duxtondental

Do You Really Brush Your Teeth Properly?

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 01:32:26 GMT

Ever since you were a small child you will have been told you need to brush your teeth. It’s the first lesson you will have had in dental hygiene, but were you told how to brush your teeth correctly? From our dental clinics in Christchurch we have compiled a list of the 3 top brushing mistakes that people (of all ages) make when they brush their teeth.

You use the wrong toothbrush

Picking the best toothbrush to use is not made easy. There are so many different ones to choose from it can feel overwhelming. You need your brush to be able to get to the places it needs to, so choose one that has the right sized head for your mouth. What suits your mouth may not be suitable for your partner’s; choose for the user rather than because there is a buy-one-get-one-free deal in the supermarket!

Whether you choose a powered toothbrush or stick to a traditional manual brush, an angled or a straight one, it is the bristles that you need to pay most attention to. People make the mistake of thinking that harder toothbrushes are better at cleaning their teeth, but these bristles can damage the tooth’s structure. The bristles need to able to bend and be flexible enough to get under the gum – soft bristles are more effective at cleaning teeth.

You brush too hard

Yes, you need to brush your teeth, but by brushing too hard you risk causing your gums to recede and wear the enamel. You do not want to increase sensitivity by exposing root surfaces. Remember, plaque is soft and in the main can easily be removed. Make an appointment with a dental hygienist to remove the harder tartar.

Clean your teeth as if they were diamonds – rather more of a rub than a scrub. Gently start from the gum and go up and down the tooth in a circular motion.

You forget the gums

You brush your teeth to freshen up and remove any debris and plaque that has built up over the course of the day, but this means that people tend to focus on the chewing surfaces and don’t pay enough attention to their gums. This can cause a multitude of health problems .

To effectively brush your teeth, it’s important that you brush as much as the tooth that is accessible, and this entails gum work. Your gum line is where bacteria are most prevalent. By using a soft bristled toothbrush, you can really give it a good clean – the bristles are able to gently bend to reach where the tooth comes out of the gum without causing damage.

So, how can you brush your teeth properly?

1. Use a soft bristled toothbrush

2. Angle the brush at 45 degrees so that you have full access the gum line

3. Starting from the gum, use a circular motion to rub the tooth

4. Brush the tongue-side of the teeth too

5. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, but wait a good 20 minutes after you have eaten

Brushing your teeth effectively is one way to reduce the need for dental treatment. It’s far better to take preventative action than have to seek remedies down the line. Duxton Dental are your local Christchurch dentists, we work with you to ensure that your oral health reaches its full potential. If you have any queries about how you can improve your home dental care, please do get in touch .

Is Your Child Scared of the Dentist? 3 Tips to Beat the Fear

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 20:52:11 GMT

People have irrational fears about many things – fearing the dark, heights or confined spaces, but a common one that is shared through the generations and across the globe is being scared of a visit to the dentist.

Unfortunately, our culture has spread the view that a trip to the dental clinic equals pain. Cartoons, comics, movies and TV shows all support this idea with the white-coated dentist brandishing drills and syringes, so it’s no wonder that children are often fearful about dental treatment.

As parents or caregivers, it’s crucially important that you foster a positive attitude about visits to the dentist to benefit your child. Think of it as a gift that you are giving them – an opportunity to protect their smile and future health .

1. Keep your fears to yourself

Children take their cues from their parents, and even from a very young age they can pick up how their parents are feeling. Chances are high that if you are anxious about a visit to the dentist, your child will be too. Your child can read you like an open book, so be mindful about how your words and reactions will influence your child, especially when you are having dental treatment too.

The good news is that dental care has progressed enormously over the years and advances in technology ensure that diagnostic and treatment procedures are painless , and any issues that do occur are detected at an early stage. Dental health care is very different now in comparison to when you were a child!

2. Take your child to your appointments

Children have wonderful imaginations, and while this is a charming feature of childhood, the downside is that often their imagination runs away from them – the box under the bed becomes a monster, the wind in the trees a howling banshee. If your child comes with you to your routine dental clinic appointments from a young age, they will see that there is nothing to fear. You are normalising the environment and they will become quite relaxed in the dental clinic environment.

