Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes — we’re always welcoming new patients at Oracare Dental & Aesthetics. You can book your first appointment online or call us directly. We’ll walk you through everything at your first visit, including a comprehensive exam and any X-rays needed.

  • Your first appointment typically takes around 60 minutes. We’ll do a full oral assessment, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss your dental history and goals. Dr Thao Doan will create a personalised treatment plan and answer any questions you have before starting any work.

  • We recommend a check-up and professional clean every six months. Regular visits help catch issues like cavities and gum disease early, before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.

  • Absolutely. We see children of all ages and focus on making their visits positive and comfortable. We offer preventive care, fissure sealants, and gentle treatment in a friendly environment. We recommend bringing children in for their first dental visit by age two.

  • Call us as soon as possible — we keep emergency appointments available for situations like a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken filling. If a tooth has been knocked out, keep it moist (in milk or saline) and get to us within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

  • Yes — we’re open six days a week, including Saturdays, to make it easier to fit dental care around your schedule.

  • The cost of veneers varies depending on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your case. We offer same-day composite veneers as well as porcelain veneers. During your consultation, Dr Thao will provide a detailed quote tailored to your smile goals. Payment plans are available to make treatment more accessible.

  • Composite veneers are applied directly to your teeth in a single visit and are more affordable, but they typically last 5–7 years. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a lab, look incredibly natural, and can last 15–25 years with proper care. Both options can transform your smile.

  • Professional in-chair whitening uses a higher concentration of whitening agent under controlled conditions, so you get faster, more even, and longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products. We also offer take-home whitening kits with custom trays for a more gradual approach.

  • Results typically last 12–24 months depending on your diet and habits. Avoiding coffee, red wine, and smoking will help maintain your results. Touch-up treatments can extend your whitening.

  • A smile makeover is a customised treatment plan that combines two or more cosmetic procedures — such as veneers, whitening, and gum contouring — to achieve your ideal smile. We start with a consultation to understand what you’d like to change, then design a plan around your goals and budget.

  • Yes — we offer orthodontic options including traditional braces and clear aligners. During a consultation, we’ll assess your bite and alignment to recommend the best approach for your situation.

  • Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case. Minor alignment issues might take 6–12 months, while more complex cases can take 18–24 months. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

  • Common signs include jaw pain or clicking, headaches, earaches, difficulty opening your mouth wide, and pain when chewing. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we can assess your jaw joint and recommend treatment options such as splints, muscle relaxants, or physiotherapy referral.

  • We strongly recommend custom-fitted mouthguards for anyone playing contact or high-impact sports. Custom mouthguards from your dentist offer significantly better protection and comfort than over-the-counter options because they’re moulded precisely to your teeth.

  • A night splint (or occlusal splint) is a custom-made device you wear while sleeping to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching (bruxism). If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or your partner notices you grinding at night, a splint can prevent tooth damage and relieve symptoms.

  • Yes — we accept all major Australian health funds and process your claim on the spot with HICAPS, so you only pay the gap. We recommend checking your level of cover before your appointment, as benefits vary between funds and policies.

  • Yes — we want cost to never be a barrier to good dental care. We offer flexible payment plan options so you can spread the cost of treatment over time. Ask our team about the plans available for your treatment.

  • In certain circumstances, you may be able to access your superannuation for dental treatment through the ATO’s compassionate release program. This generally applies to treatments that are necessary for a medical condition. We can provide the documentation you need to support your application.

  • The cost of a routine check-up and clean depends on what’s included (X-rays, fluoride treatment, etc.). We’re transparent about our fees — contact us or book a consultation and we’ll provide a clear quote before any treatment begins.

  • Most health funds classify cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening as “extras” and may not cover them. However, treatments that also serve a functional purpose — like crowns or veneers on damaged teeth — may attract partial rebates depending on your policy. We recommend checking with your fund before treatment.