Our Dental Services

Comprehensive examination and treatment planning, is the cornerstone of all successful dental treatment. In order to deliver quality dentistry, we must thoroughly examine you first. This process begins with a full medical history, then a discussion of your recent dental history. We then perform a clinical examination, including x-rays or photographs where required. We process all the data obtained and then present you with a costed dental treatment plan.

Jaw problems [TMJ Dysfunction] can result from chronic tooth clenching/grinding habits [see Splint Therapy below], or can be due to normal wear and tear that occurs to the TMJ/jaw joint over time. They can lead to chronic facial pain and can be extremely debilitating. TMJ dysfunction is normally treated with splint therapy, which can reduce pain symptoms and improve quality of life. In severe cases, we may refer you to a pain specialist for more comprehensive treatment.

Prevention is better than cure. If your teeth and gums are examined and cleaned regularly, it is much easier to detect and resolve problems before they become serious. Such problems include the two most common and destructive dental diseases – dental caries [tooth decay] and periodontal disease [gum disease]. Preventive care includes periodic examinations, cleaning and patient oral hygiene education. Preventive care is the backbone of our practice, and it has been well-documented that teeth that are regularly cleaned and maintained properly at home will last much longer.

General restorative dentistry maintains the health, function and aesthetics of your teeth. Restorative methods range from simple direct fillings to laboratory-fabricated veneers, inlays/onlays, crowns and bridgework, to full mouth reconstructions. These restorations are usually made from highly-aesthetic tooth coloured composite resin or ceramic materials. In certain situations metallic or gold-based materials are used.

Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved. We perform most extractions here in Esperance under local anaesthetic. In some cases, we will refer you to a specialist oral surgeon for more complex extractions performed under general anaesthetic. Wisdom teeth, for example, sometimes require specialist referral. Usually an OPG x-ray, taken here, will show us the anticipated level of complexity and the appropriate treatment required.

The focus of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of your teeth. Cosmetic procedures include tooth whitening, ceramic veneers and composite resin bonding, all using natural-looking tooth-coloured materials. These are procedures that preserve your natural tooth structure and give you the confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Dentures or “false teeth” are acrylic or metal removable prostheses for replacing a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. Dentures are customised to fit your individual mouth. Typically, people wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so they can continue to enjoy eating and smiling with confidence. We offer a complete denture service, including relining, cleaning and some repairs.

Sports mouthguards, that are professionally-fitted and worn during sporting activities such as football, netball, basketball, hockey and martial arts, help reduce traumatic injuries to teeth, jaws and gums. At Dr Christopher Harris and Associates we take impressions of your teeth to make a custom fitted mouth guard for each individual patient. Mouthguards are recommended for patients of all ages who participate in potentially dangerous sports or activities.

Orthodontics deals with problems of tooth and jaw development and alignment. These may be cosmetic issues or can relate to bite problems. The most common orthodontic treatments for young people are removable and fixed appliances. The visiting orthodontist, Mr Crofton Daniels, visits Esperance every two months. He performs procedures both in Esperance and Perth. We work closely with him to ensure excellent results for the correction of orthodontic problems. Orthodontic treatment can also be appropriate for some adult patients.

Pediatric dentistry promotes the dental health of your child, and also serves as an educational resource for parents. We aim to make your child’s dental experience a positive one – a visit to the dentist needn’t be something to fear. With a gentle introduction to the dentist at a young age, kids can actually look forward to having their teeth checked. At Dr Christopher Harris & Associates we assess and, where possible, treat children of all ages. The majority of children require simple preventive procedures [cleaning, fissure sealants, topical fluoride application], which can usually be performed in the chair. In more complex cases, we will refer your child to see a pediatric dental specialist in Perth, who may perform treatment under general anaesthetic.