Starklinics - Blog | The Latest Dental Technology on the Gold Coast

Covid 19 Update – Should I worry about the Coronavirus Disease?

Posted on April 28, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

Article by Dr Matthew Stark & Dr Kate Stark.

Do not worry unnecessarily.

Take the situation seriously, make sure to follow all the advice and guidelines set out for you. Stay informed.

This knowledge will alleviate your worries.

Make sure you look after each other, sleep well, eat well and exercise well (taking responsibility for your personal fitness level, hygiene and ability).

What is the name of the disease caused by Coronavirus?

MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

ARDS – Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Pneumonia

MERS – as suggested is found in the Middle East and like covid-19 may be asymptomatic, however, MERS is positive for coronavirus.

The World Health Organisation has been obtaining data from the coronavirus causing MERS since 2003. SARS and SARS cov2 leading to ARDS and Pneumonia are the names of the diseases that can result from infection with Covid-19 resulting in the need for urgent hospital treatment.

As suggested by the name the illness affects the respiratory system.

In more serious cases of Covid-19 patients experience pneumonia, their lungs fill with pockets of pus and fluid leading to intense shortness of breath and painful coughing.

The respiratory system is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures used for Gas Exchange.

As we breathe, oxygen enters the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx and sinuses regulating the temperature and humidity of the air.

From the sinus air enters the trachea (windpipe).

From the trachea into the bronchi.

From the bronchi into the bronchial tubes into the lobes of the lungs.

The bronchi are lined with tiny hairs called cilia carrying mucus that collects dust, germs and matter that we expel when we cough and sneeze.

The lobes of the lungs contain alveoli, which are small spongy sacs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.

How to naturally improve lung health.

Avoid smoking. Improving air quality at home. Drink plenty of water.

A diet rich in omega 3 oily fish. Beta carotene carrots, fruits vitamin c . Berries antioxidants. Vegetables vitamin b.

However, there are very few cases in Australia. The full daily reports can be obtained from the government site.

Can you contract the COVID-19 coronavirus disease by touching a surface?

There are three modes of transmission

Airborne – threw the air. Less than 2 meters away from an infected person. The virus may stay in stale air for up to 3 hrs
Contact – The virus may stay on contaminated surfaces for up to 92 hrs.
Droplet – Via sneezing or coughing by people positive for covid-19.

Who is most at risk of Covid-19?

Patients who are at least 70 years of age.

Patients who are at least 50 years of age and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent.

Patients who are pregnant.

Patients who are the parent of a baby up to 1 year.

Patients currently being treated for a chronic health condition.

Patients who are immunocompromised.

Patients required to self-quarantine in accordance with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee guidance

Patients meeting the current national triage protocol criteria for COVID -19 infection.

What are the Symptoms of COVID-19 infection?

Most commonly;

Fever, tiredness and a dry cough. Sometimes aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhoea.

Some patients are carriers and do not exhibit obvious signs of the disease.

Generally it takes 5/6 days for symptoms to show after infection, it may take up to 14 days.

There is currently no available vaccine, however it is estimated that their will be a vaccine available in 12 to 18 months time.

If you believe you have COVID-19 you should contact your doctor via telephone.

Telehealth conversations are welcome to all of our practitioners.

You are able to obtain a prescription should you require one.

Please do not hesitate to contact us on 07 5560 9575 or info@StarKlinics.com.au for any advice, a telehealth appointment or a normal appointment.

Article by Dr Kate Stark – Director StarKlinics Dental Clinic

DR Kate Stark Dentist & Director StarKlinics Gold Coast

Dr Kate Stark – Dentist & Director at StarKlinics Dental.

Dr Kate Stark is a committed dental practitioner who is passionate about digital dental technologies.
Kate graduated in 2005 from Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals Kings College London.

Kate is Dentist and director of StarKlinics, a dental medical and training facility on the Gold Coast.

Article by Dr Matthew Stark – GP and Specialist StarKlinics Dental Clinic

Dr Matthew Stark BM, MRCP, MRCGP, MFSEM, FRACGP – Doctor & Director at StarKlinics Dental.

Dr Stark is a sailor and water sport junkie.
He is the man to see if you have a sports injury and he’s pretty handy with an acupuncture needle.

Mathew is a GP and Specialist based at StarKlinics, a dental medical and training facility on the Gold Coast.

