Well-aligned teeth and jaws are the cornerstone of a healthy, beautiful smile and good oral health. From treating pain to improving chewing and biting ability, Sunrise Dental Chatswood orthodontic treatment helps prevent serious dental disease later in life. Problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and broken teeth can all be avoided with orthodontic procedures.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of “bad bites” (malocclusions). Common orthodontic treatments include braces, clear aligners, and retainers.
The way your teeth are aligned can have a major impact on your oral health. By improving the way the upper and lower teeth bite together, the risk of a range of oral health problems can be reduced, including dental caries, gum disease, and excessive wear and tear (erosion).
What Procedures Are Considered Orthodontic?
Orthodontic procedures align your teeth, improve your bite, and use a fixed or removable appliance to do so.
These procedures can be quite extensive and take multiple years, but the long-term, lifelong impact is undoubtedly worth it. After orthodontic treatment, everyday tasks like chewing, biting, speaking, flossing, and taking care of your teeth will be easier.
Orthodontic procedures include:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- TMJ conditions
- Open bites
- Crossbites
- Overcrowding
- Gapped teeth
- Teeth misalignment from thumb sucking
Orthodontic Procedures Step-by-Step (4 common types of orthodontic treatment and the necessary procedures )
Braces
Braces are the most common orthodontic procedure. There are several types of braces, including traditional braces and lingual braces.
Traditional braces, also known as metal braces, are very popular and have the longest history in orthodontic treatment. The system consists of a series of brackets that are secured directly to the teeth, and wires are used to pull the teeth into the desired position. As the teeth take shape over time, the orthodontist may tighten or loosen the wires. Depending on your particular situation, you may wear braces for several months or years.
Lingual braces: These braces are similar to traditional braces in that they are fixed to the teeth to correct their alignment. When attaching lingual braces, the orthodontist attaches them to the back of the teeth so that they are not visible from the outside. The advantage of this system is that it corrects the misalignment of the teeth and prevents the wearer from feeling self-conscious about the aligners.
Invisalign
Alternative orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign® are popular because of their flexibility, short treatment time, and imperceptibility. If you did not wear traditional braces as a child, you can wear Invisalign® as an adult.
Invisalign® is a great option for people who need to correct the alignment of their teeth but do not have serious bite problems. This treatment specializes in covertly moving teeth rather than massively altering their position and alignment. If a patient has more intense orthodontic needs, traditional metal braces are often recommended.
During Invisalign® treatment, yourSunrise Chatswood Dentist will fabricate a series of clear plastic aligners that will move your teeth bit by bit. These aligners are customized for your mouth using special computer imaging technology. Each aligner is designed to last one to two weeks, with a total treatment time of approximately 12 to 18 months.
To use Invisalign® aligners, they are simply placed over your teeth and worn for 22 hours a day. You can remove the aligners to eat and clean your teeth. Unlike metal braces, you can eat hard, crunchy, and sticky foods during your Invisalign® treatment. It’s also easier to floss your teeth every day.
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Retainers
Retainers are removable oral appliances that are recommended to maintain the shape of your teeth after completing your teeth alignment treatment. In order to keep your bite correct and prevent your teeth from shifting back, your orthodontist will fit you with a retainer.
There are different types of retainers, and you will need to choose a retainer based on your treatment issues and whether you have residual problems. Banded retainers are fixed behind the teeth to keep a few teeth in the correct position and can also be worn overnight.
Palate expanders
Sunrise Chatswood dentist recommend some treatments during childhood. This is because a child’s facial bones are still developing, and they’re much easier to move and manipulate. A palate (palatal) expander helps to widen a child’s upper jaw. Most children don’t need palate expanders. But under the right circumstances, these devices can create extra space without the need for tooth extractions or other procedures.
What Are The Advantages of Orthodontics?
The cosmetic advantages of orthodontics are obvious. But these treatments also have functional and health advantages:
- When teeth are aligned, cleaning is much easier.
- Straightening teeth improves chewing and speech.
- Orthodontic treatment can reduce the pain associated with TMJ disorders.
- A straight bite reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
- Orthodontics can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
What Are The Disadvantages of Orthodontics?
The main disadvantage is short-term: you must follow strict treatment guidelines and remain patient until you reach your goals. For some people, orthodontic treatment takes less than a year at Sunrise Chatswood Dental. For others, it can take two years or longer. Because everyone has their own unique needs, the length of treatment varies for each individual. Talk to your orthodontist about how long it will take.
You are also at an increased risk of developing cavities if you do not thoroughly clean the environment around your braces. Be sure to follow your Sunrise Chatswood Dental orthodontist’s oral hygiene recommendations.
Looking for The Best Orthodontic Dental Treatment in Chatswood Sydney?
Sunrise Chatswood Dental professional dentists understand that each patient requires individualized oral care, and we provide quality orthodontic care to match! We are proud to offer both traditional metal braces and Invisalign® treatment in our dental clinic. Book appointment now, talk to our doctors, our professional team will find the best dental treatment match you needs!