Orthodontics
The team at Six Twelve Family Dental provides a full suite of services to suit your needs. If you have considered straightening your teeth, our orthodontic systems may be the perfect solution. Orthodontics is one of our many options offered in-house so that you don’t need to go to a specialist for your care.
Orthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and correction of teeth and jaws that are misaligned or positioned improperly. Treatment options such as traditional braces or Invisalign® help to correct:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Missing teeth
- Overbites
- Unaligned jaw
- Underbites
- Unsupported lower face and lips
Our dentists are trained and experienced in providing orthodontics for children and adults alike. We’ll help you show off an even smile, improve your oral health and boost your self-confidence.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have been used for decades for good reason. They give reliable outcomes to kids and adults alike. It involves having metal brackets placed on each tooth that are then connected to each other with a wire. The wire can be tightened periodically, which causes your teeth to slowly shift into the desired position. You’ll have regular checkups at our clinic to make sure we’re seeing progress and to have the wires tightened. They’re worn for a total of 6-24 months.
Invisalign
Invisalign is known around the world. It uses clear aligners that are virtually invisible to straighten your teeth. You’ll have sets of aligners custom-created for you in the Invisalign laboratory. Your aligners are worn for 22 hours a day, which gives you the freedom to take them out for meals or social events. With each new set of aligners, your teeth will move into the desired position.
Invisalign
Smile Gallery
Braces
Smile Gallery
Kids Orthodontics:
The Importance of Early Evaluation for Children
In the past, recommendations for early orthodontic care suggested assessing children between the ages of 8 and 10, which coincided with the appearance of their adult front teeth. However, current guidelines advocate for early orthodontic assessment as young as 3 to 4 years old. This proactive approach allows us to identify early abnormalities, potentially reducing complications later in life.
Some Signs to Watch Out For
Some signs of dental problems parents need to be aware of include
- Early loss of baby teeth before age 5
- Teeth not meeting properly when biting down
- Snoring or mouth-breathing habits
- Crowded or protruding front teeth
- Biting or chewing difficulties; speech impediments
- Clicking or jaw shifts when opening/closing mouth
- Thumb/finger sucking or prolonged dummy use beyond age five
Paying prompt attention to these signs and scheduling a visit to Six Twelve Family Dental can lead to timely orthodontic assessment and intervention.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Early orthodontic treatment capitalises on the child’s soft jaw bones, allowing for easier correction of misalignment issues. Addressing spacing or positional problems early on establishes a solid foundation for proper dental development. This early intervention could eliminate the need for extensive treatments like second-round braces in the future for some cases.
Suitable Braces and Appliances for Young Patients
Functional appliances are commonly used for younger patients to correct foundational bite issues. These may include
- Expanders to widen the top jaw for adequate spacing
- Myobraces or twin blocks to guide jaw growth
- Face masks to encourage forward growth of the upper jaw for underbite correction
These appliances promote natural jaw growth, reducing the complexity and duration of treatment later on. If done early enough, these interventions can save considerable time and cost for the family.
Parents can prepare their children by explaining how our dentist will check their jaw growth to ensure it’s developing as it should. One of the simple analogies we use is like a lid over a box – the top jaw is the lid, and the bottom one is the box. This simple visual helps children understand the purpose of the assessment and minimises anxiety about their orthodontic visits.
Building Healthier Smiles for the Future
Teen Orthodontics: Tailored Solutions for Confident Smiles
Most teenagers seek orthodontic care for issues like crowding or protruding front teeth, often driven by aesthetic concerns. Traditionally, they may have opted for conventional braces, but modern options like Invisalign aligners provide a more aesthetic and comfortable alternative, breaking down the initial resistance to treatment.
Teenagers benefit from relatively softer bones, allowing for modification of the jaw’s foundation during growth. Based on individual growth patterns, this flexibility can lead to better corrections when compared to adult treatments focused mainly on tooth position.
Providing More Options for You
For self-conscious patients, there are aesthetically pleasing options such as clear ceramic brackets or Invisalign treatment. These choices offer comfort and discretion while ensuring optimal treatment outcomes. If braces are recommended, we have significantly smaller brackets than the traditional metal ones. The average treatment time for braces ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on individual needs and progress.
At Six Twelve Family Dental, engaging teenagers in the treatment process involves understanding their motivations and concerns. If the issue is not particularly troubling to them, it can be advisable to take a watch-and-see attitude, allowing them to realise the gravity of the issue and move forward with care.
Establishing clear treatment goals, educating them about maintenance, and showcasing progress through regular review sessions are crucial to ensuring compliance and successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?
Typically, it starts around 12 to 14 years when all baby teeth have fallen out.
Teens can continue contact sports with a suitable orthodontic mouthguard. Playing instruments may require adaptation, but it is generally possible.
There are minimal restrictions, mainly focused on cutting food into bite sizes and avoiding very hot foods to protect orthodontic appliances.
A Winning Combination for Your Teen
Adult Orthodontics
At Six Twelve Family Dental, we find that people often believe they are too old for orthodontic treatment, but age is not a barrier to receiving quality orthodontic care. We offer adults several options depending on the severity of their case.
Our process for adults follows the same principles as for younger patients but considers existing dental conditions and bone structure. Unlike children or teenagers whose facial bones are still growing, plans for adults may require a longer time to resolve and may need additional interventions like surgery or tooth extraction for complex cases.
Less Visible and Convenient Options
With its clear and removable aligners, Invisalign treatment is popular among adults for its aesthetic appeal and convenience. Ceramic brackets are a good choice for those concerned about being compliant with the aligner process. Both options offer discreet solutions, and discomfort levels are similar to teenage treatments if gum and dental health are good.
Dealing With Other Dental Issues
For patients with other issues, such as periodontal disease, gum recession, etc., a different plan may be needed. Our dentist may need to add orthodontic methods in conjunction with periodontal treatment, either after or during the process, to ensure the teeth and gums are still healthy once they are straight.
Additional procedures, such as gum grafting, might be required for adult patients who have suffered from gum recession before treatment. All relevant issues are discussed with the patient before we start care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late for orthodontic treatment?
It’s never too late; orthodontic treatment is possible at any age.
We offer in-house payment plans and can guide patients on external finance options.
Adult treatments may require additional considerations for existing dental issues like gum diseases or recession, often involving collaborative care with periodontists.
Transform Your Smile at Any Age
Get Started Today
Would you like to show off a more aligned look? Contact us today to find out more about orthodontics Hurlstone Park!
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
