A general check up (every 6-12 months) ensures your dentist detects any problems in their early stages, before they become more severe. Treatment in the early stages is generally easier and much cheaper. In addition to assessing your tooth and gum health, your dentist may take x-rays to assess the dental pulp and roots of your teeth and look for any early signs of oral diseases that can affect your general health. During your check up your dentist may recommend a professional clean. This will remove calculus (tartar, calcified plaque) that has built up on your teeth.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will recommend you have a professional clean every 3 -12 months. Bacteria in your mouth form a thin film, called plaque, on your teeth. Over time the plaque and minerals in the saliva in your mouth form a hardened deposit called calculus (tartar). Regular brushing and flossing slows the build up of calculus but its removal requires a professional clean. If not removed calculus and plaque can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis (early gum disease). During a professional clean your dentist or dental hygienist will scale and polish your teeth using a variety of instruments. Scaling involves removing plaque and calculus from teeth and around the gum line. Polishing smoothes the surface of your teeth. A professional clean is usually painless, although you may experience some minor discomfort or sensitivity. Discuss this with your dentist as they may be able to administer pain relief.

Periodontitis involves the gums and support tissues of the teeth. Periodontitis develops from gingivitis, where the surface of the gums is inflamed due to toxins released by bacteria in plaque. This immune response can lead to degradation of teeth and gums along the gum line and the formation of small pockets in the gums. Bacteria can become trapped in these pockets and colonise the space, so further tooth and gum degradation occur. Once degradation has occurred in the ligaments and bone that support and hold the teeth the damage is permanent and irreversible. Teeth are lost and abscesses may form. Not everyone who develops gingivitis will develop periodontitis, but all people with periodontitis began with gingivitis. People who are more prone to developing periodontitis include those with a family history of the disease, people with poor oral hygiene, smokers, pregnant woman, diabetics, people on certain medications and those with compromised immune systems. Periodontal treatment is usually provided by a periodontist. For more information please view the New Zealand Society of Periodontology website.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease characterised by red, swollen (inflamed) gums that may bleed when teeth are cleaned. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque releasing acid and enzymes that irritate the gums and stimulate an inflammatory response. If untreated, gingivitis can develop into the more severe periodontitis. Gingivitis can usually be reversed by improving personal oral care (regular brushing and flossing) and a professional clean. For more information please view the New Zealand Society of Periodontology website.

Crooked teeth can result from a combination of factors such as genetics and early loss of primary teeth. People with crooked teeth tend to feel self conscious about their smile and this may negatively impact their daily social interactions. Crooked teeth can also be difficult to clean and may be more prone to decay and gum disease. These problems can be corrected via orthodontic treatment. Malocclusions (bad bites) are predominantly inherited but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, missing or extra teeth and other irregularities of the face. Acquired malocclusions may be caused by injuries, thumb or dummy sucking, dental diseases or early loss of teeth. Malocclusions not only affect the alignment of teeth but also facial development. For more information please view the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists website.

Your general dentist may be able to provide a plate for your child to prevent a malocclusion (bad bite) from forming or to correct a mild malocclusion. For braces and orthodontic treatment your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist.

Achieve the Smile You’ve Always Wanted — with Invisalign® At Opal Dental, we believe everyone deserves a confident smile. If you're looking for a discreet, comfortable, and highly effective way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign® might be the perfect solution for you. Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gently and gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position — no metal brackets, no wires, and no restrictions on your lifestyle. Whether you're dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, or crossbites, Invisalign® offers a proven and convenient alternative to traditional braces. Why Patients Love Invisalign®: ✅ Virtually invisible — most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. ✅ Removable — enjoy your favourite foods and maintain excellent oral hygiene. ✅ Comfortable — smooth, BPA-free plastic with no sharp edges. ✅ Customised — designed just for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. At Opal Dental, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way, from your first consultation to your stunning final results. We tailor each Invisalign® treatment plan to match your unique smile goals and lifestyle needs. Ready to start your Invisalign® journey? Book a consultation with us today and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile!