3. Keep it simple

When your child is scared of the dentist, your natural urge will be to talk them round to distract and reassure them. However, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t need to give your child too much information, your dentist is experienced in answering children’s questions in a manner that is suitable for their age. Plus, it helps your child to build trust and rapport with their dentist.

Duxton Dental run family friendly dental clinics in Christchurch. We are Riccarton dentists who have a wealth of experience helping young people get comfortable visiting their dentist. The benefits of routine dental check ups will stay with your child throughout their life, which is why we are so passionate about supporting you to help your child overcome their fears.

Food for Thought: Eating for Oral Health

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:47:41 GMT

What foods should you be eating to help and maintain good oral health?

You will already be aware of how healthy eating is necessary to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to perform to its full potential, but did you know that it plays an important role in your oral health too?

Healthy eating fuels your body, but it can also help to protect your teeth from decay and gum diseases such as gingivitis. Foods that are high in carbs, sugars and starches promote the production of plaque acids which attack your teeth’s enamel and cause cavities. Poor nutrition means that your mouth’s tissues (i.e. your gums) are less able to resist infection and less able to support your teeth; gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss.

Even if you regularly come for an appointment in our dental clinics in Christchurch every six months, and brush your teeth religiously, you can be even more proactive in your dental care to lessen the rate of dental decay .

Get into the habit of checking the labels of the foods and drinks that you consume; you may just be surprised by the amount of sugars that are hidden in them.
Swap sugar laden juices, sodas and cordials for water to dilute the acid in your mouth.
Limit the number of snacks you eat during the day – foods that eaten as part of a meal cause less harm due to the amount of saliva produced.

So, what foods should you be eating to help and maintain good oral health?

Milk, plain yoghurt and cheese

Dairy products are great for your teeth and gums. They are high in calcium which strengthens bones and high in the protein casein which neutralises the acids that bacteria create.

Carrots, celery and apples

Crunchy foods such as carrots, celery and apples are excellent at scraping away plaque and getting into the crevices between teeth – helping to keep your breath fresh. Their high fibre content means that you need to chew more which helps to create saliva. Saliva is key to removing the bacteria that collects on your gum line.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are the gifts that keep giving in terms of healthy eating. Not only are they packed full of vitamins and nutrients that your body craves for your overall general health , but they are fantastic for your oral health too. Spinach and kale are prime examples; they contain vitamin C which promotes the production of red blood cells and reduce inflammation. Chewing the leafy greens helps to remove any food particles, plaque and bacteria that may have built up over time.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an alternative to sugar and can be used as a sweetener. Oral bacteria feeds on the glucose that is found in food, and while bacteria ingest xylitol, it is not used to fuel growth. By replacing sugar with xylitol, the harmful bacteria in your mouth die while the good bacteria levels remain at a constant.

Your mouth has its own ecosystem that consists of good and bad bacteria, and problems with oral health arise when the balance is disrupted. If you have any concerns or queries about how your diet may be affecting your oral health, speak to one of our Riccarton dentists – we are more than happy to advise you.

Orthodontic Brace Myths Busted

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:05:55 GMT

When your dentist recommends that you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, you may be feeling a little pensive about the realities of living with braces. It’s natural to feel anxious about the unknown, especially when there are so many myths that have developed around orthodontic braces .

Over the years of practicing, we have heard an amazing and diverse collection of myths about orthodontic braces from our patients, so to finally put these tales to bed, here are the most common myths and the truths behind them:

Myth #1 - Braces hurt

The advances in dental technology have made a significant impact on how orthodontic braces feel for the patient. There is no longer just the one orthodontic treatment solution to straighten a smile. You have options: traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners. The good news is that technology informs the level of adjustments required so your teeth are moved with minimal discomfort – you really don’t need to suffer for your smile.

Myth #2 - You have to eat a restrictive diet

Most patients have concerns that they will be deprived of their favourite foods for the duration of their orthodontic treatment. While some sweets and candies need to be avoided because they can get stuck in metal braces, there are very few foods that you will need to avoid. Invisalign aligners are removed for eating so there is zero impact on the food that you can eat.

