Why Get Braces?

To obtain a healthy, beautiful smile by straightening the teeth:

• When teeth are crowded and overlapping each other, it is difficult to clean, and can increase the risk of cavities (holes in teeth) and gum disease.
• Gum disease can cause gum to shrink away/pull away from the teeth, causing spaces between teeth and unpleasant looking long skinny teeth.
• A healthy smile is a beautiful smile, and a beautiful smile can affect self-esteem and boost self-confidence

To correct jaw problems and bite problems – Signs of jaw problems:

• Top or bottom jaw protrude more than the other
• Jaw does not close properly
• Clicking jaw
• Jaw asymmetry
• Abnormal Wear on Teeth
• Chewing issues
• Speech impediment

To correct Malocclusion (not biting correctly) – Signs of malocclusion:

• improper alignment of teeth
• alteration in appearance of the face
• frequent biting of inner cheeks or tongue
• discomfort when chewing or biting
• speech problem, including development of a lisp
• breathing through the mouth rather than the nose

What is Malocclusion? Occlusion (or bite) is the position of the teeth when the jaw closes.

Various Malocclusion:

• Cross-bite
• Overbite
• Under-bite
• Open bite

There are three kinds of Classification of Occlusion:

• Class 1 Occlusion
  • This is the normal bite, ideal bite
  • When biting together, the upper teeth overlaps the lower teeth slightly, covering about one third of the bottom teeth
  • In the Disney cartoon, Mickey Mouse has a Class 1 Occlusion

• Class 2 Malocclusion
  • This is where the upper jaw is too big compared to the lower jaw
  • When biting together, the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth
  • Resulting in overbite, if severe, the lower teeth cannot be seen at all when biting together, being fully overlap by the upper teeth
  • In the Disney cartoon, Goofy has a Class 2 Malocclusion

• Class 3 Malocclusion
  • This is where the lower jaw is too big compared to the upper jaw, and protrudes forward
  • When biting together, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth
  • Resulting in under-bite, if severe, the upper teeth cannot be seen at all when biting together, being fully overlap by the lower teeth
  • Like in the Disney cartoon, the Bulldog has Class 3 Malocclusion

What Causes Malocclusion?

Malocclusion is usually an ingerited condition, which means it’s genetic and runs in the family. However, some condition or habits may change the shape and size of the jaw causing malocclusion.

These habits include:

• Frequent use of a pacifier after the age of 3
• Prolonged use of bottle feeding in early childhood
• Thumb sucking in early childhood
• Poor dental care that results in improperly fitting fillings, crowns, or braces
• Mouth breather instead of nose breather (may be due to nose block)

These conditions include:

• Cleft lip and palate
• Injuries that result in the misalignment of the jaw
• Tumorsin the mouth or jaw
• Abnormally shaped or impacted teeth
• Airway obstruction caused by enlarged tonsils

Reference: POS Progressive Orthodontics

www.healthline.com 

The system we use: Individual Orthodontics

Individual Patient (IP) Orthodontics is an improved version of the standard (straight arch-wire) orthodontic treatment.

Instead of using a “one size fits all” bracket and arch-wire system, IP Orthodontics uses customised braces and wires, unique to your anatomy and case goals.

To read more visit: http://individualortho.com

Ring now to book an appointment for a free consultation!

SMILE CONFIDENTLY WITH INVISALIGN

The Clear Alternative to Braces

If you’re ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Invisalign treatment straightens teeth through a series of clear, comfortable and removable aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position.

Set your smile straight, ask us about Invisalign today!

We offer a free consultation to answer all your questions, ring 094159090 to book an appointment today!

Can you tell these girls are wearing the Invisalign Aligners?

To date Invisalign has succesfully treated 4 million cases. It has been proven to be effective in straightening teeth.

Invisalign has many benefits:

• Lifestyle Benefits:
  • Comfortable – Invisalign aligners are comfortable to the mouth compared to fixed braces. If you play sports or musical instrument, Invisalign is often a safer and more comfortable treatment alternative.
  • Fewer Visits – Invisalign requires very little manipulation or maintenance by the doctor in order to be effective. Better still, no “emergency” visits for broken or loose brackets and wires.
  • Virtually Invisable – Invisalign is so discreet, hardly anyone will notice you are wearing them. So you can smile confidently throughout the treatment.
  • Removable – You can simply remove the aligner for special occasions and continue to enjoy all the food you love!

• Hygiene Benefits:
  • Easier cleaning and better oral hygiene – Aligners are removed to brush and floss, so there’s less gum inflammation as a result of plaque accumulating around brackets and wires.

Link to more information about Invisalign: https://www.invisalign.co.nz

For most children, the best time to start orthodontic treatment is when all the milk teeth/baby teeth have been changed to adult teeth.

Depending on the child, this can be as early as 11 years old, or up to 13 years old.

However, in some cases where the child has overbites or under-bites, treatment should start at an earlier age around 8 or 9 years old.

Therefore, if a child shows signs of malocclusion at a young age, it is best to monitor the growth and development of the jaw to assess when is the best time to intervene and start treatment.

http://individualortho.com/when-is-the-best-time/