Adult Orthodontics
Fixing crooked teeth is
about more than “just looks!”.
The number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has risen dramatically over the past two decades. And it’s little wonder why. Adults are discovering the number of ways orthodontic treatments can fix their oral health problems, whether they stem from childhood injuries, missing teeth, or simply genetic predispositions.
It’s also the number one reason people put it off:
They feel they can’t justify the cost for the sake of “vanity.”
Feeling ashamed of your smile can have a major impact on your self esteem. That’s a significant issue on it’s own, and more than enough reason to seek out a solution. And you’re not alone. A report from the Australian Society of Orthodontists found that 55% of Australians are self-conscious about their teeth. When asked about the first thing they’d change about themselves, 46% said it would be their teeth, over anything else, including their weight.
Fixing crooked teeth is
about more than “just looks!”.
The number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has risen dramatically over the past two decades. And it’s little wonder why. Adults are discovering the number of ways orthodontic treatments can fix their oral health problems, whether they stem from childhood injuries, missing teeth, or simply genetic predispositions.
It’s also the number one reason people put it off:
They feel they can’t justify the cost for the sake of “vanity.”
Feeling ashamed of your smile can have a major impact on your self esteem. That’s a significant issue on it’s own, and more than enough reason to seek out a solution. And you’re not alone. A report from the Australian Society of Orthodontists found that 55% of Australians are self-conscious about their teeth. When asked about the first thing they’d change about themselves, 46% said it would be their teeth, over anything else, including their weight.
Book a FREE Adult orthodontics Assessment. We will examine your mouth, eliminate all risk factors and assess the correct course of treatment.
While those statistics alone, show what an important impact teeth have on our self-esteem, crooked teeth do more than just affect how you look…
Crowded teeth experience more cavities and periodontal disease
Most people recognise that crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to clean and floss, which makes it easy for bacteria to colonise the mouth and go to work damaging your teeth’s protective enamel.
What most people don’t know is that if they have crooked teeth, their enamel is often being worn away by their teeth’s misaligned wear patterns, making it even easier for bacteria to work their way through and create cavities.
Misaligned teeth can cause joint pain, muscle pain, and even tension headaches
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to your temporal bone, right in front of your ear.
Apply some pressure and run your fingers straight down from that joint to the back corner of your jaw. If you feel sensitivity, that’s a good indication that something is out of alignment in your mouth.
Tension in that area is a major culprit of recurring headaches, jaw pain, and is often caused by an incorrect bite. (Which means fixing that can make a world of difference for those with TMJ pain!
…But aren’t braces ugly?
We won’t mince words: They certainly used to be. But orthodontics have come a long way in the past 15 years (a big plus, if you’re looking at braces as an adult!).
These days, the options are much more descrete…
Traditional Braces
Unlike the obvious metal contraptions of the past, the latest materials and technologies make braces far less bulky. And most parts can be clear, tooth coloured or even ceramic, so they blend in.
Traditional braces are best suited to correcting the most complex tooth misalignments, especially those requiring vertical movement or incisor rotations.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear aligners to correct teeth without the wires and bands of traditional braces. Because they are practically invisible, they are a great option for teens and adults.
How Do Traditional Braces Compare To Invisalign?
Traditional Braces
• Average treatment time of 18 -24 months, depending on patient
• Costs from $7,000
• Brackets and wires must be brushed thoroughly at every brushing. It may also be necessary to brush during the day, after meals.
• Monthly appointments to make adjustments and progress treatment
• A retainer is often required after treatment to maintain straightness.
• Traditional braces are the most effective treatment for complex orthodontic issues.
• Wires and brackets may cause some pain or sensitivity, especially on inside of cheeks. May have some discomfort from tooth movement after adjustments
• Eating sticky or hard foods not recommended
• Less chance of user error, as braces are not removable during treatment
• Can cause tooth discoloration
• Not ideal for patients who play contact sports
Invisalign
• Average treatment time of 6-18 months, for eligible patients.
• Costs from $7,000
• Trays can be cleaned with the Invisalign Cleaning System or by brushing and rinsing trays in lukewarm water. Teeth must be brushed after every drink or meal to avoid staining.
• Visits every 4-6 weeks to check on treatment progress.
• A retainer is often required after treatment to maintain straightness.
• May have some discomfort from tooth movement after changing aligner trays
• No impact on eating, but must remove before eating or drinking anything besides water. Must brush after each meal to avoid staining
• Invisible, Removeable
• Must be disciplined about putting trays back in
• Not Ideal for patients with bridgework, bite issues with back teeth, canine teeth or Premolars that need to be rotated, teeth that need vertical adjustment, children (due to necessity of tray replacement)
Before
After
About Our Dentists
Dr. Joseph Kazzi
Associate Dentist
If you’re a long-time patient of Bexley Dental, you’ll recognise Dr. Kazzi as one of our former Oral Health Therapists! He went back to school to study dentistry, juggling his degree work and his Oral Health Therapist position. After graduating from Charles Sturt University, he returned to Bexley Dental as one of our dentists. Dr. Kazzi has since completed orthodontic training with Invisalign Australia and Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and graduated with highest honours.
Ready to discuss what he can
do for your smile?
Schedule your FREE 30-minute Assessment with Bexley Dental
During your 30-minute Assessment, the dentist will examine your teeth and smile using an OPG panoramic scan–a $140 value–so he can determine the best option for restoring your smile.
Whether that’s discreet traditional-style braces, or the near-invisible Invisalign system, the dentist will create a personalised treatment plan specifically for you.
Every Assessment includes:
- 30 minutes with Dr. Breeze or Dr Kazzi
- A Recommended Orthodontics Plan to get your smile back in the picture.
To schedule your free adult orthodontic Assessment, simply pick up the phone and call us at (02) 9567 4151 today