Myth #3 – You will be teased

You will be familiar with the playground taunts that brace wearers suffered when you were a child, but now more and more people have braces to correct their teeth. It’s no longer a rarity, and as such any brace-bashing bullies have lost their power. Besides, a mouth full of metal is a thing of the past – the Invisalign aligners are clear and the more traditional braces can now use ceramic plates to match the colour of the teeth and are barely visible. Of course, we can’t guarantee that you won’t receive comments about your orthodontic braces, but we can say that there will be far less than you anticipate!

Myth #4 – A brace is for vanity

Your teeth are part of what makes you a visually unique character, and you may think that a brace will dilute your individuality; however, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean and can become a breeding ground for bacteria that causes gum disease and compromises your oral health. Poor oral health has been linked to serious health issues ; ignoring your teeth’s alignment can impact on your long term general health. A brace can enhance your aesthetic appeal, but it can also be a preventative health treatment.

Myth #5 – Braces cost a fortune

Cost is a major influencer in your decision to have orthodontic braces. You may have heard how much a friend has paid for theirs and be quietly put off. However, each patient is an individual with specific oral needs and requirements that is unique to them. For example, if you require orthodontic surgery, costs are naturally going to be higher than someone who needs orthodontic braces alone. It is unlikely that your needs will match your friends! The only way to get an accurate price for the orthodontic treatment you need is to come in for an appointment with one of our Christchurch orthodontic team.

At Duxton Dental we combine our commitment to our patients’ wellbeing with innovative technology to provide first-class dental treatment to enhance our patients’ smiles. Contact us today at our Riccarton dental clinic to organise an appointment to see which orthodontic treatment (if any) is best for you.

Note: Duxton Dental is hosting an Invisalign Open Day with our Riccarton dentists on the 14th September to answer any further queries you may have about orthodontic braces.

Braced for Change? Time to Act

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:04:29 GMT

Let's get things straight....

Most patients think of having orthodontic treatment as a cosmetic treatment to straighten teeth, boost their self-esteem and give them a smile that they can be proud of, but the most important reason to have orthodontics can be to correct how the teeth fit together.

Crooked teeth, an underbite or overbite can create long term health complications. They can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss. The link between oral hygiene and general health is well documented, and so if you are thinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the benefits are far reaching, long lasting and go beyond just having a great smile.

If you hear the word braces, what image do you conjure?

Most people will think about an awkward teenager with a mouth of metal wires and brackets; however, orthodontic treatment has, thanks to dental industry innovations, undergone a transformation in recent years, and people of all ages can have their smiles corrected without the need for braces or at the very least clear braces.

The metal mouth of yesteryear has been replaced by more subtle dental interventions:

Invisalign aligners are barely perceptible and consist of custom-made plastic aligners that gently move the teeth. There are no brackets required.
Ceramic (tooth coloured) brackets blend in and provide almost invisible orthodontic braces.
Metal brackets and wires have been redesigned; they are smaller, less noticeable and adjust teeth quicker.

What is the best age to have orthodontic treatment?

In the ideal world, a child will have visited for an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 & 9. This allows the teeth’s positions to be monitored and controlled from the offset. However, there is no age restriction for seeking advice on how to straighten teeth; it’s never too late to visit for a free consultation.

Is the orthodontic treatment the same for children and adults?

For both child and adult patients, each orthodontic treatment is tailored for the individual and takes into account the size of the teeth, the space in the mouth and the health of the teeth and bones.

While some of the orthodontic treatment options are the same for adults and children, there are some solutions that are better for different age groups. For example, younger patients may be recommended a first phase of treatment to utilize growth and development of the jaws. If some treatments are not performed at this growth phase that opportunity will be lost and in extreme cases can only leave a surgical option as an adult.

There’s a lot to consider when you first start looking into orthodontic treatment. The first step is to identify the best dental services that are needed. Using the latest digital technologies, Duxton Dental’s orthodontics Christchurch team conducts a painless but thorough examination of the patient’s mouth, face and teeth photos, a jaw scan and x-rays of the head and mouth and a digital 3D scan of the teeth and gums( gone are the days of the mucky impressions). The information is then analysed to develop a dental care plan to give you most effective and appropriate solution to match your physical and social needs.

