A comprehensive guide to orthodontic treatment as an adult.
Adult Orthodontics such as traditional braces, lingual braces or clear aligner treatment is much more common than you may expect! Perhaps you weren’t fortunate enough to receive orthodontics in your younger years, or you didn’t wear your retainer after childhood orthodontic treatment, there are a whole host of reasons as to why adults may require orthodontic treatment.
As we age, and progress through our professional lives, it becomes more and more apparent how important a confident smile can be. But for many adults, the thought of metal braces that they remember from their teenage years is enough to turn them off booking a consultation. However, orthodontics has come a long way since the days of large, very apparent metal braces from the 90’s. Treatment options in today’s day and age are much more modern, and far more discreet. With some treatment options being near invisible on your teeth when talking with friends or colleagues.
Braces work to correct bite issues with the use of brackets, wires and elastics along with other accessories to gently shift the teeth into the correct bite alignment over time.
A straight smile helps boost confidence and may provide a better quality of life!
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and other oral health issues.
A straighter smile can improve self-confidence and enhance overall facial appearance.
Misaligned teeth can increase the risk of dental trauma, especially during sports or other physical activities.
Crooked teeth can sometimes affect speech patterns, and correcting their alignment can improve speech clarity.
Braces are a great option for children, teenagers, and adults who want to improve the appearance of their teeth, correct bite problems, and improve their oral health. For children and teenagers, getting braces early can help prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing later on. And for adults, braces can help improve their oral health, boost their confidence, and even enhance their career prospects. In addition to traditional metal braces, there are also many other types of braces available today, including ceramic braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces. With so many options to choose from, there is a perfect orthodontic solution for everyone.
Orthodontic treatment can help alleviate jaw pain caused by malocclusion.
Orthodontic treatment can correct overbite, underbite, and crossbite, which can lead to better dental function and less stress on the jaw joints.
Correcting misaligned teeth and bites can lead to the reduction of irreversible tooth wear.
If you have gaps or spaces between your teeth that make you feel self-concious or are causing food to become caught, orthodontics can help to close the gaps to create your perfect smile.
Orthodontic treatment is more affordable than you might think! Adult treatment can start from just $45 per week!
There are many choices when it comes to adult orthodontics, below are a few of the most popular options adults choose at South Yarra Orthodontics.
Clear Aligners such as Invisalign are a fantastic, near invisible treatment method for correcting aligning your teeth and smile.
Clear Braces are a clear, modern take on traditional metal braces. Made from a ceramic material, they offer a discreet method for orthodontic treatment.
Dr Theresia is one of only a few Melbourne Orthodontists who offers Lingual Braces. Instead of sitting in front of the teeth, lingual braces sit behind the teeth, essentially hiding them from view while they gently shift your teeth into correct alignment over time.
No, you don’t need a referral from a dentist or doctor before visiting South Yarra Orthodontics. However, your dentist may refer you to us, if they believe you require orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment involves using braces or aligners to straighten teeth and improve the bite. This can address a variety of issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and bite problems. By correcting these issues, orthodontic treatment can result in a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
On the other hand, veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that are placed over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. While veneers can provide a quick transformation of the smile, they do have some drawbacks. Veneers require maintenance and replacement over time, as they can chip and/or become discoloured. Additionally, the process of placing veneers often involves removing natural tooth structure, which can weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to damage.
Overall, orthodontic treatment is often a better long-term solution for improving the appearance and health of the smile, as it does not involve removing your precious and irreplaceable natural tooth structure, and can result in a more stable and healthy smile. Veneers may be a good option for certain cases, but it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and maintenance requirements before choosing this option.
At South Yarra Orthodontics, all of our treatment plans are created and monitored by our Specialist Orthodontists. This means that your treatment is in very safe and experienced hands.
Many at home clear aligner brands have treatment plans that are not created or monitored by orthodontists, and in many cases not even by dentists. Often with at home aligners, important X-rays and proper and accurate impressions or scans are not taken prior to treatment starting. This could potentially cause serious adverse dental issues that could cost thousands to correct.
At South Yarra Orthodontics, we have seen many patients who have commenced treatment with at home aligners but did not see their promised results.
Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your specific needs and the severity of your crowding or bite discrepancy. In general, treatment times can vary greatly, so it’s best to consult with our specialist orthodontists for a more accurate estimate. Our orthodontists will be able to evaluate your specific situation and provide a more detailed treatment plan and timeline.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment can temporarily affect a person’s speech. Following commencement of orthodontic treatment, you will become quickly accustomed to your new orthodontic appliance and any minor speech impediment will resolve on its own.
Yes, it is possible to start orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners even if you have missing teeth. In fact, it is best to consult an orthodontist prior to placement of dental implants or the creation of bridges, or dentures to replace missing teeth because orthodontic treatment will align the teeth and bite to create the ideal space for a future tooth replacement. Once a dental implant is placed, it cannot be moved with orthodontic treatment, this is why it is best to consult an orthodontist prior. The specific course of treatment will depend on the location and number of missing teeth, as well as other factors. It is important to discuss your options with Dr Theresia Sudjalim to determine the best plan for your individual needs.
Yes, it is possible to start orthodontic treatment if you have had a root canal and/or a dental crown. However, the specific timing of your treatment will depend on the health of your teeth and gums, as well as the type of orthodontic appliance that will be used. In general, it is best to wait until the root canal treatment has fully healed, and the tooth has been restored before starting orthodontic treatment. This will help ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and strong enough to support the orthodontic appliance. When you meet with Dr Sudjalim and our team of specialist orthodontists, we will help recommend or coordinate which is the best course of action for your particular needs.
If you travel frequently, it is important to discuss this with Dr Theresia Sudjalim and our team of orthodontists before starting orthodontic treatment. We can modify your treatment plan and the frequency of your appointments with the use of Virtual Care. Virtual Care is a dental monitoring phone application that allows our orthodontists to monitor your treatment virtually which increases the support you receive during your orthodontic treatment, and importantly reduces the amount of in-office appointments required. This is great for orthodontic patients who travel a lot for work.
Some private health providers do offer a rebate on orthodontic treatment, but this will depend on your individual private health insurance policy. It’s best to contact your private health provider to see what type of rebate you are eligible for prior to your consultation.
The frequency of your orthodontic check-ups will depend on whether your have braces or clear aligners. However, on average you will visit our practice every 6-16 weeks.
Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial at any age, even if you are over 40. In fact, many adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment of their teeth and improve their oral health and appearance. Our eldest patients are in their 80’s! The need or want to have confidence in your smile does not diminish over time. Additionally, having a functional bite and teeth that are easy to clean in older age improves the quality of life.
