Jul 29, 2011
Orthodontics/ braces and Invisalign
Crooked teeth are a common dental problem. Some experts have estimated that up to 7 out of 10
people would benefit from orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives. Orthodontics literally means “straight teeth” and is the branch of dentistry which deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems in the alignment of teeth and the jaws. “Occlusion” is the contact of the upper and lower teeth during chewing or when the jaws are closed, and is commonly called “bite”. Proper occlusion is important for good oral health and for an attractive appearance of the mouth and teeth. A person who has an alignment problem with their teeth or jaw has a “malocclusion”, which literally means “bad bite”. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to correct the malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment involves the design and use of corrective appliances known as braces, plates and elastics among others. These appliances move teeth by exerting a constant light pressure to them. When the appliances are tightened the teeth receive more pressure. In response to pressure, a tooth will move slowly through the jaw bone. This process will cause some tenderness and sometimes pain, but most people report that the discomfort is minor. Due to development in technologies, the appliances used today are more comfortable and effective than ever before. Modern braces are also not as visible as earlier devices.
WHEN TO SEEK AN ORTHODONTIC ASSESMENT:
Orthodontic problems can be apparent by seven to nine years of age, when most of the adult front teeth have come through. However, problems may be detected earlier than this. Early examination of the teeth and jaws allows your dentist to detect and evaluate problems and plan the best treatment. In some cases, early treatment may prevent orthodontic problems from getting worse. It may also result in a shorter treatment time and less complicated treatment, if more treatment is required at a later age. In most patients, the optimal time to start orthodontic treatment is after the last baby tooth has been shed. This usually occurs by about 12 years of age. In the past, orthodontic treatment was generally restricted to children and teenagers. However, the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age, and orthodontic treatment is also successful for adults. Treatment is usually longer for adults because their jaw bones are more dense than in children. As an adults facial bones are no longer growing, some severe malocclusions can not be corrected with braces alone. In such cases, orthodontic treatment
combined with jaw surgery (called “orthognathic” surgery) can achieve improvements.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STRAIGHT TEETH.
People have orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance, health and function of their teeth. These days, with good oral hygiene and regular dental care, teeth should last a lifetime.
APPEARANCE
People are very aware of how their teeth look to others. An attractive smile can play an important role in
enhancing self-confidence and “selling oneself” in the workforce or at play.
HYGIENE
It’s more difficult to clean teeth that are crowded and over lapping. Inadequate cleaning is a major
factor in tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
CHEWING
Your ability to chew food and properly digest your food is best when your bite is correct.
SPEECH PROBLEMS
Some people have difficulty speaking properly because of alignment problems with their teeth and jaws.
GUM DAMAGE
In severe malocclusion the teeth may damage the gum. For example, In cases of deep bite, the lower front teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper front teeth.
TOOTH WEAR
Crooked teeth often show abnormal patterns of wear which may not coincide with a person’s age.
Crooked teeth often show abnormal patterns of wear.
INVISALIGN:
Ever wanted to get your teeth straightened but were afraid it might hurt or cost too much? Are you an adult and work in a high profile environment where your appearnce is important and “braces” would look awkward and be too obvious in your line of work?
Our practice now offers Invisalign® – the exciting new way to straighten your teeth without braces.
Invisalign® is an exciting new way to straighten your teeth with a series of clear, customized, removable aligners without metal wires or brackets. The aligner is a thin piece of medical grade plastic that fits over the teeth like a glove would fit on a hand. Hardly anyone can tell you’re going through treatment and because the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want during treatment.
Invisalign has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices worldwide. Patients wear each set of Aligners for about 2 weeks. As the patient replaces each Aligner with the next in the series, their teeth move—little by little, week by week—until they have straightened to the final position the dentist has prescribed. Because aligners move the teeth incrementally over 2 week periods any soreness is mild and
subsides after a few days. Aligners are worn night and day except when eating, brushing or flossing.
Patients visit their dentist (who has to have accredition with the Invisalign training program), once every 6 weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned and to receive their next few sets of Aligners. Average cost of treatment ranges from $5500 to $7500 depending on the complexity of your case, which is comparable to metal, clear or
ceramic braces. All Health Fund Policy which covers orthodontics will cover Invisalign as well. Finance options are available through our practice to help you afford the treatment.
Treatment time will vary depending on the amount of crowding and what we are trying to achieve. In most cases, Invisalign cases will finish in approximately the same time as
conventional orthodontics. Invisalign works on both teenagers and adults.
To see if Invisalign is right for you, call us at 9568 8142 to schedule a consultation.
If you would like to find out if you need orthodontic treatment then make an appointment withone of our dentists. All of them have a keen interest in orthodontics and have studied further, thus enabling them to perform orthodontic treatment for both children and adults.