When it comes time to consider getting orthodontic treatment, most patients at Thornton Dental understandably have a lot of questions and concerns.
How long will braces be on? How obvious will my braces be? Will there be discomfort? What are my orthodontic options?
The good news is that advances in dental technology have widened the kinds of braces you can get.
To traditional metal braces, dental technology has added Invisalign (clear aligners), and in some cases orthodontics are not even needed as dental veneers can repair some aesthetic issues raised by misaligned teeth.
So let’s take a look at some of the options.
Conventional Braces
Not so long ago, conventional braces had a reputation for being ‘train tracks’ on the smile and making the wearer a “metal mouth.” But that has changed, and today it is possible to reap the benefits of fixed braces without many of the disadvantages that used to come with them.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of conventional braces is that they offer excellent control of your teeth so you know that your teeth are moving to where they are supposed to be. Your Thornton Dental dentist will recommend conventional braces if you can benefit from the precise tooth movements that can best be provided by this type of appliance. Brackets fixed to teeth enable treatment to be planned and carried out very precisely, and the braces work every minute to move your teeth.
Another advantage of metal fixed braces is that they are strong and durable. Also, you don’t have to worry about remembering to wear your braces as they are permanently on your teeth.
On the other hand, if they are on the front of your teeth, they will be visible, and wire can poke while brackets can break. Additionally, keeping your teeth clean is a more complicated process and you will be recommended to avoid certain foods so you don’t break the braces off your teeth. Traditional braces can also lead to temporary soreness.
For patients who aren’t comfortable wearing visible braces, clear aligners may be a better choice.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses computer technology to create a 3D model of your mouth that Thornton Dental uses to plan exactly when and where each individual tooth will move.
Invisalign is extremely comfortable s there’s no irritation from brackets and wires and the aligners are made from smooth, flexible plastic. But it is the “clear” factor that really impresses patients. You can continue to smile through your Invisalign treatment without any sign of metal on your smile!
Invisalign has other advantages as well:
Versatility. Invisalign can be used to correct a wide range of alignment issues, from mild to severe, and is equally effective in all situations.
Convenience. Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist. Emergency visits are almost never necessary and your dentist does not need to perform adjustments/tightening.
Freedom to eat. Foods such as candy, chips, and nuts cause issues for traditional braces and must be avoided. Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time, so it’s no problem to eat your favourite snacks.
Health. It’s easier to maintain good oral health with Invisalign since aligners can be slipped off the teeth when it’s time to brush and floss.
Safety. The aligners are constructed from plastic and don’t use brackets or wires. There is no risk of cuts or irritation to the mouth.
Simplicity. Traditional braces can make it difficult to play sports or certain musical instruments. That’s never a problem as you can take you Invisalign aligner out to play sports or music.
Veneers
Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are micro-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials that cover the front surface of teeth to improve the appearance of a tooth or to protect the tooth surface from damage. Veneers help to improve your smile and make your teeth look beautiful.
Using porcelain dental veneers instead of traditional orthodontics allows Thornton Dental to provide an alternative method of teeth straightening in a much shorter space of time and without the traditional discomfort of braces.
Smile Correction
If more than one thing is wrong with your smile, Thornton Dental also offers “Smile Correction” which can package orthodontic treatment with a variety of other treatments to perfect your smile:
Orthodontic at Thornton Dental
Thornton Dental serves the community of Thornton, Beresfield, Tarro, Woodberry, East Maitland, Chisholm, Raymond Terrace, Green hills, Metford, Ashtonfield, Tenambit, Morpeth, Lorn, Bolwarra Heights, and surrounding areas of Maitland.
We focus on patient care delivered by our friendly, approachable and experienced team. Customer care is customised and tailored to your specific needs.
Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or book your appointment online today!
