Goodbye silver fillings, Hello white fillings

If you were born before the 80s and have had some dental fillings done, chances are these were done using metal amalgam fillings and not white fillings.

Your amalgam filling may look like a silver part of your tooth, and when it gets older it may turn discoloured to a darker blackish hue. For a lot of people, it can make them very self-conscious. It may be visible when you laugh or yawn or perhaps your silver filling is deteriorating and causing some discomfort.

Are you curious to know why amalgam was once the preferred filling material?

Dental amalgam fillings date back to the 1800s when a French dentist mixed a small amount of mercury with some melted silver coins to create a dental filling material.

It evolved from there and over time other metals (including lead – unbelievable right?) were incorporated to create a long-lasting, malleable material that was easy to place into teeth cavities. Dentists and inventors were determined to create a very long-lasting material that was easy to use and would pretty much last a lifetime. Amalgam fillings ticked a lot of those boxes.

Sounds awesome right? Except maybe not…

As we now know, mercury and lead are poisonous for the human body, and despite lots of evidence to support the safe use of modern amalgams, they are definitely no longer a preferred material for creating dental fillings. Plus, silver fillings are not very good looking things!

What happens to your tooth with a silver dental filling as time progresses?

In our dental practice, we often see teeth that have been filled with silver metal fillings for 20-30 years… or even longer! The recurring pattern we see is that a lot of these teeth suffer from cracks and symptoms due to the old filling design and materials used.

You use your teeth every day for your entire life, and you chew up to 100 times a day when you eat. Like most mechanical systems, your teeth and mouth need a stress breaker. A metal filling that was designed to last a lifetime, wedged into your tooth (not chemically bonded) can be detrimental because all the stress is then placed on the surrounding tooth structure.
Eventually, the tooth structure, together with the filling, will break.

Want to know what better dental filling alternative is available?

Here at Gisborne Family Dental, we rarely use metal amalgam materials for your dental fillings. Modern day fillings are made with tooth-coloured composite resin, which is medical grade plastic that is completely safe for your mouth.

Today’s white composite fillings adhere to your tooth structure to help provide strength. They also have a degree of flex that mimics your real tooth structure, and come in a variety of tooth coloured shades to restore the beauty of your natural tooth.

On top of all that, as you repeatedly use your teeth in daily life causing wear and tear, these white fillings do not place stress on your precious natural tooth structure, hence prolonging the lifespan of your teeth. This material has been tried and tested for the past few decades and continues to improve rapidly every day.

White dental fillings available in Gisborne

At Gisborne Family Dental, we only use highly advanced materials that are backed by years of scientific evidence to create the best outcome for you. Our dentists are skilled in restoring your teeth in a predictable, comfortable, and safe manner, so that you can continue eating your favourite foods and show off your beautiful smile. Book your next appointment today!

Ready to chat about how we can help you regain your smile?

Book a consultation with us today

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Are you embarrassed about the colour of your teeth, and want to learn about ways to whiten your teeth?

You’re not alone if you’re a little self-conscious about your smile and are on the hunt for a teeth whitening dentist in Gisborne.

If you find yourself smiling without showing your teeth, or with your hand covering your mouth then maybe it’s time to speak to one of our teeth whitening dentists about your concerns. We want you to be proud of your smile, and to show it off! We want to help you to be able to express yourself openly and confidently.

Let us assess your teeth and work out what whitening is best for you.

At our Gisborne dental clinic, we are unwavering in doing the right thing for your health and safety. Before any teeth whitening treatment, we encourage a full professional dental examination. We want to ensure that your teeth are disease free, and it will be safe for you to have whitening treatment. It is also important to make sure that the proposed treatment will be successful for you and your smile as reasons for discolouration vary from person to person.

Our dental team offers two types of teeth whitening treatments; in-chair teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. In-chair teeth whitening is a quick and effective treatment that can be done in just one visit to the dentist. The take-home teeth whitening kit is a more affordable option that can be more convenient and be done in your own time!

Book your next appointment today to discuss your teeth whitening options.

Why have my teeth discoloured over time?

Many patients ask us why their teeth are not ‘pearly white.’ It can sometimes look like someone has applied a yellow filter on your photos. Let’s be honest, us Victorians live in the coffee capital of the world and the other half of our population tend to be tea enthusiasts. Throw in the yummy green smoothies, thai red curries, and a beetroot salad, and it’s inevitable that your teeth will discolour over time.

