Treatments

Aesthetic Brackets – Ceramic bracket – Clarity^™

Clear, aesthetic braces are an increasingly popular choice with adults and teenagers, as they are less visible than traditional fixed braces. Brackets on aesthetic appliances are generally clear or tooth coloured. White or tooth-coloured wires can also be used for an even more discreet, natural look.

We use Clarity ADVANCED 3M Unitek ceramic braces that are made from a translucent ceramic material which blends with the colour of your teeth and will resist staining or discolouration throughout treatment. With its small, low-profile design, Clarity ADVANCED braces are virtually unnoticeable, making them perfect for patients of any age who are looking for the confidence and the freedom to smile on any occasion.

Invisalign^®

These appliances blend modern technology with the long-standing concept of using clear flexible aligners to ease teeth into their desired position. A succession of aligners is worn, each bringing the teeth a little closer to the ideal position. The aligners are effectively invisible and are therefore an attractive option from the standpoint of appearance.

Aligners can be very effective if all that is required is to align mildly irregular teeth. However there are several drawbacks. In the more severe cases, notably those where extractions are required, aligners lack the necessary control of the teeth to give consistently good results and often lead to disappointment. Likewise they are not well suited to correcting problems like prominent upper incisor teeth.

The cost is higher than for conventional fixed braces owing to the high laboratory costs in making the aligners. In selected cases they are very effective, ask your orthodontist to see if your teeth are suited to Invisalign^®. www.invisalign.com

Invisalign Teen^®

INVISALIGN Teen^® is the new and fantastic addition to the extremely successful INVISALIGN family.

Did you know that Justin Bieber wears INVISALIGN Teen^® to straighten his teeth?

INVISALIGN Teen^®; gives orthodontists the ability to offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment to their non-adult patients. With INVISALIGN Teen^®, teenagers get clear, removable aligners that will straighten their teeth without the hassle, discomfort, and embarrassment of traditional braces that will also fit into their busy schedules and give them the ease and flexibility to remove the aligners for sports, music lessons and for meals at school or on the go. www.invisalign.com/teen

SmartClip^™ – Self-ligating (fast-acting) brackets (metal and aesthetic)

Self-ligating brackets are designed to hold arch wires in place without the use of the coloured elastics. This advanced technology means reduced chair time and because the SmartClip^™ is passive, friction is dramatically reduced which, may result in longer appointment intervals and less patient discomfort. Hygiene may be improved as well, because there are no tiny enclosed areas where plaque can build up, which happens with the coloured elastics.

Damon System (aesthetic or metal version available)

Damon smiles are full, natural 10-tooth smiles achieved with light biologically-sensible forces, and are specifically designed to improve the overall facial result of each patient. Conventional braces shown above on the left are tied in with elastics, which cause friction and pressure, making treatment slower and less comfortable. Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably. Braces are the beginning, but the system makes the smile. Certified Damon System orthodontists combine three key components, which when used together, deliver faster treatment, fewer appointments, greater comfort, and consistent high-quality results:

Damon braces are designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Without the elastic ties which attract and collect plaque, Damon braces make dental hygiene easy during treatment.

The Damon system reduces the friction between the wire and bracket. This allows teeth to move more, predictably and with lighter forces than conventional braces.

Functional Appliances – Children with prominent upper teeth

Functional appliances are generally only available for children up to the age of about 14 years as they are most effective during active stages of growth. These braces are used to harness the growth of the jaws and improve the way the upper and lower teeth meet. They work by positioning the lower jaw in a forward posture which stretches the muscles of the face and helps to correct protruding teeth. In some cases, these braces encourage favourable growth and help to improve the facial profile. These braces are mostly removable but should be worn as near to full-time as possible.

The most popular functional appliances used in our clinic are called twin blocks. Although these braces can be quite bulky, if they are worn well, they can produce amazing results. Typical treatments can last from 4-6 months. After this time, additional orthodontic (fixed appliance) treatment is often necessary to fine tune the position of individual teeth