If you are considering straight and well-aligned teeth, orthodontic treatment may be a solution for you.
At Geelong West Dental, our orthodontic treatment aims to address misaligned teeth, which can lead to better overall dental health.
Do You Need Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments can address various dental conditions, including the following:
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Excessive spacing
- Teeth crowding
- Crooked teeth
If you are experiencing any of the dental problems above, our Geelong orthodontic solutions may be of benefit.
How Orthodontic Treatments Work
Our orthodontic treatment involves using appliances that gradually move your teeth into alignment. Our experienced dentist will begin by thoroughly examining your mouth and taking dental X-rays and digital scans of your teeth before discussing with you suitable options for orthodontic treatment.
Our dentist may recommend two primary types of Geelong orthodontic treatment: fixed braces and clear aligners (invisible braces). The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the specific circumstances – typically between one to two years. However, more complex cases may require a longer treatment duration.
All photos below and in each section of orthodontics are for illustrations only.
Braces
Invisible Braces
Fixed Braces
Fixed braces comprise metal brackets and bands that are temporarily placed on your teeth. An orthodontic wire is tied to all the brackets to guide your teeth into place.
Ceramic or tooth-coloured brackets are also available for patients who prefer their fixed braces to be as invisible as possible. The orthodontic wire, brackets and bands may be adjusted and changed at interval visits.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign is a custom-made, clear dental aligner designed using the latest digital technology. Invisalign aligners are recommended to be worn at least 22 hours a day for optimal results.
Each set of Invisalign aligners is replaced every 10 to 20 days to straighten your teeth progressively. These clear aligners are removable, allowing better cleaning of your teeth. They are also almost invisible, which may be suitable for patients with different lifestyles.
Potential Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatments
Straighter Teeth
Orthodontic treatment may create more aligned teeth which addresses common dental concerns including crowded teeth.
Improved Speech And Chewing
If you have difficulty articulating certain words (due to anterior open bite for instance) or chewing properly due to misalignment of your teeth, orthodontic treatment may help improve these issues.
Better Oral Health Hygiene
Straightening your teeth may improve your oral health hygiene by making it easier to brush and floss.
Orthodontic recovery process and aftercare
After the removal of dental braces or aligner attachments, retainers are fabricated. Retainers are custom-made removable orthodontic appliances needed for retention as the teeth are relatively unstable right after completion of orthodontic treatment.
Following completion of orthodontic treatment, retainers may need to be worn as much as possible in the first few months. After this period, the retainer may be worn nightly. Please follow directions from our experienced dentists in terms of wearing retainers.
Once your braces are removed, a thorough professional teeth cleaning may be recommended to remove any calculus (tartar) left on areas of the teeth and gums that may be hard to reach during orthodontic treatment.
Possible Risk and Complications
As with any dental treatment, orthodontic treatment may involve some risks. These include:
Toothache and mild discomfort
During the initial phase of orthodontic treatment, some mild discomfort is to be expected as you get used to the orthodontic appliances and your teeth begin moving. The level of discomfort varies between each patient.
Gum infection
This can be due to poor oral hygiene, resulting in gingivitis and gum infection. This may affect your orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, the infection may cause irreversible damage. A healthy oral hygiene routine is vital to prevent gum infections.
Ulcers
Scratches and ulcers on the inside of your mouth is common with fixed braces. Orthodontic wax can help protect your mouth during this initial phase.
Enamel demineralisation
Enamel demineralisation may occur during orthodontic treatment, particularly with fixed braces. This demineralisation can lead to cavities and tooth decay, which appears as white or yellow stains on the teeth. Avoiding sugary food and drinks and brushing twice daily can help reduce this risk.
Tooth vitality
Some pre-existing conditions on a tooth (including dental trauma and decay) may be aggravated by tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. In some cases, the tooth may become discoloured and require further treatment. This will be assessed by our experienced dentists before the start of your orthodontic treatment.
Different dental professional evaluations should be considered before proceeding with orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics At Geelong West Dental
At Geelong West Dental, your comfort is our top priority. At the core of our treatment philosophy is a genuine commitment to understanding your concerns and goals.
Contact us today at (03) 5200 9137 for a complimentary orthodontic consultation with our experienced dentists. (https://www.geelongwestdental.com.au/terms-and-conditions/)