Braces & Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatments that include braces are used to reposition the teeth and jaws into better alignment, improving the bite, opening the airways as well as creating a more aesthetic arrangement of the teeth.

Poorly aligned teeth or jaws range in different types and severity. Some types of poorly aligned teeth or bad bites can contribute to jaw pain, excessive wearing of teeth, problems with chewing and speech, problems associated with narrowing of the airways and poor oral health. They can also affect the aesthetics of the smile and face. People are more often aware of the aesthetic implications of poorly aligned teeth than they are of the potential effect on their health and well-being

Can orthodontics be started before the adult teeth are all through?

Many parents believe that orthodontics can wait until all their child’s adult teeth have come through. The truth is, addressing your children’s orthodontic issues when they are younger has significant benefits as we can take advantage of the fact that your child’s jaw is still growing. During this phase we have the opportunity to modify a child’s jaw growth to help correct the size and position of the jaws which may later in life only be achieved with surgery.

Jaw problems in children can also be associated with childhood snoring and sleep apnea. This is a possible sign of partial airway obstruction and is a potentially serious problem, which can affect a child’s daytime mood, educational development and growth of the face. These problems may be associated with narrowness of the upper jaw and orthodontic treatment may be required for correction. We will coordinate treatment for childhood airway obstruction with advice from Ear, Nose and Throat specialists where needed to provide the best care for your child

There are many issues that can be corrected through early childhood orthodontic intervention including; overcrowding, underbites, overbites, open bites, deep bites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and jaw problems. The Australian Orthodontic Society recommends children to have their first orthodontic assessment at around the age of 6-7 years to pick up potential problems as early as possible.

Our friendly staff can organise an appointment for a personalised orthodontic assessment for you or your child and to discuss the range of orthodontic options available.