Orthodontic Braces (Orthodontia) & Retainers

Orthodontic braces also known as dental braces can be custom made invisalign braces (aligners) or wired bracket braces. Orthodontic braces correct the alignment of crooked, crowded or missing teeth while Orthodontic retainers are often used before or after Orthodontic braces to hold teeth in place whilst assisting gums and bone to adjust.

Orthodontic braces and retainers are are often used to correct malocclusions (underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites, or crooked teeth) for either cosmetic or structural reasons.

Many factors can cause the need for braces and retainers, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury and some conditions are inherited.

Children between the ages of 10 and 14 are typical candidates for braces and retainers because their facial structures are still developing. Adult braces and retainers usually entail additional procedures because their faces have already fully developed.

About Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that deals with corrections involving jaw and teeth alignment.

There are three main forms of orthodontic treatment:

While standard Orthodontic braces and retainers are effective method of straightening teeth - we recommend Invisalign braces for their functional and cosmetic benefits

invisalign orthodontic braces - retainers - braces

Procedures

Orthodontic procedures, also called "orthodontia", are complex processes.

To determine the correct treatmet, a dentist will need to make a plaster cast of the individual's teeth and perform full X-rays and photos of the head and mouth.

After orthodontic braces are placed, they need to be adjusted generally every 4 - 6 weeks to ensure that they continue to move the teeth into their correct position.

Retainers are used following braces to ensure that teeth remain in position.

Aesthetic and Comfort Issues

With Invisalign there is very little discomfort and most people do not notice that someone is wearing retainers or orthodontic braces. Advances in technology has vastly improved appearance issues with orthodontia.

Today braces are made from extremely lightweight and natural-coloured materials. The metal and ceramic brackets are bonded to the teeth and this is easily removed.

People can expect to wear braces for approximately two years. Adults are usually required to wear braces for longer periods of time.

Because orthodontic braces and retainers need to be adjusted every 4 - 6 weeks to ensure they continue to move the teeth into their correct position, this can create pressure on the teeth and jaws. This mild discomfort usually subsides following each adjustment.

Hygiene issues

With Invisalign treatment you remove the appliance for eating, drinking and cleaning making it very easy to maintain a high level of hygiene. People who wear braces must be diligent in ensuring that food particles and other debris do not get trapped in the network of brackets and wires. In addition, brackets can leave stains on enamel if the area surrounding them is not cleaned on a daily basis.

Daily oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and rinsing are a necessity. Some people with orthodontic appliances can benefit from using water picks, which emit small pressurized bursts of water that can effectively rinse away such debris.

Please Note: Orthodontic Braces, retainers and sticky foods don't mix. Crunchy snacks, chewy lollies and sweet drinks should be avoided at all costs because they can cause brackets and bands to be loosened or damaged.

Space Retainers

Space retainers are nifty devices that can help teeth grow in normally following premature tooth loss, injury or other problems.

The devices can help ensure that proper spaces are maintained to allow future permanent teeth to erupt.

If your child loses a baby tooth early through decay or injury, his or her other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child's permanent teeth emerge, there's not enough room for them. The result is crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking.

Orthodontic braces and retainers can be very helpful in growing healthy teeth. Invisalign braces offer functional and cosmetic benefits over metal braces, ceramic braces and retainers.