton Community Dental Services Phone 307-6932.
During your childs last year at Intermediate they will be asked to complete a form where they will request a Dentist of their choice that they will start regular yearly visits from Year 9 until the age of 18. You can contact us and make that first appointment in their first year at high school and then they will go onto our recall reminder system for their regular yearly visits.
We strongly recommend that children maintain regular yearly visits until they are 18. These visits are FREE and funded by the Ministry.
There is more information on “Dentistry for Adolescents” under the services section on our website.
Invisalign
How often must I wear my aligners?
Your aligners/dental braces should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing. It’s important that you wear each aligner for 22 hours a day as this is critical to the success of the Invisalign treatment.
What’s the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. We can also supply you with aligner cleaning crystals. You can also simply soak them in white vinegar diluted with water.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discoloured.
Can I drink with aligners still on?
You should remove your aligners to drink anything else except cold water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them; risk tooth decay if they drink fluids with sugar in them; and if you are drinking just clean hot water, you may warp the aligners.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners/dental braces to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise.
Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
Is there a price reduction if I only require the top/bottom aligner?
The charge for Invisalign is based upon the treatment needed and the 3-D modelling cost. Whether your treatment requires one arch or two arches (i.e. treatment to your top and bottom teeth) the price will be virtually the same.
Will there be an initial consultation fee?
At Dentistry on Parkside, prior to commencing with the Invisalign approach, we hold an initial on-site consultation. This appointment is 15 minutes and the cost is $59.00.
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Like brackets and arch wires, the Invisalign aligner moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. With each aligner, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular aligner. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of each individual patient’s orthodontic issues. Treatment may vary from anywhere between six months to two years with an average treatment taking around 12 to 14 months.
What are aligners made of?
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade non-toxic plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made “aligners” are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final desired position is achieved.
