Frequently Asked Questions

Toothbrushes wear down over time, which makes them less effective at cleaning. For most people, replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3–4 months is ideal. If you’ve been unwell, or if the bristles look frayed earlier, it’s best to replace it sooner. Children’s toothbrushes often wear out faster and may need to be replaced more often.

Dentists recommend brushing twice daily for two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste. Hold your brush at a 45° angle to the gumline and gently move in circular motions. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to help reduce bacteria and freshen breath. Floss or use interdental brushes once a day to clean between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Using a mouth rinse may be helpful for some patients — your dentist can advise if this is suitable for you.

Yes. At Cranbourne Dental Centre, we understand that dental care is an important investment. To make treatment more accessible, we offer flexible payment options through providers including Zip Pay, Zip Money, Afterpay, Humm, Denticare, and Medipay. These Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and dental finance options allow you to spread the cost into manageable instalments. Whether it’s for orthodontics, implants, or cosmetic treatments, our team will walk you through the available plans so you can choose what works best for your situation.

Our Cranbourne clinic provides comprehensive dental care for the whole family. This includes:
– General dentistry – check-ups, cleans, fillings, crowns, and preventive care.
– Children’s dentistry – gentle care tailored to kids, with CDBS bulk-billed where eligible.
– Cosmetic treatments – teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and smile makeovers.
– Orthodontics – Invisalign and braces for children, teens, and adults.
– Dental implants and restorative care – to replace missing teeth and restore function.
– Emergency dental care – for toothaches, broken teeth, swelling, or injuries.
We are committed to providing care in a friendly and supportive environment, using up-to-date technology to achieve safe, effective outcomes.

Yes. We enjoy looking after children and understand that early dental experiences can shape lifelong attitudes. Our team uses gentle techniques and clear explanations to help kids feel comfortable. We encourage parents to bring children in from a young age, even before school starts, to build confidence and allow us to detect early dental issues. Eligible families can access bulk-billed care through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which covers certain dental treatments for children aged 0–17.

Professional whitening carried out under the supervision of a registered dentist is considered safe when appropriate for your teeth and gums. Not everyone is suitable — for example, whitening does not change the colour of fillings, crowns, or veneers, and patients with gum disease may need treatment first. Your dentist will examine your mouth and advise whether whitening is suitable for you.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. They can be used to replace single teeth or support bridges and dentures. Suitability depends on factors like gum health and bone volume, which will be assessed with scans. Implants are one option for replacing missing teeth, alongside bridges and removable dentures, and your dentist will help you explore which option is most appropriate for you.

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case. Some patients notice changes within months, while others require longer treatment. On average, clear aligner therapy can last from 6 months to 2 years. Your dentist will give you a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. Many adults choose braces or Invisalign to improve their smile or correct bite issues. Treatment plans are personalised, and options can be discussed to suit your lifestyle and goals.

When wearing braces, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush ideally after every meal, or at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45° angle. Pay extra attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires. Interdental brushes, floss threaders, and fluoride mouth rinses can also help maintain gum health during orthodontic treatment.

Tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common dental issues worldwide. Both are preventable with good daily care and regular professional check-ups. Early detection is key — decay caught early can often be treated with small fillings, while untreated gum disease can progress to tooth loss. Your dentist can provide personalised preventive strategies to help you maintain oral health.

You can call Cranbourne Dental Centre on (03) 5923 0099 to book an emergency appointment. We keep time aside each day to see urgent cases promptly. If you are unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, it’s always better to call us for advice.

Yes. We bulk-bill eligible children under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This scheme covers a range of basic dental services such as check-ups, cleaning, fillings, extractions, and X-rays, up to a set dollar limit over two years. For families who qualify, this means no out-of-pocket cost for these services. Adults are generally not covered under Medicare for routine dental treatment, but our team can discuss other payment options and health fund rebates available.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (the top part), not the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in milk or saline solution, but do not scrub or use soap. Try to place the tooth back in the socket straight away if possible, and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. The sooner you are seen, the greater the chance of saving the tooth. Baby teeth should not be reinserted, but still require urgent assessment.

Yes. We use modern digital X-rays, which use very low levels of radiation — much less than traditional film X-rays. For context, a dental X-ray typically exposes you to less radiation than a short domestic flight. Dental X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary, such as to check areas between teeth, assess bone health, or diagnose infection. Protective measures, such as lead aprons, may also be used for extra reassurance.

Yes. We provide custom-fitted mouthguards for children and adults who play contact sports. These offer superior protection and comfort compared to store-bought versions and can reduce the risk of broken teeth or jaw injuries. We also make night splints (also called occlusal splints or night guards) for patients who grind or clench their teeth. These devices help prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches associated with bruxism. Both mouthguards and splints are made from impressions or digital scans of your teeth to ensure a precise fit.

Occasional bleeding while brushing or flossing may be due to brushing too hard, but persistent bleeding gums are often a sign of gingivitis (gum inflammation). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease, which may cause gum recession or even tooth loss. If you notice bleeding gums regularly, it’s important to book a dental check-up. Professional cleaning can remove the plaque and tartar contributing to inflammation, and your dentist will provide tailored advice for improving your brushing and flossing routine.

Yes. We welcome new patients of all ages to our clinic in Cranbourne. Whether you are looking for a regular check-up, a second opinion, or treatment for a specific concern, we are happy to assist. New patients can expect a thorough examination and a clear explanation of any recommended treatment options. We aim to create a positive and comfortable first experience, especially for children and anxious patients.

Booking an appointment is simple. You can call our friendly reception team on (03) 5923 0099 to discuss available times, or you can use our online booking system through our website for convenience. If you are booking for a child, please let us know if you would like to use the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). For emergencies, we recommend calling directly so we can arrange urgent care as quickly as possible.