Smile Solutions — Melbourne's Home of Dentistry: Dental Health & Oral Care at Smile Solutions Melbourne

Dental Health & Oral Care at Smile Solutions Melbourne

Smile Solutions: Your Complete Guide to Dental Health & Oral Care

Australia's largest single-location private dental practice, Smile Solutions has been caring for Melbourne families since 1993 — growing from 8 founding patients to more than 250,000 patients served. Located at Level 1, 220 Collins Street in the heritage-listed Manchester Unity Building (corner of Collins and Swanston Streets), Smile Solutions brings together more than 80 clinicians — including board-registered specialists across every dental field — under one roof, with seamless internal referrals so you never have to navigate multiple practices for complex care.

To book an appointment, call 13 13 96 or book online at smilesolutions.com.au.

The Smile Solutions Approach to Dental Health

Comprehensive oral health at Smile Solutions spans five levels and the tower of the Manchester Unity Building — each floor home to a distinct clinical discipline:

  • Levels 1 & 10 — General and cosmetic dentistry: check-ups, hygiene, CEREC® same-day ceramic restorations (12 units), composite bonding, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, mouthguards
  • Level 8 (Collins Street Specialist Centre / CSSC) — Board-registered specialists in paediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and oral medicine
  • Level 9 — Imaging centre (Planmeca CBCT, OPG/cephalogram, digital radiography)
  • Level 12 & Tower — Collins Street Orthodontics (Invisalign, specialist orthodontic treatment)

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Team (Levels 1 & 10)

Our experienced general dentists include Dr Kia Pajouhesh (BDSc First Class Honours, Founding Principal), Dr Philippa Robinson (Group Clinical Director), Dr Peter Henderson (CEREC specialist, at SS since 2007), Dr Yasmin Coulthard (CEREC specialist), Dr Silvia Ciach (3,500+ CEREC restorations), Dr Madeleine Hoopmann, Dr Belinda Feldman (full-mouth rehabilitation), Dr Ryan Sherry (sedation dentistry), Dr Amina Barucija (composite bonding), Dr Aviral Aggarwal, Dr Florina Besim, Dr Natasha Hremias (TMD/sleep dentistry) and many more. Our hygiene team of 20+ oral health therapists is led by Monica Cain (Hygiene Clinical Manager).

Specialist Care (Collins Street Specialist Centre, Level 8)

Paediatric Dentists: Dr Susan Hinckfuss (BDSc, DCD — Specialist Paediatric Dentist since 2010), Dr Sarah Scott (BBiomedSci, BDent, DClinDent), Dr Angel Babu (DClinDent — also registered in NZ)

Periodontists: Dr Simon Hinckfuss (Specialist Periodontist & Prosthodontist — the only one in Australia registered in both specialties), Dr James van den Berg (20+ years laser periodontics at SS), Dr Ahmed El Hadidi

Endodontists: Prof Chankhrit Sathorn (Adjunct Professor La Trobe University), Dr Gregory Tilley (35+ years experience, Past President ADA Vic), Dr Aovana Timmerman (fluent Mandarin), Dr Areti Vrochari (17+ years experience)

Orthodontists: Dr David Austin, Dr Joshua Ch'ng (fluent Mandarin), Dr Katie Xu (fluent Mandarin), Dr Andrea Phatouros

Prosthodontists: Prof Vasileios Chronopoulos (All-on-4 specialist, 30+ years experience), Dr Jamie Foong, Dr Dinos Kountouras (visiting)

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons: A/Prof Patrishia Bordbar (Consultant at Royal Children's Hospital & Western Hospital Melbourne, Past President ANZAOMS), Dr Ricky Kumar (TMJ surgery specialist), Dr Jaclyn Wong (All-on-4 specialist, facial injectables)

Technology at Smile Solutions

CEREC CAD/CAM: 12 CEREC units enabling same-day ceramic crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays in under an hour. Clinical evidence: 5-year survival rate 94.7%; 10-year 85.7%.

Intraoral Scanners: 3 platforms: CEREC Primescan (integrates with milling), 16× iTero Element (orthodontic), 6× 3Shape Trios (restorative/prosthetic)

3D Imaging (CBCT): Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ CBCT — equivalent or lower radiation than 2D panoramic for superior diagnostic information

In-House Laboratory: Master ceramist Greg Karabasis (32 years experience, Dip Dental Technology RMIT, co-creator of Same Day Porcelain Veneers™ with Dr Kia Pajouhesh) leads our on-site lab team. No offshore outsourcing. Asiga DLP 3D printer for surgical guides and temporary restorations. Only TGA-approved materials used.

