About Orthodontics
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialised area of dentistry focused on improving the alignment of the teeth and correcting the way the teeth bite together. Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance, function and health of the teeth and jaws.
To become a specialist orthodontist you must first complete a dentistry degree that takes five years of university study. Following this you must be accepted on to a three year post graduate orthodontic training programme. Upon successful completion of this post graduate course you then become a “specialist orthodontist” recognised by the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Once qualified, the learning doesn’t stop. Orthodontists are required to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques by attending courses and conferences as part of their Continuing Professional Development.
What is a specialist orthodontist?
Can a dentist do orthodontic treatment?
To become a specialist orthodontist you must first complete a dentistry degree that takes five years of university study.
Following this you must be accepted on to a three year post graduate orthodontic training programme. Upon successful completion of this post graduate course you then become a “specialist orthodontist” recognised by the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Once qualified, the learning doesn’t stop. Orthodontists are required to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques by attending courses and conferences as part of their Continuing Professional Development.
What are the benefits of Orthodontic treatment?
A person’s emotional well-being can be greatly enhanced due to an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence brought about by a pleasing smile. In addition orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of gum disease, speech problems, and the incidence of decay caused by crowded or mal-aligned teeth.
Orthodontics 101
Getting started
The Process
No, you do not need a referral. Please contact us directly if you are concerned about the alignment and bite of your or your child’s teeth.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
We welcome patients from 6 years of age upwards. Early recognition and treatment of orthodontic problems often involves less complex treatment and may improve the chances of avoiding full orthodontic treatment later on.
In many cases full orthodontic treatment (eg upper and lower braces) is not started until most, or all of the adult teeth have come through and the jaws have stopped growing in width at about 12 years of age. Treatment for some orthodontic problems however, will only work while the patient is still growing so we would advise seeking an opinion before 12 years of age and not waiting for all the adult teeth to come through.
If your child is not ready to commence treatment Susan will continue to review the tooth and bite development until a decision can be made about whether or not treatment is needed. Early assessment and regular review appointments can be very beneficial to you as in some cases early diagnosis of a problem can prevent complex treatment being required later.
It is becoming increasing popular for adults to seek orthodontic treatment especially with clear ceramic braces or Invisalign. For many adults orthodontic treatment wasn’t affordable or regarded as important as a child and in other cases adults had treatment at a younger age but now find their teeth have moved a little over the passing years. Teeth can still be straightened as an adult to provide you with a great smile.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
Most full orthodontic treatments (eg upper and lower braces or Invisalign) take 18 – 24 months to complete.
Simple treatments are often finished in a shorter time whereas complex treatments usually take longer.
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the complexity and severity of the problems, patient growth, the rate at which the individual patients teeth move and most importantly patient cooperation.
How long will it take?
Fitting of braces, Invisalign and plates does not hurt. Several hours after placement of the appliances the teeth may feel tender and achy as they start straightening.
Eating a soft diet and taking pain relief eg paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease this discomfort and is usually only required for a few days.
Sometimes after having the braces adjusted the teeth can again feel tender but pain relief is usually not required.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
There is usually more than one way to correct an orthodontic problem and in many cases extractions can be avoided.
Wherever possible, Susan will give you alternative treatment options so you can choose the treatment method that you are most comfortable with.
Susan will only advise having dental extractions if there is a significant benefit to the patient in having them eg to avoid gum recession, to avoid producing a smile that is too “toothy” or to reduce the tendency for the teeth to move back to their original positions after removal of the braces.
If teeth do need to be removed this will be done by your dentist. At the appropriate time, a letter will be sent to your dentist advising exactly which teeth will need to be extracted.
