Orthodontic treatment is used to straighten teeth. Crooked teeth are difficult to clean and cause many dental problems, including bad breath and decay. Teeth that are not properly aligned can cause jaw pain. If your bite is compromised in this way your ability to chew is also affected. Severe health problems including headaches and digestion issues, can occur as a result.

Most importantly straight teeth look terrific. They can radically improve your appearance and give you confidence. A healthy happy smile lights up your face. People notice teeth.

In the past orthodontics were reserved for obvious problems like protruding teeth but today many patients are turning to orthodontics in order to maximize their smile. Cosmetically, your profile can also be altered with orthodontics and receding chins, protruding teeth and jaws can all be eliminated.

Speech difficulties can be overcome, gum damage controlled and cleaning made easier. With your occlusion (bite) in alignment, your teeth will function correctly and your smile will be improved.

At Manly Dental Care there are a wide variety of options available to straighten your teeth. A treatment plan can be organized tailored specifically for you, to fit in with your lifestyle. Each orthodontic case is unique and so a treatment plan is unique for each patient.

Various appliances are used to move the teeth into the correct position. These slowly adjust your teeth, gradually shifting them into the optimum position. The fine Titanium wires used actually have a ‘memory’ and continually bend back into their original shape, gently moving the teeth as they do so. In some cases teeth may need to be removed to enable the remaining teeth to move properly into position.

Bands, brackets and wires, are the more common and most effective way to move teeth. These are made from stainless steel but clear brackets can also be used. Many teenagers like to opt for coloured bands. In some cases the brackets can be placed on the inside of the teeth, effectively rendering them invisible. These options are more expensive but are preferable for some patients.

Adjustments are made regularly every six weeks or so depending on the individual case. The brackets are checked, wires changed and teeth and dental hygiene inspected.

When the bands are removed it is important to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from moving. These can be plates or other removable appliances worn all the time or a certain times depending on your circumstances. It is essential they are worn to avoid teeth moving.

More and more adults are having orthodontic treatment.
It is not uncommon to see older patients deciding they are tired of having crooked teeth and making the decision to do something about it. It is very rewarding to take the ‘after’ photos and compare them with the original ones.

Treatment from an early age however is preferable. Indeed in some instances orthodontics can be avoided or more easily dealt with if problems are detected early. Ideally children should be assessed around seven to eight years old.
An assessment at this age can then mean a plan can be put in place. At around age twelve, children will have lost their baby teeth and be in a position to benefit from orthodontics. Sometimes the baby teeth remain, which can cause damage to the erupting teeth. They need to be monitored.

These days orthodontic treatment is often welcomed by teenagers. It is common for young patients to take the treatment in their stride and they do not worry about wearing the bands as so many of their contemporaries are having similar treatments. They are conscious of their teeth and educated to appreciate the benefits of looking after their dental health.

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