Apart from food and drink pigments contributing to the general discolouration of your teeth, cigarette smoking, some medications and the natural ageing process of your teeth can also play a part . These factors tend to leave brownish spots, patches or lines, or a deeper yellowish discolouration across all your teeth.

On top of this, the areas closer to the gum line and in between your teeth typically show discoloration more, as they are thicker structures and may be more difficult for you to keep clean. Over time, stain molecules accumulate and become more resistant, so the older stains and teeth which have been discoloured for a long time may take more effort to whiten.

Ask our dentist about your take-home teeth whitening treatment kit

Fancy sitting on your comfy armchair, reading your favourite book, while also improving your smile?

Gisborne Family Dental make custom-fitted whitening trays and equip you with gentle and effective professional-grade whitening gels, so that you can create those pearly whites in the comfort of your own home. This is by far the safest and most sustainable way of professionally whitening your teeth, especially for long term stains that may be a little more stubborn.

A teeth whitening kit contains custom-made whitening trays and tubes of whitening gel. The process involves wearing the whitening trays for a certain amount of time everyday for a period of 2 -3 weeks. The treatment involves taking moulds of your upper and lower teeth in order to construct custom-fit bleach trays. These trays allow a greater concentration of whitening agent to be held on your teeth, whilst minimising wastage, ingestion, and overflow onto the gums.

After examining your teeth, our dentists will tailor a teeth whitening regime for you to achieve the best results in the shortest time possible.

Do I need to give up coffee if I get professional teeth whitening?

Can’t function without 3 double espressos per day? Coffee and other strongly coloured food and drinks will work against the professional teeth whitening process and for optimum results, it is best to cut these things out completely from your diet. If you really can’t refrain or cut down on your intake, you’ll probably find that your smile will still need another freshen up after a while, which is very easy with a take home kit. As long as your custom bleach trays still fit, you’ll just need some extra whitening gel and away you go!

Big occasion coming up soon? In-chair teeth whitening together with a take home bleaching kit may be the answer for you.

Have you left your smile til last on your wedding checklist? Don’t worry, we see it happen all the time. We offer an in-chair whitening treatment with stronger whitening gel to kick start that whitening process. This ensures much quicker results, in time for your all important event.

This professional teeth whitening option works best for short term improvement, however we still like to be sure you’re going to achieve a sustainable result. With all in chair whitening, we include a take-home teeth whitening kit as well. We want to make sure your smile keeps shining bright after leaving our clinic.

Smile, it lets your teeth breathe!

Talk to us today about how we can help you brighten your smile.

Book a consultation with us today

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Your Invisalign Specialist in Gisborne

At Gisborne Family Dental, we have created many healthy and beautiful smiles using the world-renowned Invisalign system.

Do you want to improve your smile without wires or braces? Or maybe you have had braces in the past, and recently noticed your teeth are no longer as straight as they used to be. Invisalign offers a modern, discreet option for straightening teeth without the need for traditional brackets. For some patients, however, orthodontic plates and braces may still be the preferred solution depending on your specific needs.

For millions of people around the world, Invisalign has made it possible to achieve a beautiful smile without braces or wires, and we have chosen Invisalign as our trusted partner in providing clear aligner treatment.

For patients wanting an even more comprehensive transformation, we also offer cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

What is Invisalign?

The Invisalign system is a virtually invisible treatment that uses an innovative approach to gently, yet effectively, straighten your teeth.

Through a series of custom-made removable aligners made with unique technology, the Invisalign system gradually and predictably moves your teeth to your desired position.

How does Invisalign work?

At your initial visit, we will have an obligation-free consultation, where we discuss your desired outcomes, and work out if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.
We will then take photos, x-rays, and a digital scan (instead of messy gooey moulds) to gather all the information required to start planning your treatment.
Our dentist will then work with the Invisalign team to create a tailored 3D treatment plan just for you. With the treatment plan, you’ll be able to see the final position your teeth are predicted to reach after treatment. This treatment plan is used to develop your customised Invisalign aligners and also estimate the likely length of your treatment.
We will show you your treatment plan, discuss the features, and answer any questions you may have. Once you’ve approved the treatment plan, the aligners will be manufactured and shipped to our practice.
Your series of custom-made aligners will be given to you (typically 2-3 sets at a time) for you to wear every day and change them at home every 2 weeks.
We will see you every 4-6 weeks to monitor the progress of your Invisalign treatment and you will receive the next series of aligners.
After you’ve finished your Invisalign aligner treatment, you will need to use retainers to help make sure the new position of your teeth is maintained.