Dental Monitoring: AI-powered remote orthodontic tracking via smartphone (60+ clinical parameters) — reduces in-chair check-up frequency for Invisalign patients.

Payment Options at Smile Solutions

Smile Solutions accepts all major health funds. As a Bupa Platinum Provider, Bupa members receive the highest level of available benefits. HICAPS on-site for immediate claiming. Additional payment options:

  • Payright — Interest-free payment plans $150–$20,000 over 3–30 months
  • TLC (Treatment Loan Company) — Personal loans for larger treatment plans with extended repayment terms
  • SuperCare — Compassionate release of superannuation via the ATO for eligible dental procedures
  • Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — Up to $1,158 per eligible child (2026) over two calendar years for examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants, fillings, root canal treatment on baby teeth, and extractions; Smile Solutions bulk-bills eligible CDBS patients for covered services

Understanding the Fundamentals of Dental Health

Dental health encompasses the condition of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the entire oral cavity. It's a critical component of general health that affects your ability to eat, speak, and socialise comfortably.

The mouth is home to billions of bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that lead to oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Research has increasingly shown that oral health connects to overall health in significant ways. Poor oral health has been associated with:

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence-based research links heart disease and stroke to inflammation caused by oral bacteria
  • Endocarditis: Oral bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and attach to heart chambers or valves
  • Pregnancy Complications: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight
  • Diabetes: Bidirectional relationship — gum disease is more frequent and severe in people with diabetes, and gum disease makes blood sugar control harder
  • Osteoporosis: Linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss

Daily Oral Care: Building a Strong Foundation

Proper Brushing Technique

Brush at least twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed — for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Our dental team can recommend specific brands tailored to your individual needs.

Flossing: The Essential Companion to Brushing

Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. If traditional floss is difficult, floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers are effective alternatives our team can demonstrate during your appointment.

Tongue Cleaning

Clean your tongue daily using a tongue scraper or your toothbrush, gently brushing from back to front. This significantly reduces bacterial load and improves breath freshness.

Nutrition and Dental Health

Foods That Promote Dental Health

  • Calcium-rich foods (dairy, leafy greens, almonds) — strengthen tooth enamel
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots) — stimulate saliva and provide gentle cleaning
  • Cheese and plain milk — cariostatic properties buffer oral acidity; support remineralisation
  • Melbourne's fluoridated tap water — 0.7–1.2 mg/L fluoride, reducing caries by 26–44% across age groups; drink it freely and use it to prepare infant formula

Foods and Habits to Limit

  • Sugary and acidic foods and beverages
  • Sticky foods (dried fruit, caramels) — prolonged sugar exposure
  • Alcohol — reduces saliva flow, increases oral cancer risk
  • Tobacco — dramatically increases gum disease and oral cancer risk

Professional Dental Care at Smile Solutions

Regular checkups (typically every 6 months) at Smile Solutions include a comprehensive examination, gum health assessment, bite evaluation, oral cancer screening, and digital X-rays as clinically indicated. Our hygiene team performs professional cleanings including scaling (removal of plaque and tartar using ultrasonic instruments), polishing, and fluoride varnish application. Dental sealants are also available for at-risk teeth.

Common Dental Problems and Solutions at Smile Solutions

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Treated with tooth-coloured CEREC composite or ceramic restorations — many completed in a single appointment using our 12-unit CEREC fleet. No need for a second visit and a two-week laboratory wait.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Managed by our hygiene team for early-stage gingivitis, and by our specialist periodontists (Dr Simon Hinckfuss, Dr James van den Berg, Dr Ahmed El Hadidi) at the Collins Street Specialist Centre for advanced periodontitis requiring specialist intervention, including laser periodontal therapy.

TMD / Bruxism

Assessed by Dr Natasha Hremias (TMD and sleep dentistry focus), with custom laboratory-fabricated occlusal splints from our in-house lab and osteopathic support from Rachel Norton-Smith (osteopath, TMD special interest) available on-site.

Cosmetic Dentistry at Smile Solutions

Same Day Porcelain Veneers™ — World First

Developed by Dr Kia Pajouhesh and master ceramist Greg Karabasis, our Same Day Porcelain Veneers™ are a world-first innovation: fully custom, hand-crafted porcelain veneers designed and fabricated in our on-site laboratory and bonded in a single appointment. Winner of the 2024 Australian Business Award for Business Innovation.

Teeth Whitening

Zoom! WhiteSpeed in-chair whitening and custom take-home trays. Professional-strength whitening not available without a dentist prescription.

