You can find answers to a lot of commonly asked questions below. If you have any lingering questions please give us a call on 03 9113 2200 or if it's about our services and pricing, we encourage you to book a free smile consultation online.
Health Funds
We accept ALL private health funds. For a seamless checkout experience, Bare suggests that our patients confirm their level of cover and yearly limits, before appointment day, to determine what you are currently entitled to with your health fund. Bare is a preferred provider for NIB Health members. We are equipped with the HICAPS trinity terminal, allowing instant claiming of your rebate in-store.
Location
Located 200m from Essendon station beside Soho Hair. There is 2-3hour + all day parking located 20m from our clinic and is always available at any time of day. There are no parking fees or permits required. Family and friends are encouraged to attend with you if you experience anxiety or discomfort at the dentist. We cannot have more than 1 guest in our room during treatment for safety reasons. If you have any special requests, need assistance, or have any questions regarding accessibility into our clinics, please let our friendly team know before your appointment date and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Booking Policy
Bare may ask you to provide a deposit before confirming you appointment time. This is to protect the essential time of our staff and practitioners. If you do not provide a deposit, you may be at risk of losing your appointment. This policy allows us to attend to emergency appointments and patients who are in need of our care.
Cancellation/Rescheduling
Please notify our friendly team (via phone call or email) at least 12 hours before your appointment time if you require a complete cancellation/rescheduling of your appointment to avoid a cancellation fee of $25. Rescheduling appointments more than ONCE will also incur a $25 fee. This policy is set to preserve time slots in our books for urgent dental care and to respect the time of our staff and practitioners. Booking fees are strictly non-refundable or transferable under any circumstances.
Parking
Located 200m from Essendon station beside Soho Hair. There is all day and 2-3hour parking located 20m from our clinic and is always available at any time of day. There are no parking fees or permits required. Patients are responsible for monitoring their own parking times.
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What does the Free Smile Consultation include, and how long does the appointment typically take?During your consultation, we will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. We will take digital scans and photos to craft a smile simulation and provide a more accurate quote of your treatment. Our friendly team will cover all options available to you from the least invasive and least expensive to the most. Let's achieve your dream smile together. Book your free smile consultation and take the first towards a happier, healthier you.
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How often should I schedule a dental checkup and clean, and what's included in these routine appointments?For optimal oral health, we recommend a dental checkup and clean every six months. These appointments typically include: A comprehensive oral exam to check for cavities, gum disease, and other dental concerns A professional clean to remove plaque, tartar, and stains A fluoride treatment (if needed) to strengthen teeth and prevent decay Personalized advice on oral hygiene and maintenance
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At what age should I start bringing my child for dental checkups, and how do you make children feel comfortable during their visit?It’s best to bring your child in for their first dental checkup by the age of one or when their first tooth erupts. To help children feel comfortable, we use gentle techniques, fun distractions such as cuddly toys like Mrs. Moo our tooth mousse cow, and a friendly, stress-free environment to make their visit enjoyable. We also provide a little gift at the end to reinforce a positive dental experience. Why take your child to the dentist early? Establish good habits: Early visits help children get used to the dentist and develop positive dental habits. Prevent tooth decay: Early visits can help prevent tooth decay and catch it early. Treat cavities: Early treatment of cavities can prevent serious infections.
