A flipper is a lightweight, removable acrylic plate with a replacement tooth attached. It clips around your nearby teeth to stay in place.
Pros:
Affordable and quick to make
Looks natural from the front
Can usually be ready on the day of, or shortly after, your extraction
Things to know:
It is removable, so you take it out for cleaning and at night
It can feel bulky at first, as it covers part of the roof of your mouth
Avoid biting directly on it with hard foods
May need adjustment as your gum heals and changes shape
This is a thin, clear plastic tray (similar to a retainer or clear aligner) with a tooth-coloured replacement built into the space.
Pros:
Very discreet, as the plastic is nearly invisible
Lightweight and comfortable
Good short-term cosmetic result
Things to know:
It is removable
Less durable than a flipper, as the plastic can crack or wear over time
Not ideal for eating, so best removed at mealtimes
Usually a shorter-term option
If your dentist knows in advance that the tooth will be extracted, an immediate denture can be made beforehand and placed straight into the mouth at the time of extraction, so you never go without a tooth.
Pros:
Placed on the same day as the extraction
Helps protect the extraction site during healing
Maintains your smile and facial appearance from day one
Things to know:
Will likely need adjustment or relining as the gum heals and shrinks over the following weeks and months
May not fit as precisely as a denture made after full healing
A fixed (non-removable) option where your dentist bonds a replacement tooth to the teeth either side of the gap using a fibre ribbon and tooth-coloured filling material. It requires little to no drilling and is often completed in a single visit.
Pros:
Things to know:
These are all temporary options to keep you looking and feeling confident while your mouth heals. Once healing is complete, your dentist will discuss longer-term replacement options with you, such as a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a permanent partial denture.
Healing times vary, but your dentist will guide you on the best timing for your situation.
If you have any questions about which option is right for you, please ask us!
WESTFIELD KNOX
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre (Walk through from Priceline Pharmacy or MedCentral Knox) 1060/425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South VIC 3152
OPENING HOURS
Weekdays: 9am to 5pm
Open Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Principal Dentist
Speaks English and Vietnamese
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.
With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.
Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.
Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.
She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.
Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.
She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.
In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.
Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.
Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.
In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.
Speaks English
Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.
Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.
Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.