If you have any questions about how to straighten your or your child’s teeth, call us now to make an appointment for a free orthodontic consultation on 03 348 5488 .

Teeth Whitening: What Works?

Mon, 20 May 2019 23:20:02 GMT

We guide you on your quest for whiter teeth!

Without a doubt, the question our dental clinic team is most commonly asked is about how our patients can achieve whiter teeth. Teeth whitening has been around since the times of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, and while the practices have changed somewhat (from using a ground pumice stone and wine vinegar paste) and the effectiveness of the treatments vastly improved, the motivation for whitening teeth remains pretty much the same 4,000 years later – white teeth are seen as a sign of beauty.

Teeth whitening has typically been thought of as cosmetic dentistry rather than essential dental treatment. However, dentistry innovations have enhanced the teeth whitening procedure so that it is quick, safe, affordable and accessible to patients and is now considered as part of their regular maintenance dental care regime .

Our patients have their teeth whitened for a host of different reasons:

To boost self-esteem and confidence
To appear younger
To enhance their appearance before a special occasion such as a wedding or job interview
To make a great first impression
To remove stains and yellowing from smoking, drinking red wine and coffee and eating highly coloured foods

How Can I Whiten My Teeth?

There are two ways of whitening teeth:

1. Abrasive products such as whitening toothpastes, gums and mouthwashes

If you go in any pharmacy or grocery store you will see products that claim to whiten your teeth. These off-the-shelf products remove the superficial stains that are on your teeth through abrasive action.

Would you use sandpaper on your teeth? You are at risk of damaging the enamel and irritating the gums. Not only can this compromise your long-term oral hygiene and health , but it can speed up the yellowing of your teeth. It’s best to leave these products on the shelf!

2. Applied products which contain penetrative ingredients

While the whitening toothpastes attack the surfaces of your teeth, they fail to remove the coloured dentine (the layer below the enamel), and so only minimal benefits will ever be seen. Using penetrative chemicals to whiten teeth means that the whitening occurs from inside your tooth. Not only is this more effective and long lasting, but when done correctly, it is far less damaging too.

Extensively bleaching your teeth can cause tooth sensitivity which is why use should be partnered with professional advice. At Duxton Dental, with almost 20 years experience in tooth whitening, international research has led us to the Opalescence system which provides superior teeth whitening .

How Can I Keep My Teeth White?

The best way to prolong the brightness of your smile is to take good care of your teeth. You need to take consistent preventive care:

Brush your teeth twice a day as a minimum
Use a soft brush that won’t damage the enamel and bring the dentin to the surface or hurt your gums
Avoid stain causing foods and drinks (use a straw if possible)
Visit your dentist regularly to maintain your oral hygiene

At Duxton Dental, we are committed to helping our patients achieve the smile that they want. Whether you need quality dental care or wish to learn more about our teeth whitening dental services, please contact our Riccarton dentists in Christchurch on 03 348 5488 , we look forward to hearing from you.

Just Why is it so Important to Regularly Visit the Hygienist?

Tue, 07 May 2019 05:00:30 GMT

Bacteria in your Mouth can Lead to a Multitude of Health Problems

No matter how capable you think you are at effectively cleaning your teeth, there will always be those hard to reach areas that are regularly missed. While you may think of a visit to the hygienist as being a luxurious teeth cleaning exercise, the scale and polish that your hygienist provides is an important opportunity to spot and treat the early signs of gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Our mouths are full of bacteria which combines with particles in the mouth to form plaque and while regular brushing and flossing gets rid of lots of plaque, any that remains can harden over time to cause tartar. Tartar can only effectively be removed by a dental hygienist. If left, plaque and tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, this is gum disease or it’s official name, gingivitis.

With no dental treatment, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis which is when the gum recedes from the around the tooth and opens pockets or spaces between the gum and tooth. This area becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and an invasion that your body’s immune system must fight against. The bacterial toxins and your body’s natural response breaks down the bone and the connective tissues – in short, gum disease destroys your teeth’s anchors in your mouth. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.

Why is gum disease considered so damaging?

The resulting loss of bone and teeth through gum disease dramatically alters your appearance; the lower third of your face can potentially collapse if no dental health care is sought. If you have excessive bone loss, you may not be a candidate for crowns, dental implants or in extreme cases, even dentures (partial or otherwise); but the detrimental effect on your aesthetics is only half of the story.

