ORTHODONTICS
ORTHODONTICS
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Orthodontics
today differs greatly from the thick, heavy wires and brackets many of us remember.
With so many options available, orthodontic treatment is no longer the realm of teens as many adults are discovering the benefits of undergoing orthodontic treatment to correct alignment problems they have had since childhood.
Braces not only help straighten misaligned teeth but also guide the growth and development of the facial bones, which is why they are mostly prescribed for patients in their pre- or early teens.
At Inform Dental we recommend your child has an assessment when their first adult teeth begin to emerge, around 6 – 7 years of age or earlier if obvious problems exist. Assessment and if necessary, intervention this early can assist in better dentofacial development and avoid extraction therapies.
There are many varying factors to consider before undertaking orthodontic treatment. Following a comprehensive exanimation, the Inform Dental team will discuss with you the options available for you or your child.
NON EXTRACTION ORTHOPAEDIC ORTHODONTICS
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Before the adult teeth erupt, it may be possible to guide them into the correct position. It’s common, for example, for the upper or lower jaw to be too small to accommodate all of the emerging teeth.
A few decades ago, the solution for crowding was to extract a number of the healthy adult teeth followed by the use of fixed braces to move the teeth into a desired position.
Early intervention takes advantage of the fact that a child’s jaw is still growing. There are various growth and functional orthopaedic appliances that can be used to assist the growth and development of the dentofacial skeleton and airways, assisting in better facial form and function without the need for tooth extraction.
Children who undergo orthopaedics may still need braces, retainers or other orthodontic appliances later, but this pre-treatment may reduce the severity of the problem. You could possibly avoid extraction of their adult teeth in the future and significantly reduce the amount of time needed in fixed braces.
Orthodontic banding
How often will I visit my dentist?
You can now look forward to an interesting 12-24 months during which you will be seeing a big change in the look of your teeth, we will need to see you every 4-6 weeks to adjust your orthodontic bands.
What will happen at my appointments?
During each adjustment we may change the ligatures (small rubber rings that go around each bracket). We may change the wire size and instruct you on wearing elastics and if you are wearing an appliance it will be adjusted
How do I bush my teeth with braces?
Tooth brushing and flossing is very important at all times, but especially when you are wearing orthodontic brackets. You must brush your teeth carefully three times per day. Orthodontic brackets are fairly easy to clean you just need to take a little more time with a small, soft toothbrush, you will be given a demonstration at your banding appointment.
What foods can I eat?
You now have brackets on your teeth that are bumpy and can easily catch or stick to food and can break off. Foods which you should not eat include- Chewy caramel or other sticky lollies. You should cut up apples, steak, avoid crusty breads, we suggest you do not drink fizzy drinks (especially cola or sports drinks) as it can damage the enamel of your teeth.
Are braces uncomfortable?
You can expect to feel slight discomfort for a few days after the banding; this should not be too bad and can be relieved with mild pain relief medication. After each adjustment appointment your teeth will feel slightly tender again, eat soft foods that day, we will give you protective wax to use on any brackets that are rubbing your lips or cheeks.
ADULT ORTHODONTICS
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It is important to understand that adults can have orthodontics too. This option is becoming very popular as more and more adults seek treatment to correct their smile. This is an especially attractive option to improve the longevity of their teeth and overall oral health.
As we age, we all worry about our health and addressing issues of incorrect tooth alignment can be of great benefit in your later years. Being able to clean easily and to age without the use of dentures offers you independence and the ability to consume foods that can provide you with the nutrition that an aging body requires.
The options for the correction of misaligned teeth include the use of appliances or braces. In some cases, these appliances may be used in conjunction with treatment to provide a smile makeover.
Adult orthodontics
offers many benefits; ask us today about how this option may help you.
Invisible braces!
Our practice is accredited to provide Invisalign® clear aligners. These are custom-moulded to fit you. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you’ll be proud to show to the world.
INVISALIGN
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Even though people know the value of a beautiful straight smile, the look of metal braces and the effect this can have personally and professionally is what makes them reluctant to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign®
aligners are strong, virtually invisible, hard plastic aligners made from detailed impression moulds and using 3D computer imaging. The aligners are designed to move your teeth in tiny increments and are replaced with a new set every two weeks until your desired result is achieved.
One of the advantages of Invisalign® aligners is unlike metal braces they can be removed so you can eat and maintain your thorough oral health routine.
Invisalign® treatment takes approximately the same amount of time as fixed braces. And, just like all other aspects of orthodontic treatment you will be required to attend regular check-up appointments at Inform Dental so we can closely monitor your progress.
At Inform Dental, our team has received special certification in Invisalign®. We are able to assess your suitability and develop a tailored treatment plan so you can have the straight smile you have always desired.
RAPID SMILES
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Rapid Smiles is a minimally invasive, fast solution to achieving a straight smile. Using state-of-the-art orthodontic braces, Rapid Smiles from Inform Dental can straighten teeth generally in 4 – 6 months in suitable patients.
The Rapid Smiles option is generally more predictable than clear aligners, faster than traditional full banding orthodontics and less expensive than both. Treatment is based around standard orthodontic mechanics with results achieved more quickly as the aim is a cosmetic outcome and not a change to your bite. You do need to be assessed in regards to the suitability of this treatment.
Treatment options include clear brackets that are placed on the front of the teeth with tooth coloured wires, or the braces are placed out of sight on the back of the teeth in some circumstances where there is room and ease of treatment is suitable.
Following treatment you will be required to wear a retainer to keep your newly positioned teeth in alignment. These are usually fixed permanent retainers on the lower teeth and removable upper retainers. Your Inform Dental dentist will discuss the most appropriate option for you and create a personalised treatment plan