Good News – Restrictions Have Been Downgraded From Monday April 27th

Posted on April 23, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

StarKlinics will Re-open Monday for New Patient Bookings & Emergency Bookings Only.

We will be taking all the necessary precautions to keep you and our staff free from Infection including maintaining social distancing rules.

Please phone our clinic From Monday April 27th on 07 5560 9575 and we will assess your case over the phone.

Please Stay safe and practice social distancing and look out for yourself and others!

Tips on Oral Health Whilst in Isolation Part One

Posted on April 15, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

We at StarKlinics hope this helps all of you to stay fit and healthy during this pandemic.

We send light to you all.

Should you need us at any time for further advise and support or in an emergency, please contact us by telephone 07 5560 9575 or email info@StarKlinics.com.au.

Let’s start with looking after your Oral Health whilst in home isolation and things you can do to protect your teeth and gums.

Brushing

Frequency – 2-3 times

Ideally use a timer (if you wish you can use your mobile devise!) and brush for a minimum of 2-3 minutes per session, preferably after every meal.

Technique – Bass Technique

Tilt the brush end 45 degrees to the long axis of each tooth and rotate brush head in circular movements, i.e. place the brush head on the gum margin (where pink meets white!) and make very small pea sized circular movements.

Tooth Paste – Fluoridated

Any make containing 1450ppm Fluoride. It is very important to look at the ingredients section on the back.

If using a bleaching tooth paste containing peroxide, you will find the fluoride content is nearer to 1000ppm, peroxide also kills bacteria so don’t worry too much!

It is however, important to increase fluoride as much as possible if you have decay and are trying to arrest the process so as not to allow for further deterioration during this time.

Please contact us if you would like further advise on this topic.

The Fluoride blocks the proton pump inhibitor of the bactericidal wall ultimately preventing the bacteria from pumping out its acidic positive ions!

So the bacteria effectively explode and die. This is the long term impact of Fluoride we’re after to keep your mouth healthy and put less strain on your immune system.

If you would like to book an appointment, you may do so with our online booking system at www.StarKlinics.com.au or chat with us by telephoning 07 5560 9575.

Please Stay In Touch, We would love to hear from you.

Stay Safe and Stay Connected.

StarKlinics is Always Open for Advice an Support when you need it!

Article by Dr Kate Stark – Director StarKlinics Dental Clinic

Dr Kate Stark – Dentist & Director at StarKlinics Dental.

Dr Kate Stark is a committed dental practitioner who is passionate about digital dental technologies.
Kate graduated in 2005 from Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals Kings College London.

Kate is Dentist and director of StarKlinics, a dental medical and training facility on the Gold Coast.

Starklinics is Open for Emergency Dental Care Only!

Posted on April 3, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

In response to the corona virus event and inline with the Australian Dental Association guidelines, Starklinics will only be offering Emergency Dental Treatment until further notice.

If you do suffer from a dental emergency, please phone our clinic on 07 5560 9575 and we will assess your case and book you in for treatment.

Please Stay safe and practice social distancing and look out for yourself and others!

Invisalign on the Gold Coast

Posted on April 1, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

At StarKlinics, we offer Invisalign as part of our broad range of cosmetic dentistry services on the Gold Coast. Invisalign is a breakthrough method for treating teeth misalignment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth and correct uneven bites.

Our multi-talented dental team are experts in orthodontics and can help you to achieve a sparkling, healthy smile with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Read on to discover all about Invisalign and how it can help you:

What Is Invisalign?

If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry to straighten your teeth, chances are you’ve heard of Invisalign braces. Invisalign has become hugely popular over the past few years thanks to its many benefits over traditional braces.

As the name suggests, Invisalign uses invisible aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, these aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic that is custom-made for your teeth. It’s virtually impossible to tell when you’re wearing them.

They’re also completely removable. In fact, you need to remove the aligners each time you eat and brush your teeth.

Invisalign is a popular choice for adults who want a straight smile but feel embarrassed about wearing very noticeable traditional metal braces. They’re also suitable for teens who are facing the same concerns.

What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign?