You will already be aware of the importance of eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercising and keeping an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure to maintain good health, but good dental hygiene and quality dental care is vital to sustain a healthy body too.

As the levels of bacteria in your mouth from dental plaque increases, they can enter the bloodstream via the inflamed and bleeding gums and trigger a multitude of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, Alzheimer’s and oral cancers. These are serious illnesses that can be fatal, we cannot stress strongly enough as to how instrumental your oral health is to your general health.

Signs of gum disease:

Regular bad breath (not just from eating certain foods such as garlic or curry)
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Receding gums
Sensitive teeth
Pain when eating

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of gum disease, it is vital that you seek dental treatment. Our hygienists at Duxton Dental clinic Christchurch specialise in preventative oral care with the focus on maintaining your natural teeth for as long as possible to sustain and promote your gum and general health. Call us now to make an appointment on 03 348 5488 and see why we are the caring and innovative team of Dentists in Christchurch.

How We Use Technology to Boost Your Smile

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 20:59:45 GMT

Care and Innovation from our Christchurch Dentists

We live in a digital age where innovations and advances in technology have made our lives and our ability to work more efficient and productive, and dentistry, like all medical fields, has embraced these advances to improve the procedures, treatments and the results that we provide for our patients.

Here at Duxton Dental clinic Christchurch, we constantly review the technologies that we have available to us, so we can continue to deliver quality dental care to our patients and provide optimum oral health and smile success. While we are passionate about the latest dentistry technology that we use, we appreciate that you may not be as aware of how these advances can benefit you.

Here are some of the ways that technology has transformed the dental services Riccarton patients can access.

Saves your time and money

From your first visit to Duxton Dental as a new patient, through to your regular preventative and treatment appointments, dental technology is used to do everything faster, so that the amount of time you spend in the chair is less. There is no need for multiple impressions to be made, by using our innovative 3 Shape Trios Digital Scanner, we can scan once to get the information that we need to devise the dental plan that you need.

100% accurate

With traditional dentistry techniques the door is open for errors to occur; patients accidentally moving during an x-ray, or a quality failure in the impression material, can mean that scans or messy molds need to be repeated. With our digitized technology, our programs correct any anomalies to provide a precise high-resolution representation of your mouth allowing a quick and accurate diagnosis and tailored dental care treatment plan to achieve the best results.

Digital patient files

Regular scanning of our patients’ mouths enables us to easily monitor the changes to their teeth and oral cavity. This means that we can track your oral health, but also your overall general health , as the two are intrinsically linked. Whether it’s to see the movement of teeth during Invisalign orthodontic treatment, or for early cavity detection, being able to easily access our patient’s dental history is central to providing our patients with superior dental health care. Plus, as our patient, you’ll be able to see how your treatment is progressing for yourself, you don’t just have to take our word for it!

Responsive dentistry

There are occasions when some of our Christchurch dental clinic patients need an emergency appointment. Reasons are varied, but technology allows us to ensure that many of our patients achieve resolution same day – there’s no temporary fix needed. For example, should you need a replacement crown, we have the Sirona inLab MCXL onsite, which means our dental laboratory can make a replacement immediately without a painful wait for restoration. The video above shows the MCXL milling unit milling a crown in slow motion.

At Duxton Dental, our highly skilled team use the latest technologies to make your dental clinic experience a positive and successful one. Whether you are attending preventative appointments, seeking cosmetic dentistry services to improve your smile or a first-time patient, we use revolutionary innovations to achieve the best long-term results.

For further information, please contact our Riccarton dentists on 03 348 5488 , we look forward to hearing from you.

Invisalign® Treatment - The Virtually Invisable Way to Shape Your Smile

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 05:19:39 GMT

Get your confidence back with Invisalign clear aligners

Feeling confident about your smile and your teeth? A crooked tooth or an unbalanced smile can negatively impact your self-esteem, and at Duxton Dental we are experts at providing our patients with the smile that they deserve. Whereas once there was only the option of metal braces to straighten your teeth, we now have an alternative for fixing crowding, spacing issues and smile imperfections. Invisalign aligners are an innovative and virtually invisible orthodontic system that achieves the same great results as a traditional brace, but without having to sacrifice your appearance in the meantime.

