Straighter teethInvisalign or braces: how to chooseBoth move teeth with gentle, steady pressure. The differences are in how they fit into your life.Read the guide
Both move teeth with gentle, steady pressure. The differences are in how they fit into your life.
- Visibility: clear aligners are close to invisible; brackets are not.
- Eating: aligners come out for meals, so there are no food restrictions.
- Discipline: aligners only work if worn about 22 hours a day. If that sounds unlikely, say so.
- Complex cases: some severe bite problems are still better suited to braces.
At a consultation we look at your bite and tell you honestly which route suits you, how long it is likely to take, and what insurance may cover.
Gum healthBleeding gums: when to worryGums that bleed when you brush or floss are the most common early sign of gum disease. It is usually painless, which is why it is easy to ignore.Read the guide
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are the most common early sign of gum disease. It is usually painless, which is why it is easy to ignore.
- Occasional bleeding after a break from flossing usually settles within two weeks of daily cleaning.
- Bleeding that persists, with puffy or receding gums, bad breath or loose teeth, needs an exam.
- Gum disease is linked to diabetes and heart disease, and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
Caught early, it is treated with a deep cleaning in the office.
CosmeticMaking whitening lastProfessional whitening can lift teeth several shades. How long it lasts is mostly up to habits afterwards.Read the guide
Professional whitening can lift teeth several shades. How long it lasts is mostly up to habits afterwards.
- For 48 hours after treatment, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, curry and berries.
- Rinse with water after dark drinks, and use a straw for iced coffee.
- Keep up six-monthly cleanings to remove surface stain.
- Custom trays let you top up at home for a fraction of the original cost.
Whitening only works on natural teeth. Old crowns and fillings will not change colour, so we check first.
Replacing teethMissing a tooth? Your four optionsLeaving a gap is an option too, but neighbouring teeth tend to drift and the bone underneath shrinks over time.Read the guide
Leaving a gap is an option too, but neighbouring teeth tend to drift and the bone underneath shrinks over time.
- Implant: a fixed, stand-alone replacement that protects the bone.
- Bridge: fixed, quicker, but relies on crowning the teeth either side.
- Partial denture: removable and the most affordable starting point.
- Full denture: when most or all teeth are missing — and implants can hold it steady.
The right choice depends on your bone, your budget and your timeline. We will lay them out side by side.
ChildrenYour child's first dental visitThe first visit should happen within six months of the first tooth, or by the first birthday. It is short, gentle and mostly about getting comfortable.Read the guide
The first visit should happen within six months of the first tooth, or by the first birthday. It is short, gentle and mostly about getting comfortable.
- Talk about the visit positively, and avoid words like “hurt” or “shot”.
- Morning appointments usually go better for toddlers.
- Bring a comfort toy, and sit with your child in the chair if that helps.
- Expect a quick look, a gentle clean and advice on brushing, diet and fluoride.
ComfortDental anxiety: what actually helpsFear of the dentist is common, and it often leads to putting off care until something hurts. A few things make a real difference:Read the guide
Fear of the dentist is common, and it often leads to putting off care until something hurts. A few things make a real difference:
- Say so when you book. It changes how the appointment is run.
- Agree a stop signal, like raising a hand, before anything starts.
- Ask to have each step explained before it happens.
- Start small — an exam and a chat, with no treatment on day one.
One patient told us Dr Kultham even gave out her cell number to answer questions after hours. Patience is the point of a small practice.
Have a question that isn't here?
Call and ask. If the answer is that you need an exam, we will say so — and tell you what it costs.