Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Veneers vs Crowns: Which Is Right for Your Smile in Glen Iris?

Veneers and crowns are two of the most popular dental restorations used to enhance the appearance and function of damaged teeth. While both treatments can help restore your smile, they serve different purposes and suit varying degrees of tooth damage.

Both veneers and crowns can last for many years with proper oral hygiene. They are designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are commonly used to correct:

  • Discoloured teeth

  • Chipped or broken teeth

  • Minor misalignments or gaps

Veneers can be created using resin and sculpted directly onto the tooth in a single visit, requiring minimal tooth reduction. Alternatively, ceramic veneers are custom-made by a dental technician and bonded to the tooth in a subsequent appointment for a more durable and aesthetic result.

Because veneers are thin, they require minimal enamel removal and are generally used for cosmetic improvements, especially for front teeth where chewing force is less intense.

What Are Crowns?

Crowns, often referred to as “caps,” are thicker, custom-made ceramic restorations that completely encase the entire tooth. Crowns are ideal for teeth that are severely decayed, broken, or weakened following large fillings or root canal treatment.

The crown procedure usually takes 2–3 visits to complete:

  1. Your dentist assesses the damage and prepares the tooth by reshaping the enamel.

  2. An impression is taken and sent to a dental technician who fabricates the custom crown.

  3. Once complete, the crown is fitted and permanently cemented to the tooth for strength and durability.

Crowns are strong enough to withstand heavy chewing forces and are most suitable for back teeth that endure greater pressure.

Veneers vs Crowns: Key Differences

Feature Veneers Crowns
Tooth coverage Covers the front surface only Covers the entire tooth
Material thickness Thin and lightweight Thick and durable
Tooth preparation Minimal reduction More enamel reduction required
Typical location Front teeth Back teeth
Durability Moderate High – stronger against biting force
Primary purpose Aesthetic enhancement Structural restoration

Choosing the Best Option

Both veneers and crowns can enhance your smile and restore function, but your choice depends on your dental needs:

  • Veneers are ideal for cosmetic corrections such as stains, small chips, or gaps.

  • Crowns are recommended for more severely damaged or decayed teeth requiring extra protection.

Your dentist will evaluate your situation to recommend the best solution for both appearance and function.

If you wish to learn which option suits your teeth, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Broken, Chipped or Cracked Teeth – What Glen Iris Patients Need to Know

Tooth enamel is one of the strongest materials in the human body, but even strong enamel can break, chip or crack—especially with some of the crunchy foods we love around Glen Iris. Crunching down on hard foods like pork crackling, ice or candy is one of the most common causes of cracked teeth. A fall while walking around Gardiner’s Creek Trail or a sporting knock at TH King Oval can also lead to sudden tooth damage.

If a tooth already has decay, is weakened by grinding, or has an old restoration, it is even more likely to fracture.

A cracked or broken tooth may not always hurt, especially if the tooth has already had a root canal treatment. More commonly, pain appears while chewing, when pressure causes the cracked sections of the tooth to move. You may also notice sensitivity to heat or cold if the nerve inside the tooth is irritated or exposed.

When left untreated, a cracked tooth can allow bacteria to enter deeper layers of the tooth, the root canal system and even the bone—leading to serious infection and possible tooth loss.

Below are the common types of tooth fractures that we treat every week at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, and the treatments most often used.

Minor Cracks

Small surface cracks in the enamel—often caused by tooth grinding, clenching or hard foods—are very common.
At Tooronga Family Dentistry, these are often resolved with a simple polish to remove rough edges and improve comfort.

A Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is at high risk of breaking apart.
If the crack runs through a tooth with a filling or decay, we will:

  1. Remove the old filling and any decay

  2. Rebuild the tooth using a strong composite restoration, which holds the cracked segments together

This restores strength and prevents further fracture.

Tooth Chips

Small chips can usually be repaired with a composite filling to prevent the damage from worsening.
If the chip is tiny and does not affect your smile, we may simply polish the area.