Patients wear the aligners or trays for a minimum of twenty hours per day, but the good news is that they make minimal impact on your everyday:

Virtually invisible: the joy of Invisalign braces is that they are unnoticeable as they are made from transparent plastic, so only the most vigilant of people will even spot them!

Easy to clean and maintain: unlike traditional braces, the trays can be quickly and subtly removed for eating, and most importantly, for cleaning your teeth. The aligners are not mounted to your teeth so that you can still maintain your o ral hygiene and health while using Invisalign braces.

No food restrictions: the mechanics of traditional braces mean that certain foods must be avoided as they can damage the wires and brackets; with the Invisalign trays, you can still eat what you ordinarily like to, you simply remove them while eating.

How do Invisalign braces work?

You will already be familiar with how traditional metal braces use metal or plastic brackets and tight metal wire connections to pull teeth into place. Invisalign treatment requires patients to wear custom-made aligners that gently move teeth into the new position. The bespoke aligners sit comfortably over the surface of your teeth which means that you won’t suffer from the tender or sore gums that traditional braces can cause.

Innovative technologies for maximum comfort and smile success

The Invisalign braces are made using cutting-edge industry technology. Using 3-d imagery, the aligners are engineered to specifically fit your mouth. Software and a host of science led algorithms calculate the precise movement that is required from each tooth to optimise the efficiency of the Invisalign treatment in accordance with your customised dental treatment plan. As your teeth respond to the Invisalign treatment, you are given a fresh pair of trays to continue the movement.

Are Invisalign braces the right option for me?

Invisalign braces are successful in the treatment of:

Misaligned, gappy or protruding teeth
Overcrowding
Underbites, overbites and crossbites
Teeth that have previously had braces but have returned to their original position

If you are an adult or teen who feels that you would benefit from orthodontic treatment, but don’t like the idea of traditional braces, Invisalign treatment should be investigated. A free preliminary consultation with Grahame Dutton who is an experienced Invisalign-trained dental surgeon will help to explore your options, whether it be orthodontic, restorative or cosmetic dental treatment .

It should also be noted that if you have a child who you suspect may need orthodontic braces in the future, Invisalign means we can treat children as young as 8-10 years old so it is wise to bring them in for an examination so that we can take pre-emptive steps to avoid costly future treatment as a teenager.

Duxton Dental is dedicated to helping our patients achieve the smiles that they desire. If you would like to learn more about our Invisalign treatments please get in touch with our knowledgeable Christchurch Dentists at our Riccarton practice on 03 348 5488 for a free Invisalign consultation.

Dental Care Innovations to Keep You Smiling

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:27:33 GMT

Our new dental patient examination is a family must!

Keeping your smile beautiful and healthy is a lifetime commitment, and at Duxton Dental we are here to support you to proactively maintain your oral health. Quality dental care is more than a bi-annual examination and reactive dental treatment, it’s about identifying the appropriate preventative measures that need to be taken to avoid future oral health issues and unnecessary costs.

Using technology to shape your smile

Duxton Dental is passionate about providing our patients with minimally invasive dental care. How do we do it? We partner the latest innovations in diagnostic and dental treatment technologies to boost our patients’ oral health. This is especially beneficial for our younger patients to lessen any anxiety they may have about visiting a dentist. After all, if children have positive dental care experiences while they are young, they will be more likely to embrace a good oral hygiene routine which significantly impacts on their future general health .

When you first join us, we undertake a thorough dental examination using the latest technologies to provide a complete picture of your current oral health. Photos, jaw scans, and diagnostic lasers are used to complete the assessment.

Bone density and gum health
Jaw joints and bite – the mechanical aspects of your mouth
Teeth – fractures, decay and the structural integrity of the crown and root
Cosmetic appearance

Plus:

Oral cancer screen
Saliva testing for the early detection of disease

Why so many tests?