Life with Invisalign treatment

Seeing as Invisalign clear aligners are barely noticeable, you can be yourself and don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment.
Lead an active lifestyle? Invisalign treatment lets you continue wearing your aligners without having to worry about the sharp components of your braces irritating your mouth.
Oral hygiene is a lot easier to upkeep because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, letting you brush and floss your teeth regularly and like normal.
Craving a snack? No problem. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you have the freedom to eat, chew and drink just about anything you like.
Invisalign treatment appointments are usually short and sweet. We do a quick progress check every 4-6 weeks here at our Gisborne clinic making it easy and convenient for you.
To make your treatment even more comfortable, we also offer flexible payment plans, so looking after your smile can fit easily into your budget.

The advantages of Invisalign over braces

Invisalign aligners are removable, so it is easier to clean your teeth and maintain your oral health during treatment.
The aligners are very discreet, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious as a lot of the time, the people around you won’t even know you are undergoing treatment
With Invisalign clear aligners, you don’t have to worry about doing the sports you want to do. Invisalign treatment is a suitable treatment option for an active lifestyle.
Once your teeth have settled into their new position, many of our patients choose to brighten their smile even further with professional teeth whitening.
Are you deciding whether to straighten your teeth but feel worried about the discomfort? With innovative technologies, the Invisalign System is known to straighten your teeth predictably and more comfortably. No painful tightening required! At Gisborne Family Dental our Invisalign specialised dentists can ensure you get the best possible outcome for your smile.

We can help you achieve the smile you want.

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Straightening Smiles and Supporting Healthy Development

If you’ve noticed that your child’s permanent teeth are coming in crooked or crowded, you might be wondering if now is the right time to seek orthodontic advice. At Gisborne Family Dental, our experienced team offers early orthodontic treatment to help guide your child’s dental development and avoid bigger problems down the track.

We provide customised orthodontic care for children of all ages, including orthopaedic plates and braces, so your child can enjoy a healthy, confident smile as they grow.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Crooked teeth and jaw underdevelopment often begin early. Some common causes include:

Genetic predisposition
Early childhood health issues
Poor oral habits like mouth breathing or thumb sucking
Limited space in the jaw for new teeth

In many cases, mild crowding or crooked teeth might not cause immediate problems. However, if left untreated, these issues can progress and lead to:

Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws
Jaw pain or discomfort
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Uneven wear and tear of teeth

Early orthodontic screening can make a big difference. We recommend parents bring their child for an orthodontic consultation once adult teeth start to come through, usually around 7 to 9 years of age. Early assessment allows us to monitor your child’s growth and recommend the right treatment at the right time.

Our Approach to Children’s Orthodontics

At Gisborne Family Dental, we believe in a proactive, gentle approach to orthodontic care. We focus on:

Identifying signs of jaw underdevelopment or crowding early
Using non-invasive treatments like plates when growth potential can still be guided
Minimising the need for removing healthy adult teeth
Supporting your child’s overall health, not just straight teeth

We understand that many parents may have had braces or teeth removed as teenagers and want a better, less invasive outcome for their children. Our team aims to provide that by starting early and working with your child’s natural development.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

We offer a range of treatment options tailored to your child’s needs:

Orthopaedic Plates
Plates are removable devices designed to gently guide and promote jaw growth while your child is still growing. They can help:

Create more space for incoming adult teeth
Correct bite issues like crossbites
Encourage normal jaw development

Plates are most effective when used early, while your child’s jaw is still developing.

Braces
Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances used to align and straighten teeth. We may recommend braces if:

There is significant crowding
Bite issues require correction
Further alignment is needed after early treatment

Our team will assess your child’s specific needs and advise the best option.

More Than Just Straight Teeth

Orthodontic treatment isn’t only about appearance. It also plays a role in your child’s overall health and wellbeing.

