Braces and Invisalign

Straight teeth are certainly lovely to behold, but perfectly aligned teeth can also benefit your oral health. Misalignment leads to a number of issues with the bite, cleaning the teeth, and uneven forces that can cause fractures and broken teeth.

We offer both traditional orthodontics and Invisalign clear braces in our Monterey dental clinic to meet the needs of children, teen and adult orthodontic needs.

Orthodontics Using Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the long-time, reliable solution recommended by dentists and orthodontists across the globe. Using small brackets bonded to the teeth and an adjustable wire, your dentist can guide the teeth into proper alignment by bending and manipulating the wire.

Braces can correct the following issues:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Protrusion
• Crossbite
• Overcrowding
• Overlapping 
• Unsightly gaps
• Uneven spacing

Not all braces are metal and highly visible. Tooth-coloured brackets and clear wires are also an option.

Your dentist will discuss the costs and benefits associated with the different types of orthodontic braces options.

Orthodontics for Young Children

In recent decades, the benefits of evaluating children at around age seven or eight for developmental issues that can impact the alignment of their permanent teeth have become clear. Interceptive orthodontics can reduce the need for extractions to achieve a straight smile during the teen years. Space maintainers and palatal expanders guide the development of the teeth and jawbone to ensure adequate space exists for the emergence of adult teeth.

Adult Orthodontics with Invisalign

It’s never too late for a healthy, beautiful smile and many adults never had the opportunity for braces as children. For busy parents and professionals, traditional braces might not seem appealing because of their impact on diet and appearance. Many of our older teen and adult patients prefer Invisalign clear aligners, which are virtually invisible even to those near you.

Rather than brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays that place a constant low-force pressure on the teeth to nudge them into proper alignment. In some cases, small tooth-coloured buttons, called attachments, will assist the aligners in moving teeth. Your dentist can remove the attachments once treatment is complete.

Some of the benefits of Invisalign:

• Removable
• Unrestricted diet
• Easy to clean teeth
• Often shorter treatment times
• Smooth and comfortable

Your  dentist can let you know if Invisalign clear braces are right for you.

How to Use Invisalign

It’s important to follow a few guidelines while undergoing treatment with Invisalign orthodontics.

• Wear each set of aligners for 22 hours a day
• Keep aligners clean
• Remove them to brush and floss the teeth
• Keep away from heat and pets
• Wear each set of aligners for two to three weeks before graduating to the next set
• Maintain regular check-ups and cleans
• Alert your dentist in the event of lost or damaged Invisalign aligners

Our Monterey  dentists look forward to helping you achieve greater comfort, improved health and a winning smile with braces or Invisalign. Call St Mark Dental and Medical Group on (02) 9588 5300 to arrange an orthodontic consultation to learn more about how we can help.

We will always discuss every treatment option and help our patients make a choice that works best for them.

Disclaimer:

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you. 

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Contact us for more information. Rebates may vary depending on your individual health fund.