Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws, with the aim of creating a healthy environment for your teeth to last a lifetime. Straight teeth have several practical advantages over irregular teeth:

• cleaning is easier, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities
• uneven wear on teeth is minimised thus reducing the risk of fractures and breakages with long-term use.
• jaw joint problems caused by a poor bite between the teeth are reduced. A bad bite can significantly affect speaking, chewing and swallowing.

In addition, straight teeth also look great, helping you feel good about your appearance and improving self confidence and self esteem.

Orthodontic care starts with regular childhood dental developmental checks, but can be provided for anyone at any age.

Do I need orthodontic treatment?

It is estimated that more than 50% of the population could benefit from some type of orthodontic treatment. Typical indicators include:

• Are your teeth noticeably crooked?
• Do you have gaps between your teeth?
• Are your teeth crowded together?
• Do you have protruding teeth?
• Do you have a ‘deep’ bite? (vertical overlapping of upper and lower teeth)
• Do you have an ‘open’ bite? (certain teeth cannot be brought into contact)
• Do you have difficulty chewing your food?

Other signs that orthodontic treatment may be appropriate include chronic headaches, neck and jaw pain and/or clicking sounds when you open your mouth. If you are hesitant to smile, laugh or talk in public and avoid showing your teeth in photographs because you are conscious of their appearance, it is time to consider orthodontic treatment.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

All the appliances used in orthodontic treatment have one main aim – to use gentle pressure to move teeth into desired positions. There are usually two phases of treatment, an active correction phase of tooth alignment and space management and an establishing retention phase.

In the correction phase it is most common to use upper and lower fixed appliances which allow for controlled movement of individual teeth in each jaw, and enable the vital relationship between the upper and the lower teeth to be corrected to maximum efficiency for your bite.

Until recently fixed appliances were all made of metal brackets and bands applied to the teeth. However, the new generation of orthodontic brackets includes ceramic and plastic brackets that are aesthetically more pleasing since they can be made to blend in with the natural colour of the teeth.  Alternatively, lingual brackets can be attached to the inner surface of the teeth, rendering them invisible to the outside observer. Dr Harrison is also an accredited practioner for Clearstep, an innovative system which combines 'invisible' orthodontic appliances and removable clear plastic retainers to incrementally reposition and align teeth. 

In the retention phase, the teeth are held in position by a removable appliance in each dental arch, or by a fixed retainer fitted behind the teeth so it is invisible. Retention allows for the supporting structures around the teeth, gums and bone to grow back onto the teeth and stablise them, and for the surrounding muscles to adapt to the altered positions of the teeth.  The retainers are initially worn full-time, then gradually less and less.

How long does treatment take?

This depends on a variety of factors, the most important being the complexity of your problem. The type of appliance used can affect the duration of treatment as can your age, since teeth move more slowly in adults than in growing adolescents. However, in broad terms, active treatment can take between one and two years.

During active treatment appointments are generally required every four to eight weeks depending on the stage of treatment. During the retentive phase appointments are every three to six months.

In summary

When planned properly and carried out with care, orthodontic treatment is an investment in the long-term health of your teeth, over and above the aesthetic benefits it offers.  Come and talk to us about what we can do to help you, and your smile.