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Conventional Braces

For everyone from children to young adults, conventional braces remain the most common method of orthodontic treatment. Brackets are glued to your teeth, and they hold flexible wires in place. In turn these wires exert pressure on your teeth, gently moving them into the correct position over the course of your treatment.

PROS

  • Least expensive type of braces
  • Less bulky than ceramic braces
  • Easier to clean around than ceramic braces
  • Coloured bands give kids a chance to express themselves

CONS

  • Most noticeable type of braces
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Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are the same shape as metal braces except that they are tooth-coloured and blend in with the teeth.

Because ceramic is harder than enamel, teeth that bite or rub against brackets can easily wear down the opposing teeth. Therefore ceramic braces are rarely placed on lower teeth.

CERAMIC BRACES PROS

  • Improved appearance compared with metal braces

CERAMIC BRACES CONS

  • More expensive than metal braces
  • Slightly bulkier than metal braces, so the can be harder to keep clean
  • Ceramic braces are more brittle, so can break/chip more easily
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Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear Aligner Therapy, such as Invisalign, consists of a series of clear, thin mouthguards called ‘aligners’. They are changed every 1-2 weeks for a new set of aligners. Each aligner is individually manufactured for your teeth – and your teeth only.

As you replace each aligner your teeth will move, little by little, week by week, until they have straighten to final the position prescribed by your Orthodontist.

PROS

  • Nearly invisible
  • Removable during treatment
  • Treatment rarely involves use of metal parts
  • Allows you to brush and floss thoroughly during treatment
  • Eat what you want
  • CAD/CAM technology provides a clear, defined and virtual treatment plan from start to the completion of treatment – allowing you to see the end result before you even start
  • Products designed for complex cases, teenagers, and minor cosmetic changes

CONS

  • May not be appropriate for some serious orthodontic problems
  • Can be expensive, compared to normal braces
  • Immediate start not available – can take 2-6 weeks to manufacture aligners
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Early Treatments

When to Start Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic tooth movement can occur at any age, even adults can have orthodontic treatment. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends a first assessment by a registered Specialist. Orthodontist at age 6 or 7 years. This is when adult teeth typically begin to appear and development problems become apparent like uneven bite and overcrowding. Starting the process early doesn’t mean a child will need braces right away. It just means the Orthodontists are able to find problems early and decide the best time to start treatment. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid more complex treatment later. Conditions that can be treated in early childhood are problems of tooth eruption, missing teeth, extra teeth, cross bites, severe crowding, jaw growth problems, snoring and thumb sucking.

Some of the potential benefits of interceptive treatment include:

  • Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
  • Improving facial harmony through influencing jaw growth
  • Reducing the risk of accidental trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Preserving space for unerupted teeth
  • Reducing the need for tooth removal
  • Reducing future treatment time with braces
  • Elimination of crossbites that can have harmful effects on the developing teeth and jaws

Management of thumb and digit sucking habits that can influence the development of teeth and jaws.
Early orthodontic treatment may involve the use of removable plates, arch expansion devices, functional appliances, anti-habit appliances, space maintainers or partial braces. Orthodontist will be able to find problems early and decide the best time to start treatment by keeping an eye on any changes in the mouth.

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