Why do I need orthodontic treatment?
Regardless of your age, orthodontic treatment will provide you with straight teeth and a distinguished smile. Whilst treatment results in improved self-confidence and satisfaction, the goals of orthodontics are not just the cosmetic enhancement of your smile – there are always significant improvements in the health of your teeth and gums.
Orthodontic problems like crowding, gaps or a bad bite can worsen over time, if not appropriately addressed. For instance a “bad bite” can end up causing chewing problems, uncharacteristic wearing of tooth surfaces and injury to the supporting bone and gum tissue. Poor tooth alignment can contribute to pain in your jaw joints and crowded teeth can be hard to clean or maintain, which may eventually lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
Another example of treatment need is when a tooth has being missing for a period of time and the adjacent teeth have tipped into the space, restricting the placement of a bridge or an implant. Orthodontic movement of the adjacent teeth would be the ideal way to recreate the desired space.
6 Month Smiles
If your teeth are not very severe they may be corrected in 6 months or less. Beware of those advertising this treatment who are not qualified orthodontists and are charging just as much or more!
Will braces make my life a misery?
Fortunately, braces fit in with almost any lifestyle and you can do virtually anything while undergoing treatment – dine out, sing, play wind instruments, have your picture taken and even kiss. Before commencing treatment you should be under no illusions that to reap the benefit, you might have to make a few compromises such as avoiding hard foods and reducing sugary treats, brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing as often as possible and making regular visits for brace adjustments. At Browne Orthodontics we think that in most cases, adult patients adjust very rapidly and adapt sufficiently enough to enjoy their lives. I’ve had many patients tell me that after a while they don’t notice that they have them on!”
Modern technology now allows the wearer to feel more confident with the look and feel of their braces. Some of the appliances available include:
- Ceramic(tooth coloured) fixed braces,
- Invisalign- clear plastic removable moulds that fit to your teeth,
- Incognito- lingual fixed braces, which are attached behind the teeth.
All of these options allow you to minimise the visibility of the brace, which is important for the patients self esteem and confidence.
For you as an individual the orthodontic treatment process is a journey of self-improvement, during which you should always remember to keep your eyes on the end result.
What’s my first step?
In order to clarify if you can benefit from orthodontic treatment, a consultation with Michelle who is a specialist orthodontist is necessary. After observing the condition of your teeth, gums and supporting bones to determine the potential for improving your smile and dental health, Michelle will make a decision with you, and inform you of what your treatment will involve and approximate cost. After you have decided to go ahead, we will then make diagnostic records of your teeth, special x-rays and photographs.
Because everyone’s teeth are distinct to them, it is only after a thorough examination of you and your orthodontic requirements that Michelle will recommend the optimum course of treatment for improving your smile.
