Specialist Orthodontic Treatment for the Whole Family

Whether you are older or younger we will be able to advise if orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you. You can make an appointment directly with us or you might ask to be referred by your dentist or another dental professional. We will discuss with you what concerns you about the arrangement and/or function of your teeth and jaws.

No two people have exactly the same orthodontic problem and as a new patient a comprehensive examination of your teeth, sometimes with additional information from x-rays is used to gather information about your orthodontic problem. Tony will then be able to advise you what treatment options available to you.

Where do you go from there?

What happens next depends on what we found at your orthodontic consultation.

If the problem is a relatively simple and straight forward one, a short treatment of a few weeks or months with a removeable orthodontic plate or Invisalign aligners might beall that is needed. If the problem is more complex in can take longer and require braces fitted to the teeth. An average complex treatment is approximately two years.

Often in growing children and adolescents there is further facial growth and dental development required before treatment can commence. To determine the best time to begin treatment we may suggest a growth study. This study may require the collection of x-rays, photographs, models of your teeth or height records. At regular intervals you will be recalled to the practice and a review of your growth undertaken until you are ready to begin treatment.

If you are ready to proceed with treatment a full set of pretreatment orthodontic records will be collected. This may consist of x-rays, photographs, moulds and models of your teeth, records of how your teeth bite together and cone-beam CT scans depending on your orthodontic problem. With this additional information we will make a diagnosis of your orthodontic problem and create a set of treatment options specific to your needs. These options will be discussed with you, and any questions you may have answered. We encourage you to ask questions and understand your orthodontic treatment options before commencing treatment. Your informed consent is important to us.

How does orthodontics work?

Orthodontic treatment uses gentle consistent pressure on the teeth to move them into their correct positions. There are many different gadgets a specialist can use to move your teeth including things you can take in and out of your mouth and those that are fitted in your mouth for the length of your treatment. Whichever methods are chosen, all require a high degree of co-operation on the part of the patient. Keeping the teeth clean, following instructions and attending regular appointments are all very important to a successful outcome. Tony will caref ully monitor your progress and will adjust the direction, pressure and positioning of the teeth as treatment progresses.

At the end of the treatment, once the teeth are straight, we put a lot of emphasis on ensuring they stay that way. Retainers ensure the teeth stay in the their new positions.