One of the common underlying causes of jaw underdevelopment is mouth breathing. This can result from nasal obstruction, allergies or sleep-related issues. When children breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, it can affect jaw growth and lead to crooked teeth.

By addressing these concerns early with plates or braces, we can help:

Encourage normal jaw development
Reduce the risk of sleep and airway issues
Improve facial balance and long-term dental health

Our team takes a holistic approach. When needed, we may suggest working with other healthcare professionals such as your GP, an ENT specialist or a sleep physician to ensure your child’s overall health is supported alongside their orthodontic care.

Your Trusted Orthodontic Team in Gisborne

Orthodontic treatment isn’t only about appearance. It also plays a role in your child’s overall health and wellbeing.

By addressing these concerns early with plates or braces, we can help:

Encourage normal jaw development
Reduce the risk of sleep and airway issues
Improve facial balance and long-term dental health

We can help you achieve the smile you want.

FAQs

When should my child seek an orthodontic assessment?

We recommend an initial orthodontic assessment around 7 to 9 years of age, or earlier if you notice crooked teeth or bite issues. You can book an orthodontic consultation with our team at Gisborne Family Dental to get started.

Will my child need braces or plates?

This depends on their specific needs. In many cases, early treatment with plates can prevent the need for complex braces treatment. Our team will assess and advise the best option for your child. Learn more about orthodontic treatment for children on our website.

Are plates and braces uncomfortable?

Some discomfort is normal when your child first gets plates or braces, but it usually settles quickly. We’ll guide your child on how to care for their appliance and what to expect.

How long will my child need orthodontic treatment?

Treatment times vary depending on the type and complexity of the issue. Plates may be worn for 6–12 months, while braces treatment typically lasts 12–24 months. You can also read about our full range of children’s dentistry services.

Why is early intervention better?

Starting treatment early allows us to guide jaw development and avoid more invasive procedures later, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery. Early care also helps prevent long-term dental and health issues. If your child has dental anxiety, we offer gentle children’s dental care to help them feel comfortable.

Dental Veneers in Gisborne

At Gisborne Family Dental, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. If you’ve ever felt unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, dental veneers may be a simple and effective way to help you smile more freely. We offer both porcelain veneers and composite veneers right here in Gisborne, designed to enhance your natural smile and give you results you’ll love.

Veneers are a popular option for people who would like to improve the look of their teeth without major dental work. Whether you want to fix minor imperfections or achieve a complete smile transformation, our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way. You can also explore our full range of cosmetic dentistry services to see other ways we can help your smile.

Dental Veneers in Gisborne

Why choose veneers?

Many people feel self-conscious about their smile for all sorts of reasons. You might feel hesitant to show your teeth in photos, or find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh. It’s completely natural to feel this way, especially if your teeth have minor imperfections that catch your eye every time you look in the mirror.

Whether it’s due to chips, stains, small gaps or uneven tooth shapes, these little things can sometimes have a big impact on how you feel about yourself. Over time, they can affect your confidence and how freely you smile around others.

Our dental veneers can help improve the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile that feels more like you. They can be used to address common concerns such as:

Discoloured or stained teeth
Chipped or worn teeth
Small gaps between teeth
Irregular or uneven tooth shapes

If discolouration is your main concern, we also offer professional teeth whitening as another effective option. With veneers, you can enjoy a brighter, more balanced smile. You’ll also feel more confident about showing your teeth when you laugh or talk.

Go on, chat to us about how you can get that smile you’ve always wanted.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that are carefully bonded to the front of your teeth. They improve the appearance of your smile by masking imperfections and creating a more uniform look. At Gisborne Family Dental, we offer two types of veneers:

Porcelain veneers

These are crafted from high-quality ceramic and are known for their strength, durability and natural appearance. Porcelain veneers are a great option if you want a long-lasting solution to enhance your smile. Porcelain veneers generally take 2-3 weeks to be made in a dental lab before application.

Composite veneers

These are made from composite resin, applied directly to your teeth in the clinic. Composite veneers can usually be completed in one visit and are an ideal choice for minor cosmetic improvements.

Our experienced dentists will help you choose the right option based on your needs, goals and preferences.

How do dental veneers work?