The aligners are clear and much less noticeable than metal braces
Patients don’t need to adjust to brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. Invisalign is a much more comfortable alternative
They’re removable. Unlike braces that are fixed to the front or back of your teeth, Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners for daily activities such as eating, drinking and brushing your teeth
Straightens misaligned teeth and corrects bites. Not only will this give you a spectacular smile but you’ll improve your overall oral health, too

Increases confidence and boosts your self-esteem
Less interruptive to your daily life
Invisalign treatment is a much less invasive treatment than traditional orthodontic treatment
Aligner trays can be custom-made using 3D scanning equipment, eliminating any discomfort for patients
Invisalign treatment can be much quicker than braces. Some patients are able to straighten their teeth within 6-12 months
Suitable for teens up to adults

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners apply gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into the correct position over a period of time.

During your initial orthodontic consultation, the orthodontist will take a scan of your teeth and determine the best treatment plan for you. Then, a set of aligner trays will be custom-made for you using 3D scanning equipment for a highly accurate impression of your teeth.

You’ll need to change the trays every 2 weeks. Each new tray is carefully designed to further shift your teeth into alignment.

Aligners need to be taken out for eating meals and brushing your teeth. It’s very important to brush and floss after each meal and stick to drinking clear liquids such as water for the duration of your treatment. If food becomes stuck between your teeth while wearing the aligners, you can increase your risk of tooth decay and cause cavities.

You’ll need to wear the aligners for a recommended 20-22 hours each day so your teeth have time to shift into alignment. The more you wear them, the more successful your end result will be.

When the treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your new, beautiful smile. It’s generally recommended that you wear them between 12-22 hours a day during the first 3-6 months and then only at night for the next 6 months. After the first year you can then swap to wearing a retainer between 3-5 nights a week.

Covid -19 Update on Dental Services for our Patients

Posted on March 30, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

As a dental clinic we are an essential service and are still treating patients.

We take the health of our patients and our staff seriously; therefore we have the following safeguards in place for your appointment:

If you are feeling well and are not considered a High Risk patient, please keep your appointment as booked and we’ll look forward to welcoming you to our clinic.

If you are considered a High Risk, you will need to be seen directly in a hospital if:

You have serious respiratory symptoms with breathlessness and have recently returned from overseas.
You have any respiratory illness of any degree or returned from overseas recently, had close contact with a corona virus infected person.

We also have had information provided by the world health organisation to confirm the modes and timings of transmission.

Extremely infectious

All three forms of transmission

1) Droplet ( sneezing and coughing)

2) Contact lasting 72 hrs on surfaces

3) Airborne lasting a minimum of 3 hours in the air after a positive agent has presented

We also know that the virus is carried in the nasopharynx so the concern with any treatment is the release of aerosols which will penetrate any standard mask should the patient be positive for COVID-19.

If you are concerned please call us 07 5560 9575 and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Article by Dr Kate Stark – Director StarKlinics Dental Clinic

Dr Kate Stark – Dentist & Director at StarKlinics Dental.

Dr Kate Stark is a committed dental practitioner who is passionate about digital dental technologies.
Kate graduated in 2005 from Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals Kings College London.
Kate is Dentist and director of StarKlinics, a dental medical and training facility on the Gold Coast.

Impact of COVID-19 Activity Upon Dental Practices and StarKlinics

Posted on March 23, 2020July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

This last week we have seen 9 new patients cancel.

We have managed to keep the majority of booked treatments, with 2 cancellations the majority of reasons are due to slight cold symptoms.

The industry as a whole has implemented practical protocols and policies regarding both staff sickness and patient illness.

We request that all patients with any symptoms of cold, flu, fever and/or sneezing do not enter the practice.

We request that all patients that have travelled outside of Australia leave their appointments until at least 14 days from arrival in Australia.

All our protocols and procedures for cross infection are hospital grade, therefore in addition we have implemented the following guidelines.

Calling patients prior to their appointment and ask if they have travelled overseas in the past 14 days, if they feel unwell including but limited to symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.

We will also ask if they have had any contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

If the patient answers YES to any of these questions we advise them that we cannot provide routine dental care and reschedule their appointment for 14 days after their last travel or contact with COVID-19, or their symptoms have resolved.

In the waiting room we have removed any unnecessary items, regularly wipe down surfaces with hospital grade disinfectants, place a cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene poster in a visible position.

At StarKlinics we will review a dental emergency case if the patient has flu/cold symptoms over the telephone.

If the patient is unwell or considered high risk or there is severe pain with swelling, we will be able to provide antibiotics.

We ask that all patients attend by themselves and that any other family members or friends remain at home.

