Dental Services

At Dental Balance NQ, we provide comprehensive, caring and empathetic dental care (with a joke or two and a cup of coffee thrown in) to you and all members of your family.  Please see our other links for further information on our services.

Restorations (also known as fillings) are required when a tooth is broken, cracked and/or decayed. Dental decay is caused by bacteria using sugars to produce acids. These acids dissolve the tooth surfaces causing them to break down and form cavities.

Once cavities are present a dental restoration is needed to stop the active decay. We use all forms of restorative materials: amalgam composite and glass ionomers (tooth-coloured (white) fillings.

Restorations are used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. They can also be used to restore aesthetics to your smile.

In consultation with you, your dentist will select the best material for your situation.

Cosmetic dentistry is a very general term used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. Here at Dental Balance NQ we promise to always offer you ALL your options so you can make an informed choice that best suits you and your current situation. We understand that your teeth and smile are important to you but that you also have other commitments in life.

It is amazing what a beautiful smile can do for your confidence and self-esteem. We provide all aspects of cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

For a no-pressure consultation please call us on 0747 551 360 to start moving forward.

Here at Dental Balance NQ we prefer to provide our patients with a custom-made take-home whitening kit. We believe it is the safest, most convenient and efficient way to whiten and brighten your smile. Pain and sensitivity is limited as opposed to the pain and sensitivity often experienced with intense in-chair whitening. We also believe it to be the most cost effective solution.

Our take-home whitening kits provide all you need to whiten your teeth.  We’ll create a comfortable custom-fitted bleaching tray for you so you can bleach your teeth in the comfort of your own home. We use the strongest dental-grade bleaching gels that are only available to dental practitioners. At the moment our favourite products come from the Opalescence range. This tray and gel method usually takes a couple of weeks, so long as you use the kit a couple of hours per night. After you have reached your desired level, you can ‘top up’ for special occasions or whenever the need arises.

If you simply want a quick whitening solution without any commitment we regularly stock Opalescence Go 15% . This product has had amazing results with our patients with stocks flying out the door. Simply pop into our practice and purchase it from our friendly staff who will provide comprehensive advice on how to use it.

Veneers are thin, white shell-like covers bonded to your teeth. There are two types available, direct and indirect.

Direct veneers are created ‘in-house’ and we use tooth-coloured composite materials and bond them to your teeth. This is a more affordable option but has a shorter life span than indirect veneers.

Indirect veneers are made in a laboratory from porcelain and as such are longer lasting and very natural looking. These indirect veneers are a very popular choice for a beautiful, long lasting smile that will not stain.

Other reasons to consider veneers are :

• Teeth that are discoloured — either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discoloured the tooth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth that are chipped or broken
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
• Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)

Crowns (also known as ‘caps’) are needed to help restore function to worn, cracked or broken teeth. If the root of your tooth is okay, but the tooth is not, we may recommend a crown. Crowns are very durable and long lasting. If they are well looked after, they may be the last restoration your tooth will ever need.

Some reasons why a crown may be suggested are :

• To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover misshapen or severely discoloured teeth
• To cover a dental implant
• To make a cosmetic modification

Crowns can either be made of gold, or other tooth-coloured materials (porcelain, ceramic, resin). The choice of which depends on the location of the tooth and your needs. You will need two appointments for a crown procedure with us; the first for preparation and the second for the fitting.

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Bridges can be used to replace missing teeth. If gaps are present in your mouth other teeth can move causing gum and occlusal problems. A bridge is a permanent, artificial tooth that can fill the gap. It involves crowning either one or both of the teeth around the gap with the artificial tooth being fixed to these crowns.

There are three main types of dental bridges:

• Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
• Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This is not very common anymore and is not recommended in the back of the mouth where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
• Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

A dental bridge can restore your smile; restore the ability to speak and chew properly; Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth; Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position and; Maintain the shape of your face and keep you looking youthful.

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available — complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain.

Dentures can come in many shapes, sizes and materials. They are a good reliable option for replacing single and multiple teeth. They are a cheaper option to bridges and implants but have to be removed for cleaning and preferably sleeping.

