When a person feels that their smile looks bad quite often the only problem is that their teeth are in the wrong position.
Orthodontics is the best way of fixing teeth which are in the wrong position.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is one of the most effective and common means of transforming the smile
Why?
It can be used on its own to make the smile ideal. Or as the starting point of a comprehensive treatment plan to rehabilitate mouth health and the smile.
There are 2 methods of straightening teeth through orthodontics:
- Traditional orthodontics – “train tracks”
- Clear aligners – a series of clear plastic splints fitting closely to the teeth which progressively move the teeth until they are straight.
What is "traditional orthodontics?"
This is the orthodontics which adults will remember from when they were teenagers. You or your friends will have had them to straighten crowded teeth. Brackets and archwires form what are known by the profession as “traditional orthodontics” or by patients themselves as “train tracks”.
They consist of brackets glued to the front surface of the teeth, then an archwire is tied into the bracket which over time straightens itself and in the process also straightens the teeth. Teenagers are the age group typically associated with “train tracks” but they can also be worn effectively by adults.
They are generally quite obvious and for teenagers today have almost become a rite of passage.
How can clear aligners help me?
Clear aligners are a series of plastic splints, closely fitting to the teeth, worn a minimum of 22 hours per day, which also straighten the teeth.
Clear aligners are an ideal solution for adults who would like to have their teeth straightened, but don’t want to wear “train tracks”.
They can correct about 90% of all misalignment, including cases which require extraction.
The simulation process allows you to see how the teeth will look when they have been straightened.
Treatment times tend to be shorter with clear aligners.
They do need to be worn 22 hours per day.
There are some cases that cannot be completed with clear aligners. Some patients have also taken the decision that they cannot be compliant with taking the aligners out and in during the day. For those cases archwires and brackets will work very well.
Are train tracks or clear aligners better?
Naturally, both have their advantages and disadvantages.
A lot of cases that can be done with clear aligners can also be done with brackets, and vice versa.
There are 2 main differences between the 2 methods:
- patient participation – with clear aligners you have to take the aligners in and out multiple times each day. Whereas brackets keep operating in the background without you having to actively participate
- obtrusiveness – some patients do get annoyed with the feeling of the aligners on the biting surfaces of their teeth. Other patients get annoyed with the brackets irritating their cheeks and lips.
Some patients will prefer one method over the other. Not because they get a better result, but because they prefer the advantages of that method over the other. It’s an individual choice.
During the consultation we can talk about which method is better for you.
Call us now on 03 5303 9999
Orthodontics is one of the best methods of transforming the smile that modern dentistry can offer.
Which means that traditional orthodontics or clear aligners are the ideal means of preserving the teeth while allowing your smile to be your best asset.
Nature may have given you your teeth but it’s up to you to place them so they shine.