ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Early Treatment
If possible, we recommend meeting your children between the ages of 8-10 as this is when the adult teeth are emerging. While there are only a few instances in which we will recommend orthodontic treatment at an early age, early assessment can often allow the orthodontist to indicate if future treatment is required and to plan accordingly. It also allows your child to become familiar and comfortable with our practice.
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At the initial consultation we will be looking for:
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Missing teeth
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Impacted teeth
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Damage resulting from a poor bite
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Early crowding
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Loss of space (following premature extraction of baby teeth)
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Jaw/bite relationships
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Oral hygiene and caries experience
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Chalky teeth/enamel hypomineralisation
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Habits
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Trauma
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Early orthodontic treatment is indicated if there is a chance it will:
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Eliminate the need for further treatment
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Simplify treatment in the future
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Prevent further damage to the teeth/gums
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Improve a child’s self-esteem (if they are being teased about their teeth)
A short course of treatment (6 - 9 months) may be recommended. This might include partial braces, removable plates, or fixed jaw expanders.
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Careful consideration is put into the need for early treatment as it does not always eliminate the need for a second phase of comprehensive treatment during adolescence. This will be discussed fully with you and your child at the consultation.
Braces
Braces are the most commonly used and versatile method to straighten teeth, and can be used for teenagers and adults. Braces today are more comfortable than ever before. Depending on your preference, your braces can be colourful and vibrant, or tooth-coloured and discrete.
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By the age of 12 years, most of the adult teeth have usually erupted and you may be ready for treatment. Having treatment as a teenager also allows us to take advantage of the natural growth and development of the jaws and face. However, you can have orthodontic treatment at any age!
No one journey is the same, however the average time for braces to stay on is usually between 12 and 24 months, depending on the extent of treatment required. More complex cases, or those where instructions are not followed may take longer, but good mouth care is essential to making it a smooth process without any hiccups. Appointments to adjust your braces usually occur once a month.
Aligners
At Paterson Orthodontics we offer aligners, such as Invisalign® or Spark®, as an alternative to braces to help improve your smile. Aligners are a series of custom-made, removable, clear trays. The trays fit over attachments bonded to your teeth and are replaced every 1-2 weeks.
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Aligners can be a more discreet alternative to braces and make it easier to clean and floss your teeth. They are removed for eating but need to be worn 22 hours a day in order for treatment to be successful.
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There are certain situations in which aligners are preferable and other cases in which achieving your dream smile is more predictable and successful with braces. If aligners are the right option for you or your child, a 3D scan of your teeth is taken and specialised software used to plan your treatment. Once we’re satisfied with the proposed movements, the aligners are manufactured.
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Make an appointment with Paterson Orthodontics now to find out whether you or your child are a good candidate for aligners. We’ll go through your personalised treatment plan and costs with you up front so you can feel confident in your decision!
Adult treatment
Orthodontic treatment for adults is more common than you might think. We welcome the opportunity to help our adult patients of any age smile with confidence.
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Comprehensive adult treatment can take longer and be more complicated than treating during adolescence but it is certainly still possible to obtain great results. We may need to collaborate with your dentist and/or other specialists to improve your smile and bite.
At Paterson Orthodontics, we are committed to working together to find the best option for you. Feel free to give us a call. We can answer any questions or book you in for an appointment to discuss treatment options that could be right for you.