Invisalign — Blue Diamond Provider

Smile Solutions holds Blue Diamond status (the highest tier in Invisalign's provider recognition programme), reflecting 9,000+ Invisalign cases completed by board-registered specialist orthodontists. Supported by CBCT imaging, 16 iTero Element scanners, and Dental Monitoring remote oversight. Smile Solutions will price-match any orthodontic quote from another registered specialist orthodontist.

Dental Emergencies

Emergency appointments available daily at Smile Solutions. Call 13 13 96 for same-day emergency care including severe toothache, fractured crowns (same-day ceramic replacement using CEREC), knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and dental trauma. IV sedation is available for patients with severe dental anxiety or for complex multi-treatment appointments — Dr Ryan Sherry leads our sedation dentistry service.

Paediatric Dentistry at Smile Solutions

Children's specialist dental care is delivered at the Collins Street Specialist Centre (CSSC), Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, by three AHPRA-registered Specialist Paediatric Dentists:

  • Dr Susan Hinckfuss (BDSc Melb, DCD Melb) — Specialist Paediatric Dentist since 2010; particular expertise in children with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and medical conditions affecting dental care
  • Dr Sarah Scott (BBiomedSci Hons, BDent Syd, DClinDent Paeds) — also at Core Dental Berwick
  • Dr Angel Babu (DClinDent PAED Otago) — also registered in New Zealand; also at Core Dental Caroline Springs and Carrum Downs

The CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule) provides up to $1,158 per eligible child aged 0–17 over two calendar years. Smile Solutions bulk-bills eligible CDBS patients for covered services. To book a paediatric appointment: 13 13 96.

Key Takeaways

  • Address: Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Manchester Unity Building, corner of Collins & Swanston Streets)
  • Phone: 13 13 96
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday 8am–1:30pm, emergency appointments available daily
  • 80+ clinicians including board-registered specialists across all dental fields
  • Technology: 12 CEREC units, Primescan, 16 iTero Elements, CBCT, Dental Monitoring, in-house lab
  • Same Day Porcelain Veneers™ — world first, developed by Dr Kia Pajouhesh and Greg Karabasis
  • Blue Diamond Invisalign — highest provider tier, 9,000+ cases
  • Payment: Payright, TLC, SuperCare, all major health funds (Bupa Platinum Provider), CDBS bulk-billed
  • Paediatric specialists (CSSC Level 8): Dr Susan Hinckfuss, Dr Sarah Scott, Dr Angel Babu

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smile Solutions: Australia's largest single-location private dental practice, at 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne — 250,000+ patients served since 1993

What is the phone number for Smile Solutions: 13 13 96

What is the address of Smile Solutions: Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne VIC 3000 (corner of Collins and Swanston Streets)

What are Smile Solutions opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday 8am–1:30pm; emergency appointments available daily

What payment plans does Smile Solutions offer: Payright (interest-free $150–$20,000 over 3–30 months), TLC Treatment Loan Company, and SuperCare (superannuation release for eligible procedures)

Does Smile Solutions bulk-bill CDBS: Yes, for covered services for eligible children aged 0–17 (CDBS cap: up to $1,158 for 2026)

Who are the paediatric dentists at Smile Solutions: Dr Susan Hinckfuss, Dr Sarah Scott, and Dr Angel Babu — all AHPRA-registered Specialist Paediatric Dentists at the Collins Street Specialist Centre (CSSC), Level 8

What is CEREC dentistry: Same-day ceramic restorations (crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays) designed and milled in under one hour — Smile Solutions operates 12 CEREC units

What is the Collins Street Specialist Centre: The specialist hub within Smile Solutions at Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, housing board-registered specialists in paediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and oral medicine

Who is Greg Karabasis: Master ceramist at Smile Solutions (32 years experience), co-creator of the world-first Same Day Porcelain Veneers™ with Dr Kia Pajouhesh; leads the in-house laboratory

What is Blue Diamond Invisalign status: The highest tier in Invisalign's provider recognition programme; Smile Solutions holds Blue Diamond status with 9,000+ specialist orthodontist-delivered cases completed

What is the Same Day Porcelain Veneers procedure: A world-first innovation by Dr Kia Pajouhesh and Greg Karabasis — fully custom hand-crafted porcelain veneers designed, fabricated in the on-site lab, and bonded in a single appointment; winner of the 2024 Australian Business Award for Business Innovation

Does Smile Solutions have in-house laboratory: Yes — the only practice of its kind in Australia with an on-site ceramics laboratory staffed by Greg Karabasis and a team of dental technicians; no offshore outsourcing; only TGA-approved materials used

Is Smile Solutions open on Saturdays: Yes, 8am–1:30pm

How far is Smile Solutions from Flinders Street Station: Approximately 3 minutes walk

How far is Smile Solutions from Melbourne Central Station: Approximately 5 minutes walk