Frequently Asked Questions
We provide a full range of dental services: general & family dentistry (cleanings, fillings, check-ups), cosmetic dentistry (veneers, bleaching, smile makeovers), orthodontics (Invisalign®, braces), restorative work (crowns, bridges, implants, dentures), periodontal treatment, emergency dental care, and laser dentistry.
Yes - we utilise state-of-the-art equipment including dental lasers for minimally invasive procedures, an in-house 3D scan / intraoral scanner, surgical microscopes, and 3D printing.
Laser dentistry at our practice is used for gum disease treatment, gum depigmentation, frenectomies, and other minimally invasive procedures. The laser allows precise work, often with less discomfort, faster healing, and minimal bleeding
We offer Invisalign® with all-inclusive plans starting from R4,000 per month. The exact cost depends on individual case complexity.
Yes - we offer easy interest-free payment plans that allow you to spread your treatment cost over 12 months. This makes specialist treatments, cosmetic procedures, and larger restorative work more accessible
We have a “New Patient Deal” for R900 which includes all x-rays and a consultation.
You can receive a free second opinion, or schedule a complimentary consultation, especially for orthodontic care. We also offer WhatsApp consults to get you started.
It means that we have specialists in various fields (orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics) working under one roof. This allows us to coordinate treatment plans across specialties, offering more comprehensive care and convenience.
NightLase® is a non-invasive laser treatment that gently tightens soft tissues in the throat (oral airway) via laser-induced collagen contraction. Treatments are typically three sessions over six weeks, and results can last up to 12 months.
We accept medical aid. Coverage depends on your plan and the kind of treatment required (general vs specialist). Our staff can help you confirm what your medical aid will pay for. [Optional: might add more specifics if known]
For emergencies (toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, abscesses), we aim to see patients promptly, relieve pain, assess damage, and propose a treatment plan. Sometimes same-day repairs are possible depending on severity.
Generally no. Laser treatments are often less painful, less invasive, reduce bleeding, and minimize swelling. Many patients report faster healing and less discomfort. However, we will discuss pain management options for each procedure.
It depends on what is involved -bleaching, veneers, crowns, orthodontics, etc. Some cosmetic enhancements can be done in one or a few visits; others (like braces or Invisalign) take several months. We'll estimate timeframes during your consultation.
Implants are generally a reliable restorative option with high success rates. Risks include infection, bone loss, or implant failure in rare cases. We perform detailed diagnostics (including 3D scanning) and plan carefully to minimize risk. Good oral hygiene and regular follow-ups are important.
Yes - beyond teeth, we offer cosmetic enhancements including facial Botox and lip fillers to help balance aesthetics with dental treatment, where appropriate.
Aftercare is crucial: good oral hygiene, avoid staining foods/drinks, regular checkups & cleanings, perhaps wearing retainers after braces, periodic inspections of implants/crowns etc. We provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to each procedure.
These tools allow us to see structures in more detail, plan treatments more precisely (especially implants, surgical work, orthodontics), reduce surprises, improve outcomes, and sometimes enable less invasive approaches.
You can book via the website, call us, or WhatsApp us. We also provide a WhatsApp consultation or free second opinion for many treatments to help you decide what you need before committing to in-person visits.
We adhere to the highest standards of sterilisation and infection control. Our laser equipment is maintained, calibrated, and used in accordance with safety protocols. Staff are trained and we follow all hygiene rules to protect patients. (If there are specifics, those could be added.)
Laser procedures may cost more upfront due to high-tech equipment and training, but often offer savings in terms of reduced chair time, faster healing, less need for pain meds, fewer complications. We’ll provide treatment cost estimates during consultation so you can compare.
This is a crucial distinction. Tooth whitening is a broad term for any process that makes teeth look cleaner, including methods that only remove surface stains (like whitening toothpaste). Dental bleaching, however, specifically refers to the chemical process using agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to alter the inherent, underlying colour of the tooth enamel, making it significantly whiter. In essence, all bleaching is whitening, but not all whitening is bleaching.
Yes, professional teeth whitening is highly effective and is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures available. Its efficacy is based on solid science: hydrogen peroxide diffuses into the tooth and oxidizes the organic compounds within the dentin that are responsible for discoloration, leading to a permanent change in the tooth's inherent shade.
Based on clinical evidence and dental professional preference, custom take-home trays consistently emerge as the most effective and efficient method. They outperform in-office-only treatments because they allow for precise control over the two most critical variables: time and concentration. A combination approach (an initial in-office session followed by take-home maintenance) accounts for the vast majority of successful cases.
Teeth whitening works through diffusion and oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. The active agent, hydrogen peroxide, is a small molecule that diffuses through the enamel and dentin. Once it reaches the dentin, it acts as an oxidizing agent, breaking down the long-chain organic molecules (chromophores) that cause yellow pigmentation into simpler, lighter-colored compounds. This process permanently removes yellowness; it does not add whiteness.
Yes, bleaching sensitivity is a common, natural consequence, and even a predictor of effectiveness. It occurs because hydrogen peroxide diffuses through the tooth and activates the TRPA1 ion channels in the pulpal nerves, directly triggering a pain response. This sensitivity confirms that the bleaching agent is penetrating effectively and working. It is not a sign of damage.
Management focuses on navigation, not total prevention:
- Pre-emptive Advice: Dentists should set expectations that some sensitivity is likely.
- Reassurance: Patients should be reassured it's a normal sign the process is working
Adjust Treatment: Sensitivity acts as a guide for the dentist to adjust key variables like the peroxide concentration, application time, or treatment frequency to stay within the patient's comfort threshold.
A large body of clinical evidence suggests no significant benefit. Systematic reviews conclude that lights do not improve efficacy when high-concentration peroxides (25-35%) are used. The proposed mechanism-that light accelerates the chemical reaction-is not conclusively proven. The true determinants of success are exposure time and peroxide concentration, not light activation.
The colour change from bleaching is permanent because the organic pigments in the dentin are oxidized and destroyed. However, new stains can accumulate over time from food, drink, and habits like smoking. To maintain the brightest shade, patients are advised to perform intermittent "top-up" treatments with their take-home trays, making professional whitening a long-term investment.
No, specific considerations must be made:
- Children/Adolescents: It is a judicious option under strict dental guidance but is discouraged for those with mixed or primary dentition. It must be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Due to a lack of safety data, the standard protocol is to defer whitening during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility treatments as a precautionary measure.
While results are individual, a transformative concept in aesthetic dentistry is targeting the shade 1M1 on the Vita 3D guide. This shade represents the theoretical maximum bleaching outcome-where the value (lightness) is highest, the hue is neutral, and the chroma (saturation) is minimal. It provides a tangible, objective goal for treatment.
For many dentists and patients, yes. While in-office bleaching offers the appeal of speed, take-home trays are often more cost-effective (offering multiple treatments for the price of one in-office session), provide unparalleled control over the process, and allow patients to reach their maximum potential whiteness gradually and comfortably. The precision fit of modern custom trays ensures superior results.