Orthodontics
Correcting tooth alignment with aligners, braces and orthodointic plates
Orthodontics
Correcting tooth alignment with aligners, braces and orthodointic plates
Orthodontic treatments help to correct teeth alignment, enhance appropriate tooth growth and usage, and create a straighter, healthier smile.
Although some people believe that braces are only for teenagers, orthodontic treatments can improve the dental health of individuals of all ages.
When it comes to orthodontic work, many Hawker families choose to undergo their treatment right here at Hawker Dental.
Dr. Kerin Jacob has attended numerous orthodontic courses through Skip Truitt and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Dental braces are not what they used to be. A variety of new techniques and equipment have been developed to enhance the patient's experience and shorten treatment times. There are a wide variety of orthodontic treatments available, and the correct treatment depends largely on the individual needs of the patient.
Some treatments, such as orthodontic plates, are best for young children whose teeth and jaws are still growing, while treatments with low visibility, such as Invisalign®, may be ideal for adults. Some of the most common orthodontic treatments include:
Lingual braces
Ceramic braces
Fixed metal braces
Clear aligners
Orthodontic plates and retainers
Fixed traditional braces (metal) are appropriate for people of all backgrounds and bite needs. Even if your situation is more complex, we may be able to help. By booking in a consultation, we can go through the different orthodontic options that are suitable for you.
Traditionally fixed or orthodontic braces are high-quality metal brackets that are attached to each tooth. These brackets are then connected by a special type of wire, which slowly pulls the teeth into alignment.
Over time, your dentist or orthodontist will make a series of adjustments to straighten the teeth to achieve the desired outcome. More contemporary braces are much more streamlined than traditional braces, and modern technology allows for the brackets to be discreetly matched to your tooth enamel.
Ceramic braces
These orthodontic appliances work the same as traditional braces, but the brackets are made of ceramic material for the top front teeth. Their colour allows the ceramic to blend in for a less noticeable appearance, compared to the metal brackets found on traditional style braces.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces use the same metal brackets and wires as metal braces, but on the inner surface of the patient's teeth so that they can't be seen. As well as being essentially invisible to others, lingual braces can offer benefits for your teeth. With braces that are attached to the front of your teeth, there is a risk of decalcification (the removal of calcium), however, the backs of the teeth are more robust, so the risk is lower at the back.
Clear aligners
Some people prefer to not wear traditional metal braces. Clear aligners (we offer Invisalign and Spark) are a perfect alternative. The clear aligners move your teeth without wires or brackets. Plus, they can be removed during meals and for home care. Made from translucent plastic, the aligners are so clear that most people will not be able to see them over your teeth.
What can traditional braces help with?
Some common issues that orthodontists may improve with fixed braces include:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Underbites, overbites and crossbites
- Limited breathing
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Gapped teeth
What are the benefits of clear aligner treatment?
Clear aligners have become extremely popular due to their subtle appearance. They are transparent in colour, almost invisible, and custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth. There are many advantages to using clear aligners over traditional braces:
They are almost invisible and have a discreet appearance.
They're removable, so you can take them out for eating, drinking, and photos.
They are easy to clean when you take them out.
They're more comfortable as they are custom-made to fit your mouth.
Orthodontic plates and retainers
Orthodontic plates and retainers
Children often require interceptive orthodontics with removable appliances to prevent future treatment from being less involved. If they have a crossbite or front teeth sticking out, early intervention can help a bit to avoid an accident. There are several ways we can determine whether your child may need early orthodontic treatment. If you have any concerns, you should see one of our dentists for a consultation.
For young children who have particular problems with tooth or jaw alignment, orthodontic plates can be used to carefully adjust the growth of the jawbone and arrange the teeth.
An orthodontic plate, or retainer, consists of plastic or wire that is shaped to fit around the top or bottom teeth to hold them in place or gently guide them into the desired position.
Judicious use of orthodontic plates at a young age can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for braces later in life. Retainers are often used after treatment with braces to ensure that the teeth remain in position.
Who can benefit from an orthodontic treatment?
There are a wide variety of conditions that can be improved through the use of orthodontic treatment. Although age is a consideration, it is not the only factor in the orthodontist's choice of treatment.
Conditions that may require the use of orthodontic treatments include:
Poor alignment of top and bottom molars that complicate or prevent chewing.
A crossbite, in which the upper teeth rest behind the lower teeth.
A deep bite or overbite, in which the upper front teeth cover the front of the lower front teeth.
An open bite, in which the front teeth do not touch at all when biting.
Teeth that are misaligned, angled, crowded, or spaced too far apart.
Jaw / joint pain (TMD) and headaches due to clenching and misaligned teeth.
To determine the best treatment option for your needs, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination and assessment of your dental condition. If your condition can't be treated by a general dentist, you will receive a referral to a specialist.
Care and maintenance
When you wear braces, aligners, or retainers, it will be necessary to adjust your eating habits to prevent damage to both the hardware and your teeth.
We recommend avoiding hard foods and sticky sweets that can break or pull your braces from your teeth such as gum, toffee, popcorn, nuts, hard biscuits, etc. You should also avoid biting into foods with your front teeth. Rather, cut foods into manageable pieces that you can chew with your back teeth.
Braces can trap food in your mouth after you eat, so be sure to brush and floss after every meal. Continue to floss and brush your teeth regularly, but be sure to use the special brushes and flossing tools recommended (and typically provided) by your orthodontist.
Specialised floss brushes and mouthwash are particularly useful for cleaning out braces after a meal. Carry a small cleaning kit with you to school or work, so you have the supplies you need on hand to keep your braces and teeth in ideal condition.
Orthodontics in Hawker, Belconnen ACT
From your consultation to having impressions made, the planning process is just as important as the actual treatment. We provide convenient in-house payment plans to our orthodontic patients. Are you ready to see which type of braces are right for you?
Frequently asked questions
The price of dental braces will vary dependant on a number of factors... such as the length of time you will need to wear them, how many consultations and adjustments you need and other factors tha will be specific to you.
While braces are highly effective, they do usually come with discomfort as your teeth move into new positions. This usually lasts for a few days after first having them applied, and after adjustments, where your teeth and gums will feel tender.
During these days, you can manage pain with over-the-counter pain medications and eat a diet of soft foods - ie. no apples, uncooked carrots, hard biscuits, etc.
Yes! Dental technology has come a long way from the early days of metal braces, and clear aligners are now just as effective as metal braces.
An orthodontist is a specialist who works to ensure your teeth are straight and your jaw is aligned. They will prepare your teeth for orthodontic treatments, carry out treatments such as braces, maintain and adjust appliances as needed, and keep ongoing appointments with you as you transition out of treatment.
A dentist is your general expert on your teeth, gums, and oral health. They will perform your check-ups, complete treatments such as fillings, root canals, and crowns, and help you work on your health.
An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on teeth straightening and alignment and can apply braces and other orthodontic treatments.
Once your orthodontic treatment is completed and your braces are removed, you will be fitted with a retainer to ensure that your teeth remain in their new alignment.
Be sure to wear your retainers as directed, or you may undo all the previous work. Do not wear your retainer while eating, and be sure to brush it before you insert it into your mouth.
For patients who do not wish to use a removable retainer, a permanent wire retainer can be cemented to the back of the teeth to keep them in place.