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How long do professional teeth whitening results last, and what can I do to maintain them?Professional teeth whitening results typically last between 4 weeks to 3 months depending on your diet and oral care routine. To maintain your results: • Avoid staining foods and drinks (coffee, red wine, dark berries) • Use a whitening toothpaste or touch-up treatments • Maintain regular dental cleanings • Drink water after consuming staining foods and use a straw for dark beverages
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What should I do in case of a dental emergency after hours?If you experience a dental emergency outside of business hours: For severe pain or trauma, visit your nearest emergency dentist or hospital If you have a knocked-out tooth, keep it in milk or saliva and see a dentist ASAP Call our clinic on 9113 2200. If there is no reply, please SMS our after-hours emergency contact number on 0421 145 947 for advice, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible. You may also email us at hello@baresmiles.com
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What's the difference between porcelain and composite veneers, and which option might be better for me?Porcelain Veneers: Crafted in our Melbourne lab, porcelain veneers are highly durable, stain-resistant, and designed to last 10–15 years. This treatment requires more tooth preparation to achieve a precise, long-lasting result. Due to the bespoke manufacturing process, porcelain veneers are a higher investment. Composite Veneers: A more cost-effective and minimally invasive alternative, composite veneers provide a natural look and feel. While they typically last 5–7 years, they may require more frequent maintenance or replacement over time. The ideal choice depends on your aesthetic goals, budget, and long-term expectations. Our team will guide you through the best options during your consultation.
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How long does Invisalign® or alternative clear aligner treatments typically take, and what makes someone a good candidate for clear aligners?Most clear aligner treatments typically take 3 - 8 months, depending on the complexity of your case with more complex cases taking 12-18 months. You may be a good candidate if you have: Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, misalignment, underbite, crossbite, and gaps in your smile A commitment to wearing aligners for 20-22 hours a day Healthy gums and teeth (no untreated decay or gum disease)
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Are your dental fillings metal-free, and how long do they typically last?Yes, we use metal-free, tooth-colored composite fillings, which are both aesthetic and biocompatible. They typically last 5–10 years or longer, depending on your bite force, the location and size of restoration placement, and oral hygiene.
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What is dental bonding, and how does it differ from veneers as a cosmetic solution?Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to correct small chips, gaps, or discoloration. Compared to veneers: Bonding is quicker, more affordable, and reversible Veneers are stronger, last longer, and resist staining Bonding is best for minor cosmetic improvements, while veneers provide a more comprehensive smile transformation.
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What is white spot removal treatment, and how many sessions are typically needed?White spot lesions can develop from various factors, including fluorosis (excessive fluoride exposure), enamel hypoplasia (insufficient enamel development), demineralization of the enamel, a low-calcium diet, or inadequate oral hygiene. Fortunately, these lesions are treatable and can be reversed with appropriate care. Icon resin-infusion white spot treatment helps reduce visible white spots on teeth caused by these factors. Treatment can be completed in one session depending on the number of teeth and the treatment method recommended (e.g if teeth whitening is required 1 week before treatment to brighten enamel opacity) but only one session is typically required for icon infusion itself. There is typically no drilling required of the enamel itself unless the lesion is deep. If the lesion is deep, we will restore the morphology of the tooth using a resin-based material that blends in with the natural shade of enamel for a seamless aesthetic outcome.
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Do you offer sedation dentistry for anxious patients, and what types of sedation are available?We do not offer in-chair sedation medications for anxiety management. Instead, our dental practitioners are trained in specialized techniques and effective communication strategies to help alleviate anxiety. Additionally, we tailor appointment times and adjust the lighting environment to ensure your experience is both comfortable and enjoyable. You may also opt to bring a family member or friend to accompany you during your appointment.
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How soon can I return to work or normal activities after different dental procedures?Checkups & Cleans: Immediately Fillings & Bonding: Same day depending on health and medical conditions Whitening: Same day, but avoid staining foods for 24 hours Veneers & Crowns: Next day (mild sensitivity possible) Clear Aligners [orthodontics] Fitting: Same day but may be sensitive for the next 7 days Tooth Extractions: 1–3 days Invasive Surgical Extractions: Up to a week for full recovery Your dentist will provide personalized aftercare instructions.
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What special packages do you offer, and what services are included in each package?Bare offers a variety of special packages to suit different needs, such as: Teeth Whitening Packages Bridal and Couples Packages Smile Makeover Packages Clear Aligner & Orthodontic Bundles To find out more, check out our ‘Offers’ section on our website or for more details on pricing and inclusions, contact our team at (03) 9113 2200.