Dr Darren Burch is a general dentist of well over 22 years who is a trained and accredited provider of two types of orthodontic systems – Cfast and Fastbraces®. Dr Darren also offers suitable patients the option of custom clear straightening aligners, (similar to Invisalign ®) to straighten their teeth. We refer to this service as Sublime Aligners.

These orthodontic systems offer a real solution to many patients who simply do not wish to wear braces for years on end and due to their shorter treatment times, patients will find the cost more affordable.

There are many reasons why straight teeth are important, including a more attractive smile, better facial structure and improved chewing and jaw function. Having crooked and misaligned teeth can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.

Here at Dental Balance NQ we offer orthodontic solutions for children, teenagers and adults.

Cfast is an acronym for: Cosmetically Focused Adult Straight Teeth. Cfast is a system of cosmetic adult orthodontics developed in the UK.  It can be used to straighten your upper and lower front six teeth.  It is fast, discrete and affordable with most results achieved in 4-6 months. Brackets and wires are clear and white and are virtually invisible. Further information on Cfast can be found here and also here on Youtube .

Fastbraces ® is orthodontic technology that has been developed and perfected in the US since 1986. Fastbraces® is fast, safe, easy and affordable treatment. With the patented triangular design of the braces, cutting edge techniques and a special heat-activated wire, this new technology is revolutionizing the field of orthodontics. Typical results range from 9 months to 1 year and brackets come in both clear and metal options. If you would like to see examples of Dr Darren’s work, please head to our Facebook page.

Further information regarding Fastbraces can be found here at their comprehensive and informative website.

If your smile concerns you and you would like to discuss either of the above options, please call us on 0747 551 360 for a complimentary consultation with Dr Darren.

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling. The pulp consists of specialised dental cells, blood vessels, tissue fibres and some nerve fibres located in the hollow space in the central part of the tooth. The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.

If your tooth has become sore, inflamed or infected through decay, cracks and/or constant fillings, root canal treatment is an option for saving that tooth. Once upon a time extraction was the only option. Now we can offer root canal whereby we treat the inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment is 90-95% successful and takes 2-3 visits over the course of a few months. The length of time between these visits depends on the tooth involved. Following a root canal, a crown is recommended as best practice to prevent the tooth from future fractures.

As part of your extensive oral examination, we always look at your jaw joints. If you suffer from clicking, jaw pain or headaches, it is not always necessarily tooth-related. You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and may need a referral to a physiotherapist or require a splint which we can custom make for you.

The jaw joint is located in front of the ear and made up of two bones, the mandible and temporal bone. The two bones are separated by a disc and surrounded by ligaments and muscles.

The following can cause TMD problems : clenching ; grinding ; cross bite ; stress or nervous habits ; dental work ; trauma to the face ; sporting injuries ; poor posture and neck stiffness.

Grinding or clenching your teeth (or bruxism) is common and not a dirty word! However can cause pain that is often misconstrued as dental pain with associated headaches. This can also be fixed with a splint. Our dentists are here to help decide which would be the best type for you.

For a consult call 0747 551 360.

Do you keep your partner awake at night with your snoring? If the answer is “yes” then we may be able to help you with a snore appliance. This appliance sits over your top and bottom teeth and positions your lower jaw forward. This moves your tongue forward creating more space for air flow. A sleep study is best performed first to make sure you aren’t suffering from sleep apnoea.

Dental Balance; saving one marriage at a time!

Call us for a consult on 0747 551 360.

Every year thousands of children are treated for dental / facial injuries which could have been avoided by wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard.

If you or your children are involved in sports or activities where there is a chance of contact to the face, then a mouthguard is essential.

Having a mouthguard made is a simple process involving an impression being taken of your teeth and within a couple of days your new mouthguard will be made and fitted. They are professionally made, meet Australian standards, comfortable and come in a variety of colour combinations, especially suited for your team! A dentist-made mouthguard provides the best possible protection for your teeth.