Smooth Away Wrinkles and Relieve Jaw Tension with Dysport® At Opal Dental, we offer Dysport® treatments to help you look and feel your best. Dysport® is a trusted, fast-acting injectable that relaxes targeted muscles — perfect for softening fine lines, reducing wrinkles, and even easing jaw tension caused by clenching or grinding (bruxism). Dysport® for Anti-Wrinkle: Dysport® smooths frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet, giving you a refreshed, natural-looking appearance without looking “frozen.” It’s a quick, minimally invasive way to boost your confidence with little to no downtime. Dysport® for Jaw Clenching and Grinding: Chronic jaw clenching can lead to headaches, sore jaws, and even worn teeth. Dysport® can gently relax the jaw muscles (masseters), helping to relieve pain, protect your teeth, and slim the jawline for a softer facial profile. Benefits of Dysport®: ✅ Fast and natural-looking results ✅ Short treatment sessions ✅ Minimal discomfort and downtime ✅ Effective for cosmetic and therapeutic needs Our team is trained to deliver precise, personalized Dysport® treatments, helping you achieve both health and beauty goals safely and comfortably. Book your consultation today and discover how Dysport® can refresh your smile — and your wellbeing!

Although at home tooth whitening treatments are available from pharmacies you are best to visit your dentist to ensure an effective and consistent result. Some teeth may not be suitable for whitening and not all of your natural teeth will be the same colour.

Dental caries (dental cavities, tooth decay) is the most prevalent oral disease. Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. The bacteria digest food, particularly sugars, and release acid. Over time the acid dissolves the enamel and dentine on the outer layers of your tooth to create a hole or a cavity. It is important to visit your dentist regularly so cavities are detected early. In their early stages cavities are usually painless and easy to repair. Pain is not felt until they are large and are affecting nerves, or damage the structure of your tooth so badly a tooth fracture occurs. Left untreated tooth decay will destroy the pulp within your tooth and eventually the tooth will fall out. Untreated tooth decay can also result in the development of an abscess and serious illness. Once a dental caries has developed your dentist will need to remove the decay from the tooth and place a filling. More severe decay may require a crown or inlays or onlays to repair the structure of the tooth. If the nerve in the tooth has died a root canal treatment is usually recommended. Early Childhood Caries Early childhood caries (ECC) refers to caries that occur in the teeth of infants and young children and can lead to the destruction of their teeth. From approximately 6 months of age, or the age that teeth start to appear, children are at risk of developing ECC, generally as the result of prolonged exposure to sugar. ECC can be prevented by avoiding giving sweetened drinks to children or not allowing a baby to go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.

During sport and other activities your teeth can be knocked out completely from your gums. In some instances your dentist can put them back in. For information on how to reduce the probability of long term damage view the resource from the Ministry of Health website, First aid for knocked-out teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry combines a variety of techniques with the aim of giving you improved confidence and a better, whiter smile. Techniques include cosmetic contouring and reshaping, bonding, veneers, crowns, crown lengthening, bridges and tooth whitening. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognised specialisation by the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) and may be carried out by any general dentist. For reconstructive dentistry that is outside of their practice scope or expertise, your dentist will refer you, depending on your circumstances, to an oral & maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist or prosthodontist. Cosmetic contouring and reshaping Tooth contouring or reshaping generally does not require anaesthetic and can usually be done within 1-3 dental visits to correct minor problems with crooked, chipped, cracked or overlapping teeth. Your dentist will x-ray your teeth to ensure there is enough bone to do the procedure. They will sculpt your teeth and may use a sanding drill or laser for the surfaces and abrasive strips for the sides of your teeth. Your teeth will then be smoothed and polished. Your dentist may also use techniques such as bonding and veneers.

