Braces are a tried and true orthodontic appliance that can reliably correct complex dental malocclusions. They can efficiently straighten crooked and crowded teeth, correct bite issues and produce an aesthetic smile
There are 3 components of braces that work together to gently apply pressure to teeth over time and gradually moving them to their desired positions
Brackets are the attachments which are bonded onto the centre of each tooth to provide a point of force application to move teeth.
Archwires are engaged into each bracket to deliver an orthodontic force to move teeth. There are various dimensions, shapes and alloys of archwires, each with particular properties designed for different stages of orthodontic treatment.
Ligatures are used to hold the archwire into each bracket. They are also known as modules or O-rings.
Clear aligner treatment involves the use of a sequence of clear, custom designed and fabricated, removable plastic trays to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They are an aesthetic alternative to braces and are great option for individuals who want to transform their smile without the noticeable appearance of metal brackets and wires
Clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces. These include being almost invisible, more comfortable and allow easier cleaning of teeth because they can be removed. However, the success of treatment significantly depends on the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners as directed, typically at least 22 hours a day.
As a specialist orthodontic practice we have access to all the major clear aligner brands including Spark, Invisalign, Angel Aligner, 3M Clarity and Clear Correct. These are all simply brands that provide a series of clear aligners. It is our orthodontic specialist who meticulously designs your clear aligner treatment to facilitate effective alignment of teeth and bite corrections.
Intercept problems early to reduce future costs & burden. Early interceptive orthodontic treatment is also known as early intervention treatment or phase 1 orthodontic treatment. It is a proactive approach aimed at correcting specific orthodontic issues in children at a younger age, typically between 6 and 10 years old. At this stage, a child’s jaw and facial bones are still developing, and so treatment can help prevent more serious issues from developing further.
Not every child needs or would benefit from early orthodontic treatment. Some problems are better off treated once a child has all their permanent teeth. Our goal is to only provide necessary treatment that is efficient and cost-effective. Seeing an orthodontist early allows any potential dental development problems or skeletal jaw discrepancies to be identified sooner. This is important because early treatment can potentially reduce the complexity and cost of future treatment that may be required if the problem becomes more severe
If your child does not require immediate treatment then we place them on a personalised growth review schedule to allow us to monitor their dental and facial skeletal development. These periodic recall appointments are free of charge.
Orthodontic problems which would benefit from early treatment include impacted teeth, ectopic or incorrectly positioned teeth, early loss of baby or primary teeth, prolonged retention of baby or primary teeth, missing permanent or adult teeth, supernumerary or extra teeth, crossbites, narrow or small upper jaws and crowding or misalignment issues that cause psychosocial concerns.
The specific methods and appliances used during early interceptive treatment can vary and will be custom designed based on the individual child’s needs. It may involve the use of appliances such as:
1. Expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw
2. Space maintainers to prevent premature loss of teeth causing crowding
3. Partial braces to help permanent teeth erupt and develop normally
4. Growth modification appliances (e.g. twin block or facemask therapy) to encourage full expression of innate jaw growth potential to improve a skeletal jaw discrepancy.
A comprehensive orthodontic examination with us will determine whether early treatment is necessary for your child.
Teenage or adolescent orthodontics refers to treatment that is specifically tailored to individuals typically between the ages of 12 and 18. This age range is often considered an optimal time for orthodontic intervention due to a combination of factors related to dental development, growth, and social considerations. Many orthodontic issues become more apparent and easier to correct during adolescence, making it a common time for individuals to undergo orthodontic treatment.
During the early teenage years, most of the permanent teeth have erupted or are in the process of erupting, and the facial skeleton pattern is more established. This provides us with a clearer picture of the patient’s dental alignment and bite issues, and allows us to develop a personalised and comprehensive treatment plan.
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, especially of the facial and jaw bones. This growth can be utilised to help improve jaw discrepancies and other orthodontic issues more effectively.
The teenage years are a time when appearance and self-esteem become more significant. Straight teeth and an improved smile during this period can have a significant positive impact on a person’s self-confidence and overall well-being. Also, most teenagers commonly undergo orthodontic treatment making it a relatively normal and accepted experience amongst their peers. This can help reduce the potential feelings of self-consciousness.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your teenager, book a consultation with us and we can evaluate your teenager’s dental and skeletal development, discuss treatment options, and create a personalised treatment plan that aligns with their needs and goals.
Orthodontics can be effective at any age. Adult orthodontics addresses the unique dental and orthodontic needs of grown-ups, providing them with the opportunity to achieve improved oral health, enhanced aesthetics, and overall well-being. While orthodontic treatment can be slightly different for adults due to mature bone structure, advances in orthodontic technology and techniques make it feasible and effective for people of all ages.
Orthodontic treatment helps align teeth, making them easier to clean. Crooked or misaligned teeth can be difficult to clean properly. This can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Orthodontics can improve oral function by correcting bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. These malocclusions can lead to difficulty eating, discomfort and uneven wear of teeth. By aligning the teeth and achieving a more stable bite, the bite forces can be distributed more evenly, reducing the risk of excessive wear.
Straighter teeth can boost self-confidence and contribute to a more attractive smile. This can have positive effects on both personal and professional aspects of life.
Adult orthodontic treatment may take longer than treatments for younger individuals due to the maturity of adult bones and reduced growth potential. We understand that most adults want true results in a time-efficient manner and so we offer various treatment options to suit different preferences and lifestyles.
If you’re considering adult orthodontics, book a consult with us so we can assess your specific needs and provide customised recommendations for treatment options that align with your goals and lifestyle.
Orthodontic retainers are fixed or removable appliances designed to help maintain the position of teeth following orthodontic treatment. After teeth have been successfully shifted into their desired positions, there’s a natural tendency for teeth to gradually move back to their original locations. Retainers help prevent this relapse by holding teeth in their newly aligned positions, allowing the surrounding supportive structures of the gums and bone to adapt to the new arrangement.
Long-term retention is essential to ensure the permanence of your smile transformation and protection of the investment made in achieving a beautiful, healthy and functional smile.
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