Large Fractures

When a large portion of the tooth breaks away, it often means the crack reaches the nerve. This can cause severe sensitivity or pain.
In these cases, treatment usually involves:

  • Root canal therapy

  • A custom crown to protect the weakened tooth

Split Tooth

If a crack runs vertically and the tooth is separated into two sections, treatment options include:

  • Root canal treatment, if the split is limited

  • Extraction, if the split is too deep to restore

If You Break, Chip or Crack a Tooth in Glen Iris

If you notice a crack, chip or break—even if it doesn’t hurt—it is important to see Dr Daniel Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

You can book online or 👉Call.
📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Understanding Maryland Bridges: A Conservative Option for Replacing Missing Teeth in Glen Iris

When one or more teeth are missing, many patients look for a solution that restores their smile without excessive drilling or damage to neighbouring teeth. Traditionally, a dental bridge requires significant reshaping of the adjacent teeth to make space for the crowns that support it.

However, an alternative option—developed at the University of Maryland—offers a more conservative solution: the Maryland bridge.

What Is a Maryland Bridge?

A Maryland bridge uses small “wings” that are bonded to the inner surfaces of the neighboring teeth. Because it doesn’t require full dental crowns, only minimal tooth reduction is needed compared to a conventional bridge.

This makes it a popular choice for patients wanting a less invasive way to replace a missing tooth.

Advantages of a Maryland Bridge

1. Minimal Tooth Removal

Only a very small amount of enamel is removed from the supporting teeth. This preserves their natural structure—one of the biggest benefits of this treatment.

Potential Problems With Maryland Bridges

Like any dental option, a Maryland bridge comes with some limitations. The two main issues are:

1. Possible Darkening of Supporting Teeth

Maryland bridges typically contain a metal framework. This framework can slightly affect the translucency of the supporting teeth, making them appear somewhat darker than the surrounding teeth.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we manage this in two ways:

  • Our dental technician shades and designs the bridge to minimise the colour change, or

  • We plan a metal-free alternative such as a zirconia bridge, which avoids this issue entirely.

2. Bond Weakening Over Time

The adhesive bond between the “wings” and the teeth may weaken. This can cause the Maryland bridge to loosen and require re-cementing.

While this isn’t harmful, it does mean occasional maintenance may be needed.

Considering Tooth Replacement in Glen Iris?

Every patient’s situation is unique. If you are missing a tooth or considering your replacement options—whether a Maryland bridge, Encore bridge, implant, or traditional bridge—the best step is a personalized assessment.

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help. We are open six days a week and always happy to help you explore the most suitable solution for your smile.📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Are Bio-Engineered Tooth Roots the Future? What Glen Iris Patients Should Know

A recently published study explored whether stem cells could be used to grow biological tooth roots. Researchers used stem cells from miniature pigs to grow new roots, which were then transplanted into other miniature pigs. To measure how effective these biologically engineered roots were, traditional titanium dental implants were placed in the same animals for comparison.

After three months, crowns were attached to both the implants and the bio-engineered roots. The results were clear: while 100% of the dental implants were successful, only 22% of the bio-engineered roots survived.

For now, this research confirms what we already rely on in modern dentistry—dental implants remain the most predictable, proven, and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, including for our Glen Iris patients.

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants or discuss the best tooth-replacement options for you, please 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006. We’re here to help our Glen Iris community restore function, comfort, and confidence in their smiles.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Implant or Save the Tooth? Understanding Your Options in Glen Iris

Frequently, patients come to us requesting a dental implant. The reason may be a missing tooth, a failing root canal, or a tooth that has broken down. While dental implants are an excellent and proven solution for replacing missing or non-restorable teeth, they are not always the only option.

Before deciding on an implant, it’s important to evaluate all possible treatments to restore or replace the tooth.

Assessing Your Options for a Missing Tooth

When a tooth is missing, we need to assess:

  • The adjacent teeth

  • The opposing teeth

  • The way the teeth bite together

If the adjacent teeth are healthy and do not require any treatment, a dental implant is often the ideal solution.