Crown lengthening involves removing excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of a natural tooth. This can be done to one or many teeth. Crown lengthening may be done to improve the appearance of your smile or may be required to expose enough of a decayed or broken tooth, so that another cosmetic procedure such as bridges, crowns, veneers or inlays and onlays may be done.

Protect and Restore Your Teeth with Dental Fillings At Opal Dental, we use high-quality dental fillings to repair teeth damaged by cavities, cracks, or everyday wear. A filling restores the strength, function, and appearance of your tooth, helping you chew comfortably and smile with confidence. What Are Dental Fillings? Fillings are materials used to fill spaces in teeth where decay or damage has occurred. We carefully remove the damaged part of the tooth and replace it with a strong, durable filling — matched to the natural colour of your teeth for a seamless finish. Benefits of Dental Fillings: ✅ Stop cavities from getting worse ✅ Restore normal function and comfort ✅ Blend naturally with your teeth ✅ Strengthen and protect your smile We offer gentle, modern techniques to make your filling appointment quick and comfortable. Regular dental checkups help us catch issues early, often making treatments like fillings simple and stress-free. Think you might need a filling? Book your appointment today — we're here to keep your smile healthy and strong!

Crowns A dental crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. Crowns can be made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or composite resin. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are known for their natural look, while composite crowns are a more affordable and conservative option often used for temporary or less visible teeth. Your dentist will shape the tooth, take a mould, and fit a custom-made crown that blends seamlessly with your smile. Crowns restore strength, function, and appearance — ideal for heavily filled or broken teeth. Veneers Veneers are thin coverings placed on the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant, offering a long-lasting and natural-looking result. Composite veneers are a more cost-effective option, typically applied in a single visit, and are great for fixing minor chips, gaps, or discoloration. Veneers are custom-designed to match your natural teeth, providing an instant transformation with minimal alteration to your tooth structure. Bridges A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth that are fused between two crowns to fill the gap left by missing teeth. Your dentist will take a mould of your mouth, and a dental technician will create a bridge that matches the colour and shape of your natural teeth. Bridges are not only important for improving your smile, but they also help maintain proper bite alignment, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, and reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Molars (teeth at the back of the mouth used for chewing) often have grooves or fissures. These can be difficult to clean and food particles can be trapped here. Bacteria may grow and release acids that can decay your tooth. Your dentist can apply a protective plastic covering (sealant) to the fissure to help prevent tooth decay. For more information please view the New Zealand Dental Association website - Fissure Sealants.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants Missing teeth can affect not just your smile, but also your confidence and ability to eat or speak comfortably. Dental implants are a strong, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth and restore your full smile. An implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, acting like a new tooth root. A custom-made crown is then attached, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Why Choose Dental Implants? ✅ Look, feel, and function like real teeth ✅ Help maintain healthy bone and facial structure ✅ Long-lasting and durable with proper care ✅ No need to remove them like dentures, except Implant-supported Dentures At Opal Dental, we provide gentle, expert care to ensure your implant journey is smooth and successful. If you're ready to smile, eat, and laugh with confidence again, talk to us about whether dental implants are right for you!

The core of a tooth contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, collectively known as dental pulp. At the top of a tooth it is found in the pulp chamber and within the root of a tooth it is found in root canals. If the tooth pulp is damaged or infected your dentist may recommend a root canal filling. Traditionally these teeth were extracted. Your dentist will take an x-ray to determine the health and location of the dental pulp. They will drill a hole through the top of your tooth to access the root canals. The root canals are cleaned and shaped with a dental file and washed with a sterilising solution. The root canals can then be filled with a permanent filling. A crown may be added for further protection and to improve your tooth’s appearance. For more information please view the New Zealand Society of Endodontics website. Root canal retreatment In a small proportion of people who receive a root canal filling, the treatment fails or the symptoms of infection and inflammation can persist. This can occur soon after treatment or many years later. Treatment usually involves removing the root filling material and repeating the root canal treatment. For more information please view the New Zealand Society of Endodontics website.

