Today’s orthodontics are almost unrecognisable compared to yesterday’s heavy, bulky metal wires and brackets.
At Sydney Laser Dental Care, orthodontics aims to help children and adults achieve an ideal bite and a straight, healthy smile. Care is available for children, teenagers and adults.
Orthodontics for Children
Orthodontics for children, called orthopaedics, can be as simple as maintaining space for erupting adult teeth, through expansion appliances, removable plates or partial braces.
Children tend to respond well to early treatment, as their bones are still developing and are easier to guide into proper alignment. Pre-treatment may reduce treatment time and the severity of problems, and can lower the chance of removing healthy adult teeth later due to crowding.
Teenage Orthodontics
We can begin orthodontic treatment for adolescents after all the adult teeth have come through, at around age 11 to 13. An assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatment for your child’s needs.
Treatment options vary, but most commonly involve fixed braces. Orthodontic treatment usually takes around 6 to 24 months, during which we carefully monitor your child’s progress with regular appointments to adjust and maintain the braces.
Adult Orthodontics
Many adults take up orthodontic treatment later in life. Tooth-coloured braces and clear aligners are more discreet than metal braces, which appeals to adults who would prefer a less visible option during treatment.
Adult treatment can correct alignment problems that extend back to childhood, or that developed later in life as a result of missing teeth.
Clear Aligner Treatment
One of the most popular orthodontic treatments for adults is a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that place gentle pressure on the teeth, guiding them into position.
The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and clean your teeth as normal, and are replaced approximately every two weeks. Depending on your circumstances, treatment may take between 6 and 18 months.
Lingual Orthodontics
We also offer an orthodontic program designed for minor to moderate crowding in the upper or lower six front teeth. Specially designed braces are placed on the inside surface of the teeth, where they are far less visible.
This discreet approach often needs only two to five appointments. Because the braces sit behind the teeth, most people find they have little effect on speech or eating.
Choosing the Right Orthodontic Option
The most appropriate treatment depends on your age, tooth position, bite and oral health. An assessment helps determine the corrective treatment that suits your circumstances.
An examination with Sydney Laser Dental Care will enable us to explain your options and provide an accurate timeframe for your treatment.
