Orthodontic treatment corrects malocclusion of the teeth and associated dento-facial disharmonies.
Much of the orthodontist's skill may be described as an art. This art is, however, built upon the solid foundation of an understanding of craniofacial biology, biomaterials, science and mechanics.
If you recognise yourself in any of the following questions, you may benefit from treatment
There are two essential ingredients needed to move teeth into proper alignment:
To achieve this your orthodontist attaches braces that generally consist of metal or clear brackets and wires, to produce slight pressure on each tooth. Throughout treatment, your orthodontist will periodically make adjustments to maintain the directional pressure required to continue the movement of the teeth.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. The important thing is that each brushing session should take at least two minutes for people with braces to ensure that your teeth are properly cleaned.
Any toothpaste containing fluoride is good for your teeth, whether it be stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride or mono fluoride phosphate.
Research supports the use of electric toothbrushes. If you're still using a manual brush then make sure it is one with soft bristles, as a hard brush can damage your teeth and gums.
You should replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles begin to show wear, or after an illness such as a cold or flu (old broken down brushes can harbour bacteria).
Yes. Food debris may collect at the junction of the tooth and bracket and around the "O" rings used to hold the wire in place. These areas require special care.
An antibacterial mouth rinse used in between brushings will further to prevent the build-up of plaque.
The length of treatment varies with the complexity of the treatment. The average treatment time with braces is 18 months, and you will be seen by your orthodontist around every eight weeks. Once your teeth are in their correct position a period of retention is required to ensure they stay there.
Putting the braces onto your teeth doesn't hurt but your teeth may be a little sore for a few days while they are getting used to being moved around. This is easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as paracetamol.
We offer competitive pricing on orthodontic treatment. Costs do vary according to the degree of complexity of the problem and the type of orthodontic appliances used, however. For your treatment, you will receive a quote that will include all appliances, adjustments and checks.
Our consultation fee is approximately $120 and $250 if an x-ray is required. We also reduce the fees of orthodontic treatment when more than one family member requires treatment, this will usually be between 5-8% discount on treatment. Fees are most commonly paid in installments by automatic bank transfer.