If a driver is required then the patient is dropped off and we will call their driver to return once the appointment is complete.

Constant use of hospital TGA approved disinfectants are used regularly to wipe down any communal areas and after each person has attended the practice.

StarKlinics is a different type of dental practice in that we are able to carry out full mouth rehabilitation in one visit.

Therefore, we see far fewer patients in a single day.

Sometimes only one patient will be present all day, significantly decreasing risk.

Other dental practices with higher turnover would be at a higher risk.

If they are in areas of need with multiple bookings it is likely that most patients would need to remain in their cars and telephone the practice upon arrival to make certain they are not exhibiting symptoms before entering the dental practice with the use of pre appointment questionaries.

At StarKlinics we request that immediately all patients upon entering our practice use the hand sanitiser available.

If you have any questions or would like to chat with us please call on 07 5560 9575

Article by Dr Kate Stark – Director StarKlinics Dental Clinic

Dr Kate Stark – Dentist & Director at StarKlinics Dental.

Invisalign on the Gold Coast

Posted on September 6, 2019July 13, 2021 by Seth Daniels

Our multi-talented dental team are experts in orthodontics and can help you to achieve a sparkling, healthy smile with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Read on to discover all about Invisalign and how it can help you:

What Is Invisalign

They’re also completely removable. In fact, you need to remove the aligners each time you eat and brush your teeth.

What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign?

The aligners are clear and much less noticeable than metal braces
Patients don’t need to adjust to brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. Invisalign is a much more comfortable alternative
They’re removable. Unlike braces that are fixed to the front or back of your teeth, Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners for daily activities such as eating, drinking and brushing your teeth
Straightens misaligned teeth and corrects bites. Not only will this give you a spectacular smile but you’ll improve your overall oral health, too

Increases confidence and boosts your self-esteem
Less interruptive to your daily life
Invisalign treatment is a much less invasive treatment than traditional orthodontic treatment
Aligner trays can be custom-made using 3D scanning equipment, eliminating any discomfort for patients
Invisalign treatment can be much quicker than braces. Some patients are able to straighten their teeth within 6-12 months
Suitable for teens up to adults

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners apply gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into the correct position over a period of time.

You’ll need to change the trays every 2 weeks. Each new tray is carefully designed to further shift your teeth into alignment.

You’ll need to wear the aligners for a recommended 20-22 hours each day so your teeth have time to shift into alignment. The more you wear them, the more successful your end result will be.

What Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign can fix a wide range of orthodontic concerns without the pain and discomfort usually associated with being fitted for traditional braces.

By using Invisalign, you can treat:

Crooked teeth
Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Gaps between teeth
Overcrowding

These cases can range from mild to severe and orthodontic treatment will depend greatly on your individual circumstances.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign?

Not everyone is a good fit for Invisalign and you’ll need a thorough consultation with your orthodontist to determine whether you’re a candidate.

In particularly complex cases such as severe tooth rotation and large gaps, you may need to look at alternative methods for correcting your smile.

Sometimes, braces may be a more suitable choice. The fixed nature of wire and brackets means that braces may have more success moving teeth in complicated cases.

If Invisalign isn’t suitable for your teeth, our dentists will consider alternative methods such as braces to give you an effective solution.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign is highly dependent on each individual’s situation. Every mouth is unique and cases range from mild to complex.

The average cost of Invisalign runs between $3000-$8000 in Australia.

The final cost of Invisalign will be determined after a full consultation with your orthodontist. It will depend on many factors and will be decided after the orthodontist has studied your scans and determined the best treatment plan that will achieve your goals.

Luckily, Invisalign has become more affordable for many with flexible payment plan options.

At StarKlinics, we offer stress-free payment plans for qualifying patients on the Gold Coast to cover Invisalign and all of your other cosmetic dentistry needs such as:

– Teeth whitening
– Orthodontic treatment (braces)
– Restorative work to repair cracked, missing or broken teeth

Achieve Your Dream Smile With Invisalign

We’re super excited to offer our patients Invisalign on the Gold Coast. All of our dental services are pain-free, needle-free and can be completed in one visit.

See if Invisalign can help straighten your teeth and get you that sparkling new smile you’ve been dreaming about.

Come in to our Hope Island clinic for an orthodontic consultation. Call us today or book online to make an appointment.

BOOK NOW