Orthodontic treatments help to correct teeth alignment, enhance appropriate tooth growth and usage, and create a straighter, healthier smile. Although some people believe that braces are only for teenagers, orthodontic treatments can improve the dental health of individuals of all ages.

Types of orthodontic treatment

Dental braces have come a long way. New techniques and equipment now improve the patient experience and reduce treatment times.

Orthodontic treatments vary widely, with the best option depending on the patient’s specific needs. For young children with developing teeth and jaws, orthodontic plates are often the most suitable. For adults, low-visibility options like clear aligners may be a better fit.

Here are some of the most common orthodontic treatments:

Clear Aligners (Discreet Treatment for Adults)

Virtually invisible, removable aligners designed for modern lifestyles. Ideal for adults and teens seeking discreet treatment.

Traditional Braces (High-Performance Brackets)

Durable and effective, braces remain a premium solution for complex cases requiring precise tooth movement.

Early Intervention (Children’s Orthodontics)

Preventative treatments for children can reduce the need for more extensive care later in life.

Orthodontic plates vs aligners

For young children who have particular problems with tooth or jaw alignment, orthodontic plates can be used to carefully adjust the growth of the jawbone and arrange the teeth.

An orthodontic plate, or retainer, consists of plastic or wire that is shaped to fit around the top or bottom teeth to hold them in place or gently guide them into the desired position.

Judicious use of orthodontic plates at a young age can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for braces later in life. Retainers are often used after treatment with braces to ensure that the teeth remain in position.

What are the benefits of clear aligner treatment?

Clear aligners have become extremely popular due to their subtle appearance. They are transparent in colour, almost invisible, and custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth. There are many advantages to using clear aligners over traditional braces:

• They are almost invisible and have a discreet appearance.
• They're removable, so you can take them out for eating, drinking, and photos.
• They are easy to clean when you take them out.
• They're more comfortable as they are custom-made to fit your mouth.
• They can usually straighten your teeth in a shorter amount of time.

Who can benefit from an orthodontic treatment?

There are a wide variety of conditions that can be improved through the use of orthodontic treatment. Although age is a consideration, it is not the only factor in the orthodontist's choice of treatment.

Conditions that may require the use of orthodontic treatments include:

• Poor alignment of top and bottom molars that complicate or prevent chewing.
• A crossbite, in which the upper teeth rest behind the lower teeth.
• A deep bite or overbite, in which the upper front teeth cover the front of the lower front teeth.
• An open bite, in which the front teeth do not touch at all when biting.
• Teeth that are misaligned, angled, crowded, or spaced too far apart.
• Jaw / joint pain (TMD) and headaches due to clenching and misaligned teeth.
• Tooth decay, bone loss, and excessive wear on the surface of the teeth due to poor alignment.

To determine the best treatment option for your needs, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination and assessment of your dental condition. If your condition can't be treated by a general dentist, you will receive a referral to a specialist.

Care and maintenance

When you wear braces, aligners, or retainers, it will be necessary to adjust your eating habits to prevent damage to both the hardware and your teeth.

We recommend avoiding hard foods and sticky sweets that can break or pull your braces from your teeth such as gum, toffee, popcorn, nuts, hard biscuits, etc. You should also avoid biting into foods with your front teeth. Rather, cut foods into manageable pieces that you can chew with your back teeth.

Braces can trap food in your mouth after you eat, so be sure to brush and floss after every meal. Continue to floss and brush your teeth regularly, but be sure to use the special brushes and flossing tools recommended (and typically provided) by your orthodontist.

Specialised floss brushes and mouthwash are particularly useful for cleaning out braces after a meal. Carry a small cleaning kit with you to school or work, so you have the supplies you need on hand to keep your braces and teeth in ideal condition.

To learn more about the best orthodontic services for you, get in touch with our friendly team to schedule an appointment.

What to expect from your orthodontic journey