Tooth extraction involves the removal of damaged, decayed or infected teeth. Healthy teeth may be removed that the mouth does not have space for, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment, or to remove teeth that are impacted or partially impacted and at risk of causing infection. Your dentist will apply a topical anaesthetic to numb the surface of your gum, followed by a local anaesthetic injection to numb the tissue around the tooth to be removed. If the tooth has not broken the gum line an incision may be required. Following extraction a blood clot usually forms within one hour and may take up to one week to heal. Over the following 1-2 months the socket will gradually fill in with gum tissue. Your dentist will refer you to an oral & maxillofacial surgeon if an extraction is outside of their expertise.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars right at the back of your mouth. They usually appear during your late teens or early twenties. If there is not enough room in your mouth they may partially erupt through the gum or not at all. This is referred to as an impacted wisdom tooth. Due to their location wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and are more susceptible to decay, gum disease and recurrent infections. They can cause crowding of teeth and, on rare occasions, cysts and tumours develop around them. Your dentist will advise if some or all of your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Wisdom teeth will usually only be removed if your dentist believes they will be a significant compromise to your oral health. Impacted tooth extraction Your dentist may recommend extraction if you are at significantly greater risk of infection or tooth decay. Impacted teeth may be removed by your dentist or they may refer you to an oral & maxillofacial surgeon. An incision (cut) is made in your gum and access to the impacted tooth cleared by pushing aside gum tissue and, if necessary, removing some bone. The tooth is removed whole or in pieces and the gum stitched together over the hole.

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth made out of acrylic resin and sometimes porcelain to provide a more natural appearance. Your dentist will generally recommend dentures if you are not a suitable candidate for dental bridges or dental implants. Dentures will improve the appearance of your mouth and help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions, as well as improving chewing and speech. There are two main types of denture; complete and partial. Complete dentures are best if you have lost or are going to lose all of your teeth. If you still have a lot of healthy teeth, a partial denture is best. To make your denture your dentist will take a mould of your mouth and a dental technician will make your denture. You may need multiple visits to get an optimal fit.

ACC Dental Cover – We've Got You Covered If you’ve suffered a dental injury from an accident, fall, or sports-related incident, you may be eligible for dental treatment covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). At Opal Dental, we are ACC-registered providers and can help guide you through the process. What Does ACC Cover? ACC can help with the cost of treatment for: ✅ Chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth due to an accident ✅ Damage from a fall, assault, or sports injury ✅ Dental trauma caused by medical or dental treatment ✅ Workplace-related dental injuries We’ll assess your injury, submit the required ACC claim forms, and create a tailored treatment plan. ACC may contribute to the cost of your treatment — and we’ll let you know any additional charges before we begin. How It Works: Visit us for an ACC consultation We lodge your claim directly with ACC You receive the care you need with partial or full coverage depending on the case Our friendly team is here to make the process simple and stress-free. If you've had a dental injury, contact us today to see how ACC can help you get back to smiling with confidence.

WINZ Dental Support – Helping You Access the Care You Need At Opal Dental, we’re proud to support patients who qualify for dental assistance through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). If you need urgent dental care and are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for financial help from WINZ to cover part or all of your dental treatment costs. What Can WINZ Help With? WINZ may assist with costs for: ✅ Relief of pain (e.g., extractions, fillings) ✅ Emergency dental treatments ✅ Repairs to broken teeth You may be able to get dental support. Please contact WINZ or refer to their website for more information. How It Works: Book an appointment for a dental assessment with us. We’ll provide a written quote for WINZ. Take the quote to your local Work and Income office for approval. Once approved, we can complete your treatment as soon as possible. Our team is experienced with WINZ processes and is happy to help you with paperwork and quotes to make things easy and stress-free. Need urgent dental care? Contact us today — we’re here to help you access the support you deserve!