Orthodontics
in Maddington

Crooked or crowded teeth

One of the common reasons a person seeks orthodontic treatment is because of crooked or crowded teeth. The difficulty of cleaning crooked teeth with a toothbrush and floss makes them prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

Bite problems

An overbite is defined as a condition in which the upper teeth are too far forward for the face, and the lower teeth are almost touching the palate when they bite. Conversely, an underbite describes when your lower teeth extend farther than your upper teeth.

A crossbite occurs when one or more of the patient’s lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth when they bite. In contrast, an open bite is when the patient’s top and bottom teeth don’t touch while biting.

Spaces or gaps

Occasionally, patients with gaps between their teeth seek orthodontic treatment to close these spaces. This problem can cause a person to feel conscious about their smile. It is also difficult to clean as it can trap food and dental plaque, leading to decay and gum disease.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment go beyond just improving the smile when the teeth are aligned.

• Better smile
  In addition to straightening teeth, orthodontic treatment improves a person’s smile. A straighter, more symmetrical smile is often perceived as more attractive. Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve this smile by improving the alignment of your teeth.
  
  
• Better speech
  Orthodontic treatment can improve speech production. How words are articulated is affected by the position of teeth. A properly aligned mouth allows the tongue to glide smoothly over the teeth, resulting in clearer speech sounds. With orthodontic treatment, you can gain the confidence to speak clearly and confidently.
  
  
• Better oral health
  In addition to being more difficult to clean when teeth are crooked or misaligned, they can also heighten the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting these problems with orthodontic treatment can make brushing and flossing easier by straightening the teeth. Orthodontics can also improve bite alignment, which can reduce the likelihood of TMJ problems and teeth grinding. Orthodontics can therefore have a profound influence on oral health.
  
  
• Better digestion
  The chewing process may be enhanced by orthodontic treatment. Food can be broken down better, and nutrients are absorbed more efficiently as a result of better chewing. Although orthodontic therapy may help you feel better by improving the function of your teeth and gums, it can’t address all digestive issues.
  
  
• Boosts confidence
  Straightening your smile can boost your self-confidence as well as improve your appearance. In addition to improving your teeth’s alignment, orthodontic treatment can also enhance your self-confidence.

Traditional braces and Invisalign are orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth and improve a patient’s bite. Traditional dental braces are bonded to the teeth and use metal archwires to move the teeth to their ideal positions.

Clear aligners, commonly known as Invisalign or invisible braces, are thin, flexible, and removable trays that fit well on the teeth. A constant, gentle pressure is applied to the teeth to allow them to move. Patients report less pain and more comfort with Invisalign.

Clear aligners are removable plastic trays made from a patient’s dental impressions. A unique 3D printing process places teeth in their desired positions. Through their technology, they can predict the number of movements the teeth must make to achieve these positions and alignments. These movements or steps are divided, and each step is printed into tooth models. The printed models are used to fabricate clear aligners. Clear aligners apply gentle, constant pressure to the teeth as the patient wears them. Aligners are designed to move the teeth back into the same position as in the cast from which they are printed.

• Manages severe cases more effectively
  Patients with severe cases are advised to use traditional orthodontic braces. Due to the higher force that braces generate compared to aligners, they cause teeth to move more than aligners. The teeth with braces can also move more freely in the direction they are led, as opposed to the teeth with clear aligners, which are covered and do not allow extreme movement.
  
  
• Shorter treatment time
  The effectiveness of clear aligners depends on a patient’s compliance with wearing them for 22 hours a day. However, traditional braces have brackets cemented onto the teeth and cannot be removed. The result is that traditional braces can move teeth continuously without interruptions, making the treatment more efficient.
  
  
• More accessible and cost-effective
  Traditional orthodontic braces are more affordable than clear aligners. Although more health fund companies are beginning to cover clear aligners, traditional braces are recommended if you want to straighten your teeth on a budget.

Treatment with orthodontics is often effective, but it can also have adverse effects. The effects can include tooth pain, gum disease, loosening of the teeth, shortening of the teeth, TMJ disorders, and, in some cases, allergic reactions. These risks will be discussed during the consultation, and specific precautions and instructions will be given to minimise them.

A retainer is a custom-made appliance designed to keep your teeth in place once your orthodontic treatment is complete. Patients must wear removable retainers every day except when eating and cleaning their appliances for several months. After the dentist’s assessment, this can be reduced to nightly wear.

The duration of orthodontic treatment is determined by the severity of a patient’s condition and the type of treatment they select. On average, orthodontic therapy lasts around two years. Some minor cases can be treated in less than a year, while more difficult ones might take up to three years.

Orthodontic treatment may be expensive, but its benefits make it worthwhile, which is why more and more people get it. Unfortunately, not all health fund providers cover orthodontic treatment. It is recommended to contact your provider to check what is included in your policy.