Orthodontic treatment uses braces or aligners to move Teeth and straighten them to achieve a beautiful smile. 

The most common orthodontic treatment Melbourne include: 

-braces (traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces); 

-removable appliances such as retainers, either removable or fixed (i.e., implants); 

-fixed appliances, such as fixed ceramic braces;

-headgear; 

-expansion appliances are used to expand the upper jaw (jaws) or lower jaw (jaws) without moving the teeth. 

Nearly all orthodontic treatment involves some form of force being applied to move teeth towards their ideal position. Braces are the most common appliances used to move teeth, but other therapies are occasionally used. 

How do Orthodontic Treatments Help?

The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to produce a beautiful, functional, and healthy smile. 

Some orthodontic treatment aims to correct tooth misalignment that causes the teeth or bite not to meet correctly when the jaws close together. This may happen because the teeth are too crowded, or there is a lack of space in the jaws for all teeth. Orthodontic treatment can also correct some types of malocclusions, such as overbites and underbites. 

The main goal of orthodontic treatment is to bring the teeth into the most aesthetic position possible without compromising the health of the teeth and gums. 

An attractive appearance is one of the most important reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment. Some children may be more self-conscious of crooked or misaligned teeth than adults. A beautiful smile can boost a person’s confidence and make them feel happy about their appearance. 

Orthodontic treatment also aims to improve the function and health of teeth and jaws. This is an important reason for seeking treatment, as well as achieving a beautiful appearance. Orthodontic treatment aims to move the teeth into their proper positions (alignment) to function better and last longer. An improved smile will enhance chewing function by ensuring that the upper and lower teeth meet correctly when chewing. This can help to prevent long-term problems such as tooth wear, gum disease, and jaw problems. 

In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed to improve speech articulation. In this situation, the aim is usually to move the teeth or jaws into a position that makes it easier for the mouth to form the sounds. 

Types Of Orthodontic Treatments

There are four main types of orthodontic treatment: 

1. Removable appliances are usually removable or over-the-counter appliances that can be taken out at night. Such appliances include both fixed and removable retainers, spacers, fluoride trays/strips/applicators, and tooth whitening trays. 
2. Fixed appliances are usually fixed in your mouth by cementing them to the teeth or mounting them onto brackets bonded to your teeth. Devices can be removable or not removable, but they must be made using metal, ceramic, clear plastic-like material, or sometimes a combination of these materials. Such appliances include traditional braces (brackets and wires), headgear, orthognathic surgery appliances, fixed retainers, some removable retainers, lingual braces for the rear teeth only. 
3. Specialized appliances that are either fixed or removable devices are designed to treat specific dental conditions by directing tooth movement in a particular direction. Such special devices include palatal expanders, face-expanders used to treat a narrow upper jaw (jaw), or a wide lower jaw (jaw), and chin-shaping devices. 
4. Orthopaedic appliances are designed to move the teeth by applying pressure from an outside force, such as headgear. These appliances only apply pressure to the front teeth. 

Orthodontic treatment is not needed for everyone. Orthodontic care is usually only undertaken when there are issues that need to be resolved or there is a need for an alternative solution being made available. Some adults may also seek orthodontic treatment to correct problems with their teeth caused by past orthodontic treatment in childhood or improve their appearance. 

Orthodontic treatment is not always suitable for everyone. Some people have medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing orthodontic treatment due to the increased risk to their health. For example, orthopaedic appliances may be unsuitable for people with specific heart problems and respiratory conditions. 

Are You A Candidate For Orthodontic Treatments?

Orthodontic treatment is not suitable for very young children who still have developing muscles and bones. It may also not be ideal for patients that suffer from mental or neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other mental/neurological conditions. 

For these reasons, it is recommended that patients have a comprehensive orthodontic assessment to determine if they are suitable candidates for treatment. 

The first step in receiving orthodontic treatment is the initial appointment, which allows your dentist to fully assess your teeth and gums and look at your general health. They will usually check your medical history and carry out a visual inspection of your teeth, using special equipment such as a periodontal probe to measure the depth of any gum pockets around the teeth, a dental explorer to feel for any irregularities in the surface of the tooth that may indicate an underlying defect or fracture, and a mouth mirror to help see around the teeth. They will also want to take x-ray images of your mouth and teeth, which they can then use to assess their condition in more detail. 

Your dentist may then discuss what treatments you need and why while answering any questions you have about your orthodontic treatment. Your dentist should also consult the total cost of treatment and whether their practice accepts many insurance plans. 

For you to be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, your teeth should have enough room to move into a corrected position. People with crowded or crooked teeth that do not have enough space between them are usually the best candidates for orthodontic treatment.

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