Lower Plenty Dental

Braces

Metal And Ceramic Braces For A Straighter And Healthier Smile

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that helps diagnose, prevent and treat problems in the alignment of teeth and jaws. The medical term for such issues is malocclusion, which means bad bite. Crooked, crowded, gapped or overlapping teeth are just some examples of teeth misalignments. If not corrected, they can worsen, leading to cavities, gum disease and chewing and speaking difficulties. Smile aesthetics are also affected.

At Lower Plenty Dental, our orthodontic treatments include ceramic and metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. These dental appliances exert gentle and continuous pressure to move the teeth towards better alignment, improving long-term oral health and helping you get a well-balanced smile.

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How Do Braces Work?

Braces use steady pressure to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. They consist of the following components:

  • Brackets are “handles” bonded to the teeth’ outside surface. Metal brackets are the most common type, but tooth coloured brackets are also available.
  • Archwires deliver the force to move teeth.
  • Ligatures are tiny rubber rings or fine twisted wires that tie the archwire to each bracket. The rubber rings are usually grey, but coloured ligatures are very popular.
  • Bands are flat metal rings cemented around a tooth to attach a bracket or any other type of fitting. These are usually placed on the very back teeth.
The brackets are fixed on your teeth, with the connecting archwires being the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions. Braces are bonded to your teeth for the duration of your treatment and can only be adjusted by your dentist.

Metal & Ceramic Braces In Lower Plenty

Treatment time for braces can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the condition of your teeth. However, orthodontic treatment with braces can take 18 to 24 months on average. Maintaining good oral hygiene, patient compliance and regular appointments are essential in keeping treatment time on schedule.

We begin with an initial consultation which includes a thorough examination of your teeth. This allows us to determine the most suitable treatment option, and advice on when it should commence, the duration and the approximate cost. If you decide to proceed, we will take photographs, X-rays and plaster models of the teeth, jaws and face. This allows us to provide an accurate analysis of your case for successful treatment outcomes. They are also used as a record of the existing malocclusion for future reference.

Our treatment options consist of metal and ceramic braces. Metal braces can be jazzed up by placing coloured ligature ties on the brackets. If you prefer a more discreet look, we can use ceramic brackets with a metal wire. Alternatively, if you want a virtually undetectable option, Invisalign clear aligners may be a fantastic choice.

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Tailored Orthodontic Solutions For Stronger, Straighter Teeth

The benefits of orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign, go beyond improving your smile’s appearance. They help correct teeth and jaw irregularities to enhance function and maintain oral health. This makes cleaning between the teeth easier, protecting against problems like decay and gum disease that can occur with misalignments. At Lower Plenty Dental, we bring over 34 years of experience and a comprehensive range of services for our patients in Lower Plenty, Montmorency, Eltham, Greensborough, Yallambie, and Viewbank. Whether it’s preventive and general dental care, or tooth replacement, our friendly team is here to help you retain a healthy and radiant smile for life.
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FAQs

Impacted wisdom teeth are almost sure to cause problems if left in place. This is particularly true of the lower wisdom teeth. Such problems may occur suddenly and often at the most inconvenient times.
It is generally recommended that impacted wisdom teeth be removed between the ages of 14 and 22 years, whether they are causing problems or not. Surgery is technically easier, and patients recover much more quickly when younger. A relatively minor operation at 20 can become complex in patients over 40. Also, the risk of complications increases with age, and the healing process is slower.
It may be advisable to have them removed before travelling if you are going to an area where specialist dental services and antibiotics are not readily available.
Generally, no. Surgery in the presence of infection can cause infection to spread and become more serious. Firstly, the infection must be controlled by local oral hygiene, antibiotics and sometimes the extraction of the opposing wisdom tooth. Antibiotics are a short-term solution for impacted wisdom teeth.
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