Our initial examination is very detailed, and the exam results are collated and analysed to create a bespoke dental care plan that is relevant for you today, but just as importantly, for the future too. We take a holistic approach when we evaluate your dental health as your mouth is essentially a mirror of your general health which is why our examination is so thorough. Our dental examination provides us with a significant vantage point for the early detection of systemic disease as oral inflammation can be a marker for:

Heart disease
Blood clots
Decreased kidney function
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Stomach ulcers
Pre-term births
Stress

From our perspective, the thorough initial examination is a critical tool that allows us to track and monitor any changes to your oral health and supports our ethos of preventative dental health care. In short, the technology that we have access to provides greater insights into the dynamics of your mouth, your overall health and gives us the ability to deliver the most effective ongoing dental care.

Each of our patients is unique and has different requirements, so from the offset, you are given tailored dental care to suit your specific and individual needs. Our success is measured by your satisfaction of the dental services that we provide. We collaborate with you to fully understand what your expectations, goals and needs are, before we develop a strategy to exceed them. So, whether you are booking your child’s first appointment, researching orthodontic treatment options to straighten your teeth, or are experiencing an emergency dental crisis, we can work with you to achieve optimal results.

If you would like further information on our thorough new patient examination please check out what your first visit will be like. Get in touch with our friendly team today on 03 348 5488 - Duxton Dental - Innovative and Caring Christchurch Dentists.

Our Dental Success Stories

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 08:13:00 GMT

A selection of a few of our dental case-studies

Seeing is believing, so we thought we would share a few of our success stories on some of our procedures to highlight how we work and what we can do for you and your family.

Natural Beauty Restored

Grahame Dutton - " This patient presented with discoloured front teeth. This fantastic outcome was achieved with just four porcelain crowns and several composite restorations. The result is a beautiful simile with optimal health function and appearance."

Functional Makeover

Grahame Dutton - " T his patient has had Britesmile in surgery tooth whitening, a combination of zirconium crowns, cerec porcelain and direct composites to restore his teeth."

Testimonial - "I hadn’t visited a dentist for nearly 20 years and certainly wasn’t looking forward to having to visit one after such a prolonged period. I found Duxton dental to be extremely friendly and helpful and would recommend their services to anyone concerned about their own dental care." Greg Moody

Here at Duxton Dental, we are always striving to be the best dental team both in terms of technique, skill and artistry but more importantly in terms of our patient care. Our new patient examination which is the starting point for all our new patients is incredibly thorough in order to help us analyse and build a treatment plan specific to each patient. We believe our caring and innovative approach sets us apart from other dental surgeries.

So, next time you are looking for a Dentist in Christchurch, give our team a call on 03 348 3458 and experience the 'Duxton Difference'

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 02:51:09 GMT

Your Oral Health is More Important Than You Might Realise

Download a high resolution version at the bottom of the page

This is such a great Infographic showcasing how important your oral health is and the knock-on effects it can have on your body and overall health and well-being. Taking excellent care of your mouth, teeth and gums is a worthy goal in itself. Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease—and can help you keep your teeth as you get older.

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Avoid tobacco use.

If you haven't already we suggest you book our new patient examination. This is an incredibly thorough and detailed examination to allow us to analyse and draw up a comprehensive treatment plan best suited to you. More details of the specifics of our new patient examination can be found here . At Duxton Dental we consider ourselves to be innovative and caring Christchurch Dentists. Please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable dental team on 03 348 5488 or info@duxtondental.co.nz

Duxton Dental's New Website

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

New website and news pages!

At Duxton Dental we are always investing in dental innovations and technology so it only seemed logical to update our website to something a little modern. We still wanted it to be a resource of information, tips and advice and that hasn't changed. It will however, be a lot easier to navigate and use on a mobile device and we have also brought it up to modern web standards so that it is fully secure and encrypted.

As part of our new website, we are introducing a blog/news section. This is a great environment for us to be keeping all our patients and potential new patients up to date with all that is happening with us. More importantly we will be using it as a resource to offer advice, tips case studies and industry news to keep you well informed and up to date with all our dental procedures and the health benefits of them.

Please feel free to take a look round the new website and if you have any feedback or would like to see certain topics covered in our blog/news section then please do not hesitate to let us know!

Our team of Christchurch Dentists can be contacted on 03 348 5488 or info@duxtondental.co.nz