LOOKING FOR THAT GORGEOUS SMILE?
With today’s technology, braces systems have been revolutionary in being able to offer both young and old a chance to safely and lightly move teeth. Achieving a straighter more beautiful smile can be achieved naturally with your own teeth and is not solely based on the destructive cutting of teeth and costly porcelain veneers/crowns.
Our doctors have undertaken extensive training and work closely with orthodontic specialists in being able to offer you options to straighten your teeth which you may not have thought existed. Treatments can be tailored to your needs.
YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR SMILE WITH A COST EFFECTIVE OPTION WITHIN 6 MONTHS !
The benefits of orthodontics include:
- Enhance your appearance and self-confidence
- Correct crooked teeth and close gaps
- Improve the ability to clean and maintain a healthy mouth
- Reduction of tooth wear due to a balanced (bite)
- In preparation for restorative dentistry such as implants or bridges
- To resolve muscle/joint tension and pain associated with an incorrect bite
WANT TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH?
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Today’s orthodontics offer more kinds of braces than ever before. Check out your options:
METAL BRACES
These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word “braces.” However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces that many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.
- PROS: Least expensive type; can have coloured bands, works the quickest, doesn’t stain with food and drink
- CONS: Most noticeable type of braces
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-coloured brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-coloured wires to be even less noticeable.
- PROS: Less noticeable than metal braces; move teeth much faster than clear plastic aligners
- CONS:More expensive than metal braces; Brackets/elastics can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well, need to avoid intake of coffee, tea, alcohol etc that may discolour the braces. The metal wire will still be noticeable. May take longer than metal braces
LINGUAL/ PALATAL BRACES
Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth.
- PROS: Invisible from outside
- CONS:Difficult to clean; more expensive; not appropriate for severe cases; can be more uncomfortable at first; regular adjustments take longer and are more difficult than with traditional braces
CLEAR ALIGNER TRAYS
Clear aligners consists of a series of 5 to 30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 3 weeks.
- PROS: Almost invisible; Patients can eat and drink whatever they want
- CONS:Will struggle to completely correct moderate to severe dental crowding problems; only available for adults and teens, not children; more expensive option; can be easily lost and costly to replace; treatment may potentially take longer, teeth stripping possible.
CHILD ORTHODONTICS
Many children develop orthodontic problems at a young age. It’s most beneficial to have your child assessed early and this should take place between the ages of six and seven when your child’s jaw is still growing. Treatment at this early stage may range from simply maintaining space for erupting adult teeth through to the use of growth appliances. Children are very responsive to treatment at this age as their bones are still developing.
Orthodontics for adolescent children usually begins after all of the adult teeth have erupted. This occurs between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
Our doctors have a special interest in the area of orthodontics and have been providing a variety of orthodontic treatments in close association with our referring orthodontic specialists. The key is proper early diagnosis meaning quicker, easier and most times cheaper treatment outcomes for your child.
How to Tell If Your Child Needs Braces
Q: So many children have braces. How can I tell if my child may need them and how soon?
A: There are many reasons why a child might benefit from braces. The American orthodontic association recommends that children should have an orthodontic evaluation at about the age of 7. It is at this time the development of the jaws and dental arches can be assessed more accurately according to recent research. Some problems are best treated as early as possible even when it is still mostly baby teeth in place (ages 6-9). Sometimes it is best to wait until most of the baby teeth have fallen out (ages 10-13). If your child is getting regular dental visits, your dentist will be able to determine when it’s time for minor intervention or a full evaluation for braces.
Here are some signs that a child is likely to benefit from braces:
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Q: What causes the need for braces?
A: While genetics may play a part in this, it is becoming more prevalent that environmental and behavioural factors such as thumb- or finger-sucking, mouth breathing, dental decay, accidents, or poor nutrition are to blame . Any one of these factors may lead to the underdevelopment of the jaws and if there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth, they become tilted or crooked and/or the jaws may not be aligned properly
Q: At what age should my child be assessed for braces?
A: Assessment of your child’s facial and dental growth and development may occur at any stages of dental development. Some children may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age 5 or 6 and others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming into place (ages 10-13). Your general or paediatric dentist will help you determine the best time for evaluation and treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation visit to the orthodontist no later than age 7.
Q: What is the best age to be fitted with braces?
A: The best age varies from patient to patient. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Some problems, however, are best addressed early, even while mostly baby teeth are present. This can be very cost effective long term and with greater health benefits.