Our veneer process is designed to be straightforward, comfortable and tailored to you. Here’s what you can expect:

Personalised consultation

We start with a detailed consultation to understand your smile goals and assess whether veneers are suitable for you. We’ll take the time to listen and answer any questions you may have.

Smile design and planning

Using photos and digital scans, we’ll carefully plan the size, shape and colour of your veneers to complement your natural smile and facial features.

Tooth preparation

For porcelain veneers, a small amount of enamel may be gently removed to ensure a perfect fit. Composite veneers usually require little to no tooth preparation.

Veneer placement

Composite veneers: These are built up and shaped directly on your teeth during your appointment.
Porcelain veneers: These are custom-made in a dental laboratory and carefully bonded to your teeth once ready.

If your teeth are too damaged for veneers, we may discuss alternative options such as dental crowns and bridges to restore your smile.

Review and care

We’ll arrange a follow-up appointment to make sure you’re happy with your new smile and provide you with personalised advice on how to care for your veneers.

Why choose Gisborne Family Dental?

When you visit us for veneer treatment, you’ll be cared for by a trusted team who puts your needs first. Here’s what you can expect:

Experienced dentists who are passionate about creating natural, long-lasting results
Tailored smile designs to suit your face and preferences
Options to suit your budget and cosmetic goals
A supportive and caring team who will guide you through every step
A conveniently located clinic in Gisborne, next to Coles, with flexible appointments

Your smile is unique. We’ll make sure your treatment reflects that.

FAQs

How long do dental veneers last?

Do veneers damage your teeth?

When placed correctly by an experienced dentist, veneers do not damage your teeth. Minimal enamel removal may be required for porcelain veneers.

Are veneers painful to get?

The veneer process is generally comfortable and we ensure you are at ease throughout the procedure. If you are still feeling anxious about the procedure, our team can walk you through either happy gas/nitrous oxide or sleep dentistry options.

What’s the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made, highly durable and stain-resistant. Composite veneers are applied in-chair and can usually be completed in a single visit.

Can anyone get veneers?

Most people with healthy teeth and gums are suitable candidates. We’ll assess your oral health during your consultation.

How do I care for my veneers?

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help maintain your veneers. Avoid biting hard objects to prevent damage.

Will my veneers look natural?

Yes. Our goal is to create veneers that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a bright, balanced smile.

Can veneers fix gaps between teeth?

Veneers can effectively close small gaps and improve the overall alignment of your smile. If you are only looking to close gaps within your teeth, there are options like plates and braces or Invisalign which may be more suited to your needs.

What happens if a veneer becomes loose or damaged?

If a veneer falls off or is damaged, contact us as soon as possible. We can assess and repair or replace it if needed.

Goodbye silver fillings, Hello white fillings

Are you curious to know why amalgam was once the preferred filling material?

What happens to your tooth with a silver dental filling as time progresses?

Want to know what better dental filling alternative is available?

White dental fillings available in Gisborne

Ready to chat about how we can help you regain your smile?

FAQs

Are you embarrassed about the colour of your teeth, and want to learn about ways to whiten your teeth?

Let us assess your teeth and work out what whitening is best for you.

Why have my teeth discoloured over time?

Ask our dentist about your take-home teeth whitening treatment kit

Big occasion coming up soon? In-chair teeth whitening together with a take home bleaching kit may be the answer for you.

Talk to us today about how we can help you brighten your smile.

FAQs

Your Invisalign Specialist in Gisborne

What is Invisalign?

How does Invisalign work?

Life with Invisalign treatment

The advantages of Invisalign over braces

We can help you achieve the smile you want.

FAQs

Straightening Smiles and Supporting Healthy Development

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Our Approach to Children’s Orthodontics

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

More Than Just Straight Teeth

Your Trusted Orthodontic Team in Gisborne

We can help you achieve the smile you want.

FAQs

Dental Veneers in Gisborne

Dental Veneers in Gisborne

Why choose veneers?

Go on, chat to us about how you can get that smile you’ve always wanted.

What are dental veneers?

Porcelain veneers

Composite veneers

How do dental veneers work?

Personalised consultation

Smile design and planning

Tooth preparation

Veneer placement

Review and care

Why choose Gisborne Family Dental?

FAQs

Our Location

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