Orthodontics

People have orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance, health and function of their teeth.

 

Orthodontic treatment involves the design and use of corrective appliances including braces, plates and sequential clear aligners (such as Invisalign). These appliances move teeth by exerting a constant light force to them. When the appliances are tightened, the teeth receive more force. In response to force, a tooth will move gradually through the jaw bone.

 

This process will cause some tenderness and sometimes pain, but most people report that the discomfort is minor. Due to developments in technology, the appliances used today are more comfortable and effective than ever before.

 

In most patients, the optimal time to start orthodontic treatment is after the last baby tooth has been shed. This usually occurs about 12-13 years of age. However, in some cases, early treatment may prevent orthodontic problems or may result in shorter and less complicated treatment if more treatment is required at a later age.

Although orthodontic treatment used to be considered for children or teenagers, more and more adults are using appliances to correct problems that may not have been addressed during their childhood or perhaps have worsened over time.

 

If you believe that orthodontics is a solution for you or your children, please discuss your options at the Smile Office. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a variety of treatment options to best suit your individual needs.

Early Intervention
Early intervention usually begins before the eruption of all the adult teeth usually this occurs around the ages of 6-7.

Our aim will be to guide the growth of the upper and/or lower jaw to make enough space for the eruption of all the permanent teeth. Children should be evaluated by the age of nine to see if there is a bone problem (orthopaedic) or a tooth problem (orthodontic).

 

There are many positive reasons for your child to be assessed early for possible alignment and space problems:

• Improve profiles, smiles and self-esteem
• Correct harmful habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Functional appliances develop the arches and make more room for the tongue.
• Improved speech
• Reduction of the time in fixed braces and frequently eliminates the need for the extraction of permanent teeth
• Increases nasal breathing which improves health
• Eliminates airway constriction
• Creates beautiful broad smiles by developing the arches
• Eliminates grinding of the teeth at night
• Prevents headaches and earaches

Ask us today about early intervention and how your child can benefit from an early assessment.

 

Sequential plastic aligners

A series of clear removable plastic aligners can be used to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move, little by little, week by week, until they have straightened to the final position has been prescribed.

 

Sequential plastic aligners can align teeth but, as yet, they cannot correct significant bite discrepancies.

To discuss your orthodontic options, please call Balgowlah Smile Office on 02 99079877 for a consultation appointment.

 

Click here to see examples of this treatment