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Functional Issues
Difficulty chewing, worn teeth, clicking jaw joints & lack of sleep may indicate functional issues.

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Over more than 20 years of rebuilding people smiles, it has become apparent that form follows function. Many patients find that not only has their smile has
deteriorated over time but there has also been a loss of some function. Planned properly, restoring function should also be aesthetic.
If we need to restore individual teeth, we can use white plastic fillings if the damage is reasonably small or if there is more damage to the
teeth, we may recommend to use an all-ceramic filling to add more strength to your teeth.
If the tooth is severely damaged than we my elect to do a crown which covers the whole tooth with extremely durable milled ceramic.
Modern technology means that crowns are not needed as much as they once were and most times, we can do an all-ceramic filling which is lower in cost, requires less
cutting of the tooth and is just as successful as a crown- saving time, tooth structure and money.
If there are missing teeth we can often replace the missing tooth with a bridge or a dental implant. Both of these options will replace the tooth as though it were never lost.
In cases of severe loss of function, we may recommend an aesthetic reconstruction. An aesthetic reconstruction becomes important if there is
not only damage to the smiling teeth but there is also damage to the back teeth that stabilise your bite.
Why Straightening Teeth Is About More Than Just Looks
Misshapen, crooked or misaligned teeth are often seen as a cosmetic concern, but they can also lead to functional problems. Our teeth are designed to work together as a team. Just like a rower out of sync can throw off a boat’s rhythm, a single out-of-place tooth can cause others to work harder or lose the protection they need during daily function. This imbalance can contribute to jaw joint issues, muscle pain and headaches. If the misalignment stems from airway issues during childhood, it may also be linked to snoring or sleep apnoea. In many cases, straightening the teeth not only improves appearance, but also helps resolve these underlying concerns.
Misshaped, Crooked or Misaligned teeth?
How Broken or Missing Teeth Impact Function and Comfort
Broken or missing teeth can significantly affect your ability to chew, but the impact often goes further. When surrounding teeth are forced to take on more functional load, it can increase their wear and risk of damage. It may also alter the natural movement and position of the jaw, contributing to issues such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and even interrupted sleep. Addressing these concerns early helps protect overall oral function and long-term comfort.
Broken or Missing Teeth?
The Link Between Airways, Jaw Development and Oral Health
Our airways play a vital role in how we develop as children and how we function as adults. If a child struggles to breathe properly and begins to breathe through their mouth, it can influence the way their airway and jaws form. Underdeveloped jaws may reduce nasal airflow and lead to clenching or grinding of the teeth, both during childhood and later in life.
As adults, these issues can progress into temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ/D), facial pain, snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. Over time, they may contribute to rapid tooth wear and even tooth loss. In many cases, management can be as simple as wearing a custom night guard designed to support each patient’s individual needs, whether for pain relief or improving sleep quality.
Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
Understand the Sources of Pain
Pain can come from a variety of sources. Traditionally, dentists have focused on treating pain caused by decay, infection or broken teeth. With modern techniques, these issues can now be addressed predictably, quickly and with minimal discomfort. However, it is less commonly known that symptoms like headaches, neck pain, jaw clicking or popping, ringing in the ears, dizziness, tingling fingers, vertigo and poor sleep can also be linked to oral health. Recognising these connections allows us to take a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and care.
Tooth Pain/Infection/Decay?
From Bad Bite to Breathing Issues: The TMJ Connection
It is not uncommon to see tooth grinding, jaw clicking and head or neck pain linked to an unbalanced bite, often referred to as TMJ or TMD. In many cases, this bite issue can be traced back to airway and breathing difficulties during childhood. These might include a blocked nose, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, hay fever or even past trauma. When left untreated, these problems can lead to habitual mouth breathing, which often continues into adulthood. In this scenario, the airway is more prone to collapsing during sleep, increasing the risk of snoring and sleep apnoea.
Clenching/Bruxism or Jaw Pain?
The Hidden Impact of Clenching and Grinding: Worn Smile
Clenching or grinding your teeth can gradually wear them down, increasing the risk of cracks and eventual tooth loss. As the teeth wear, they lose their ability to protect one another during everyday function, which can make chewing more difficult and less efficient. This added strain can lead to fatigue in the jaw muscles and may even contribute to digestive issues, as food is not properly broken down before swallowing. Recognising and managing these habits early is key to protecting both oral health and overall wellbeing.
As well as potentially causing pain and loss of function, clenching and grinding can also lead to shorter teeth and missing teeth which can lead to an aesthetic issue. As we resolve the pain and restore function the result will always be an aesthetic one with the holistic approach we take at iHeart Smiles.
Worn Smile?
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about our dental services and treatments.
We offer a range of advanced dental treatments, including veneers, full mouth rehabilitation, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Schedule a consultation to explore the best options for you.
Treatment costs vary based on the complexity and type of service required. We provide transparent pricing and can discuss financing options during your consultation. Pricing for each individual service can vary significantly, please contact us for a detailed estimate tailored to your treatment plan.
We also offer payment plans from as little a $1 a day, call us for the best tailor-made smile plan.
Not at all. At iHeart Smiles, we guarantee a pain-free experience across all of our treatments. From the moment you walk in, our team prioritises your comfort with the latest in gentle dental technology and techniques.
Whether you’re undergoing a Social Six, Perfect Ten, or any of our advanced solutions, you can rest easy knowing your smile journey will be smooth, stress-free, and completely pain-free.
Scheduling an appointment is easy! You can book online through our website or call our office directly. Our friendly staff is here to assist you in finding a convenient time.
Post-treatment care is essential for optimal recovery and results. We provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific treatment. Our team is available for any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.
Yes, iHeart Smiles accepts all major health funds. We work directly with your health insurance provider to ensure your claims are processed efficiently. If you have any questions about coverage or need assistance with claims, please feel free to contact us at info@iheartsmiles.com.au or call (07) 5523 1666.
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