However, if the neighbouring teeth have large fillings, cracks, or significant wear, they may need crowns for protection. In this situation, a three-unit dental bridge may provide a better overall outcome.

Should the Tooth Be Saved Instead?

If the tooth is still present, we assess whether it can be treated and restored.

In many cases, saving the natural tooth is:

  • More cost-effective

  • Less invasive

  • Equally long-lasting

Multiple dental studies have shown that the long-term survival of well-treated natural teeth is comparable to dental implants.

Your Personalized Treatment Plan in Glen Iris

Whether your tooth is damaged, painful, or missing, the best treatment option depends on your individual dental condition.

If you’re unsure whether an implant, bridge, or tooth-saving treatment is best, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 an examination and discuss which solutions are available for you.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Types of Dental Fillings: Understanding Your Options at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

When a tooth breaks or develops decay, it needs to be restored to its original shape, strength, and function. Today, there are several types of materials available for dental fillings, and each one has unique advantages. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions about your dental care.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we offer a wide range of modern, durable, and aesthetic filling materials to suit your individual needs.

1. Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Fillings

Composite fillings have evolved significantly over the past 40 years and are now considered one of the best restorative materials for most situations. They are made from a blend of resin and tiny glass or ceramic particles. The smaller these particles are—known as nano fillers—the smoother, stronger, and more durable the final restoration becomes.

Benefits of composite fillings:

  • Reinforce and strengthen the remaining tooth structure

  • Bond to the tooth, allowing for more conservative (minimal drilling) treatment

  • Match the natural colour of your teeth for an aesthetic result

  • Do not conduct heat or cold, helping reduce sensitivity

  • Suitable for restoring small and large portions of a tooth

These are the most commonly used fillings in our Glen Iris practice due to their excellent performance and appearance.

2. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of silver, copper, tin, and mercury that sets into a strong and durable filling.

Advantages:

  • Low cost

  • Long track record of durability

Disadvantages:

  • Contains mercury

  • Does not reinforce the tooth; may weaken thin enamel areas

  • Can cause temperature sensitivity due to heat conduction

  • Requires more removal of healthy tooth structure compared to composite

  • Silver appearance is less aesthetic

While still effective in certain cases, amalgam is used far less frequently today.

3. Ceramic (Porcelain) Restorations

Ceramic fillings or inlays/onlays are made in a dental laboratory and offer outstanding strength, durability, and aesthetics. They are ideal for visible areas such as front teeth or larger restorations where beauty and longevity matter.

Benefits:

  • Very natural appearance

  • Smooth, strong, and long-lasting

  • Bond securely to the tooth

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost than other filling materials

  • Require additional time to be designed and fabricated

We use ceramic restorations extensively for veneers and larger aesthetic cases.

4. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

Glass ionomer fillings are made of glass particles mixed with acrylic resin. They are not as strong as composite or ceramic, so their lifespan is usually under five years.

Best used for:

  • Baby teeth

  • Areas with exposed root surfaces

  • Cases with high risk of decay

Key advantage:

  • Release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay

These are particularly helpful for young children and patients with sensitivity or root exposure.

5. Gold Restorations

Gold fillings and crowns have been used for hundreds of years and remain one of the most durable materials available. They can be made from 14k, 18k, or 24k gold.

Benefits:

  • Extremely durable—can last over 30 years

  • Non-corrosive and biocompatible

  • Excellent fit

Disadvantages:

  • High cost

  • Gold appearance is less aesthetic

  • Typically reserved for back teeth where they won’t show

Gold remains an excellent choice for longevity and strength.

Which Filling Material Is Right for You?

The ideal filling material depends on:

  • Tooth location

  • Size of the cavity

  • Aesthetic considerations

  • Your bite

  • Budget

  • Long-term treatment goals

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we carefully assess your needs and recommend the most suitable option.

To learn more about dental fillings or to book an appointment with Dr Daniel Kaufman, please 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.