No More One Size Fits All Braces – Exploring New Developments in Orthodontics

Things have certainly changed in the world of orthodontics over the past few decades; no longer go individuals wait till their late teens to start orthodontic treatment, leaving behind a trail of insecurities throughout childhood.

Today orthodontics is recommended for children as young as 7 years of age, allowing parents and children to work on correcting and issues to the teeth and jaw much earlier than traditional orthodontics have in the past.

Checking teeth and jaw development has come ahead in leaps and bounds over the last few decades. New developments mean there are less discomfort and shorter treatment timelines for orthodontic treatment.

What to expect

The process begins with a consult to determine whether braces are necessary. During this consult, in-office CT scanning is often used by the orthodontist to get a 3D picture of the entire skull, jaw and tooth structures.

This CT scan eliminates the guesswork from hazy X-rays - and the radiation level is considerably less for the 5-second CT scans than a full set of dental X-rays. Once the CT scan takes place, a full determination can be made as per treatment and whether this is necessary.

Developments in Orthodontics

• Together with the use of software, a smile can be designed and the patient will know what their smile will look like through the use of computer 3D modeling even before the procedure commences.
• Once the procedure starts, surgical grade titanium screws may be used at temporary anchorage devices (TAD's) inserted under anaesthesia and removed after treatment meaning that certain teeth are anchored in position while the teeth that need to be moved can do so without affecting the anchoring teeth. These days brackets and wires are designed for each patient - there is no more one size fits all!
• While children sometimes wear their metal braces as a badge of honour, older patients can be more self-conscious. A clear bracket system provides an aesthetically pleasing look while still guiding teeth into position. Virtually invisible, the brackets are resistant to staining and discolouring. It is best to talk to your orthodontist about passive self-ligating brackets that have a slide mechanism that allows the wire to be placed inside and then closed. The wire glides freely inside making treatment more comfortable as it reduces the pressure and friction.

Before orthodontic procedures start you will be able to sit down and discuss the planned procedures, be given an approximate cost, the expected time frame for the process and advised on payment methods available.

For more information on what to expect from orthodontics or to get a better understanding of what can be done for your or your child's dental plan, have a chat to your local family dentist who can provide a consultant and provide a full overview of the orthodontic options available.

MGA Dental can provide a full range of orthodontic services for your needs. For more information speak with the experts by phoning Gold Coast (07) 5539 9748 or Brisbane (07) 3273 3343.

Visit our website to book your appointment online www.mgadental.com.au or email goldcoast@mgadental.com.au