What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopaedics) is the branch of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received 2 to 3 years of additional training and experience following dental school. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What is the best age to visit the orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The Australian Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's doctor.

With this said, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teenagers, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Yes, adult patients can benefit enormously from orthodontics and an orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. The benefits for adults are aesthetics, improved dental health and general feeling of well being and confidence.

You can read more about adult orthodontic treatment here.

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth

What are the lasting benefits of orthodontics?

Psychological Benefits:

• Enhanced attractiveness
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Feeling of well being
• Confidence, which aids important aspects such as interpersonal relationships and job placement and career advancement.

Physiological Benefits:

• Better function of the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Less wear or cracking of your teeth over a lifetime
• Healthier gums
• You will be less likely to lose any teeth
• There will be less strain on your jaw muscles and jaw joints
• It will be easier to have a lifetime of healthy teeth
• You will have a better smile
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimising other dental treatment

Cost benefits

• Orthodontic treatment at the right age can result in less actual dental care costs over a lifetime.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile!

Braces consist of 3 main parts:

• The brackets, which are glued onto the surface of the teeth
• The orthodontic wire, that is placed in a slot that is in the bracket
• The modules (coloured or clear), these tie the wire to each bracket.

There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Ceramic braces
• Traditional metal braces
• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Gold braces

There is also an option of invisible orthodontic appliances Invisalign and technology called SureSmile, which offers you a braces experience with shorter treatment times, fewer office visits, less overall discomfort and high quality results.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

During an orthodontic treatment steady gentle pressure is used to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the orthodontic wires that connect them are the main components. When the orthodontic wires are placed into the brackets, they try to return to their original shape. As they do so, they apply pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 to 30 months; however, most standard treatments take about 22 months. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the orthodontic wires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth. You may also experience soreness after adjustments and change of orthodontic wires. The discomfort will go away after a few days.

How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. We will check your oral hygiene every visit!
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar Sticky and chewy foods, hard foods or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces. See our list of foods to avoid.
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. We will show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

Printable instructions >

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months or as instructed by your dentist for cleanings and dental checkups.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. We provide mouthguards to our patients on the visit they get the braces on.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply contact us! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all of the information you need.

What is Phase I treatment?

Phase 1, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (for example, expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten.

This phase may involve straightening the front permanent teeth and creating space for the remaining permanent teeth that erupt at age 12. This reduces the future likelihood of extracting permanent teeth. In addition, if there is a jaw-growth problem, or bite problem such as crossbites, overbites and underbites, correction is also done during Phase 1.

Phase 1 also deals with harmful oral habits that may need early intervention, like thumb sucking, pacifier, tongue thrust and mouth-breathing. Early orthodontic treatment may also be needed to aid in speech therapy.

After Phase 1 treatment, when all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted, a comprehensive treatment is likely to be needed. A comprehensive treatment involves full braces and is similar to the orthodontic treatment of patients that didnt have Phase 1.