Braced for Change? Time to Act
Let's get things straight....
Most patients think of having orthodontic treatment as a cosmetic treatment to straighten teeth, boost their self-esteem and give them a smile that they can be proud of, but the most important reason to have orthodontics can be to correct how the teeth fit together.
Crooked teeth,an underbite or overbite can create long term health complications. They can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss. Thelink between oral hygiene and general health is well documented, and so if you arethinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the benefits are far reaching, long lasting and go beyond just having a great smile.
If you hear the word braces, what image do you conjure?
Most people will think about an awkward teenager with a mouth of metal wires and brackets;however, orthodontic treatment has, thanks to dental industry innovations, undergone a transformation in recent years, and people of all age scan have their smiles corrected without the need for braces or at the very least clear braces.
The metal mouth of yesteryear has been replaced by more subtle dental interventions:
- Invisalign aligners are barely perceptible and consist of custom-made plastic aligners that gently move the teeth. There are no brackets required.
- Ceramic(tooth coloured) brackets blend in and provide almost invisible orthodontic braces.
- Metal brackets and wires have been redesigned; they are smaller, less noticeable and adjust teeth quicker.
What is the best age to have orthodontic treatment?
In the idealworld, a child will have visited us for an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 & 9. This allows the teeth’s positions to be monitored and controlled from the offset. However, there is no age restriction for seeking advice on how to straighten teeth; it’s never too late to visit for a free consultation.
Is the orthodontic treatment the same for children and adults?
For both child and adult patients, each orthodontic treatment is tailored for the individual and takes into account the size of the teeth, the space in the mouth and the health of the teeth and bones.
While some of the orthodontic treatment options are the same for adults and children, there are some solutions that are better for different age groups. For example, younger patients may be recommended a first phase of treatment to utilize growth and development of the jaws. If some treatments are not performed at this growth phase that opportunity will be lost and in extreme cases can only leave a surgical option as an adult.
There’s a lot to consider when you first start looking into orthodontic treatment. The first step is to identify the best dental services that are needed. Using the latest digital technologies, Duxton Dental’s orthodontics Christchurch team conducts a painless but thorough examination of the patient’s mouth, face and teeth using photos, jaw scans, x-rays of the head and mouth and a digital 3D scan of the teeth and gums (gone are the days of the mucky impressions). This information is then analysed to develop a dental care plan to give you the most effective and appropriate solution to match your physical and social needs.
If you have any questions about how to straighten your or your child’s teeth, call us now to make an appointment for a free orthodontic consultation on 03 348 5488 .
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