FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Common questions before your first visit. Don't see yours? Call us on (07) 3286 6914 or send us a message via the contact page.

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Appointments & visits

Are you currently taking new patients?

Yes — we're always welcoming new patients at Oracare Dental & Aesthetics. You can book your first appointment online or call us on (07) 3286 6914. We'll walk you through everything at your first visit.

How long does my first appointment take?

Your first appointment is a 30-minute consultation with Dr Thao Doan. We'll do a full oral examination, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss your dental history and goals. Dr Thao will then create a personalised treatment plan and answer any questions you have before any work begins.

How often should I have a check-up and clean?

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

Do you see children?

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.

Are you a CDBS-eligible bulk-billing provider for children?

Yes — children eligible under the Commonwealth Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can have eligible treatments bulk-billed at Oracare, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the family. Check your child's eligibility via your myGov / Medicare account, or call us and we'll help you confirm.

What if I have a dental emergency?

Call us as soon as possible — we keep room in the schedule for emergency situations like a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache or a 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.

Are you open on weekends?

Yes — we're open six days a week, including Saturdays 8:30am–4pm, to make it easier to fit dental care around your schedule. We're closed Sundays.

Cosmetic & whitening

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers depends on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your case. We offer same-day composite veneers as well as porcelain veneers crafted by our trusted lab partner. During your consultation, Dr Thao will provide a detailed quote tailored to your goals. Flexible payment plans are available.

Composite vs porcelain veneers — what's the difference?

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 — we'll help you choose what suits your goals and budget.

Is in-chair whitening better than over-the-counter products?

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-made trays for a more gradual approach.

How long do whitening results last?

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 further.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is a customised treatment plan that combines two or more cosmetic procedures — such as veneers, whitening, and reshaping — 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.

Orthodontics & TMJ

Do you offer orthodontic treatment?

Yes — we offer Spark clear aligners (Align Technology) with DentalMonitoring remote monitoring. We don't offer traditional fixed braces. During a consultation we'll assess your bite and alignment to confirm whether Spark is the right option for you, or refer you to an orthodontist if a fixed-braces approach is needed.

How long does aligner treatment take?

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.

I think I have TMJ — what should I do?

Common signs of TMJ disorder 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 — including occlusal splints, dietary adjustments and referral to your GP for additional management if needed.

Do I need a custom mouthguard for sport?

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.

What's a night splint?

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.

Costs & funding

Do you work with health funds?

Yes — we process health fund claims on the spot via HICAPS. We're preferred providers for NIB and TUH. Eligible health-fund members may pay no gap on check-ups and cleans — we'll check your level of cover before treatment so there are no surprises.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes — we don't want cost to be a barrier to good dental care. We offer flexible in-house payment plans so you can spread the cost of treatment over time. Ask our team about the plans available for your treatment.

Can I use my superannuation for dental 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.

How much is a check-up and clean?

For patients with health-fund cover, a check-up and clean is typically no gap — we'll process your claim via HICAPS on the spot. For patients without cover, a check-up and clean is $179. Any further treatment is quoted separately, in writing, before it begins.

Will my fund cover cosmetic treatments?

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.

Still got a question?

Give us a call or send us a message via the contact page.