Call us on 0747 551 360.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a problem for over 60% of the adult population as it often goes unnoticed due to its painless nature. It is often at its later stages when diagnosed. Some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease are red swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth.

Everybody has a range of bacteria in their mouth. Plaque is constantly being formed by some of these bacteria when they feed on the sugars in the foods and drinks you consume. Plaque provides the perfect environment for the bacteria that can cause gum disease to live and multiply.

The cause of gum disease is bacteria on the teeth above and below the gum line. This bacteria is present in hard and soft plaque. If this hard and soft bacteria is not removed professionally by a dentist or a hygienist an infection and pocketing can form around the tooth.

As this infection progresses the bone and ligaments holding the teeth in place is destroyed, causing teeth to become loose and unstable. If left without treatment, these teeth can actually fall out.

As long as the gum infection hasn’t progressed too far it can be treated either by us or by referral to a specialist periodontist.

You never expect a dental emergency to happen, but it’s great to know there is help when you need it.

We are happy and prepared to help you with your dental emergencies, even if you have never been to see us before. We keep a number of appointments free during the day for such emergencies but it is imperative that you call us first thing in the morning, around 9am, to secure your spot.  If you call outside of opening hours and have to leave a voice-mail message, please do so – we will always get back to you as soon as possible and try our very best to accommodate you and give advice if we cannot.

If you do choose to visit us, you can rest assured that your comfort is our priority. Dr Darren Burch has over 20 years of dentistry behind him and is highly experienced in Root Canal Treatment, extractions and trauma (the most common dental emergencies). Dr Ingrid Blomberg also has a number of years in the dental industry.

For emergency day treatment, please call us on 0747 551 360. If you are calling AFTER HOURS and cannot reach us and you feel you are experiencing a genuine emergency – present at the Emergency Room at either the Townsville General Hospital or Mater Private Hospital (fees apply). Alternatively you can try and call the ADA after hours line on 0412 192 299.

Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Ignoring a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on.

In the meantime, while you are waiting to attend your appointment with us, here are some hints to help with your dental emergency :

Toothache : First, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm salty water. Use dental floss to remove any lodged food. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth as it may burn the gum tissue.

Chipped or broken teeth : Save any pieces. Rinse the mouth using warm water; rinse any broken pieces. If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken tooth to keep any swelling down and relieve pain.

Knocked out tooth : Keep the tooth, hold it by the crown, and rinse off the tooth root with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place. Make sure it’s facing the right way. Never force it into the socket. If it’s not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk (or cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt, if milk is not available. In all cases, see your dentist as quickly as possible. Knocked out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.

Abcesses : Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a very serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. See your dentist as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.

Injuries to soft tissue : Injuries to the soft tissues, which include the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, here’s what to do:

1. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution.
2. Use a moistened piece of gauze to apply pressure to the bleeding site. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. To both control bleeding and relieve pain, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your dentist right away or go to a hospital emergency room. Continue to apply pressure on the bleeding site with the gauze until you can be seen and treated.

Broken braces and wires : If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If you can’t reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze until you can get to your dental appointment.

Loose brackets and bands : Temporarily reattach loose braces with a small piece of orthodontic wax. Alternatively, place the wax over the braces to provide a cushion.

At Dental Balance we love seeing the kids come through and developing good, trusting, long lasting relationships with their dentist. Good oral hygiene begins early and we take pride in making our practice “family friendly”. Our waiting area has a dedicated children’s area that has activities and their own television should they need to wait.

As of January 2016, Dr Ingrid joined us at Dental Balance. Ingrid has a special interest in paediatric care and looks forward to welcoming lots of new little patients to the practice.

We were so pleased when Medicare introduced the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible families, aged 2-17 years. This allows eligible children to access up to $1000 worth of dental care over a two year period. This scheme covers most aspects of general dentistry.

As part of our commitment to their oral health we are a ‘bulk-billing’ practice. This means that you can swipe your Medicare card through our Hicaps facility and not be out of pocket.*