About Orthodontics in Leeton, Griffith, Narrandera & The Riverina Region
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of malocclusion and irregularities of the teeth and jaw.
Orthodontists are specialty orthodontists who limit their practice exclusively to providing orthodontic care. The treatment may involve the use of plates, braces or a combination to bring teeth and jaw into proper alignment. In certain cases, orthognathic (jaw) surgeries may also be required to achieve optimal outcomes.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed?
People have orthodontic treatment not only to improve the appearance but also the health and function of their teeth and jaw.
Appearance
Most people are very self-conscious of how their teeth look when they smile. For many, having straight teeth and an attractive smile may enhance self-esteem.
Hygiene
It can be hard to keep your teeth clean if they are crowded or overlapping. This can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Straight teeth are much easier to clean.
Tooth Wear & Gum Damage
Some occlusions (bites) may lead to clenching, grinding and excessive wear of teeth or damage to gum tissue. A proper bite will preserve the integrity of your teeth.
Habit Control
It is important to stop certain bad habits including thumb-sucking, to prevent any further detrimental effects on the jaw and teeth.
Orthodontic Care
(a) Loose Wire
During the early stage of treatment, it is not uncommon for the wire to be dislodged/loose. Usually, this happens at the back of the mouth and you can try to do the following:
(i) Try to place the wire back into the tube using a small pair of tweezers
(ii) Put some wax over the end of the wire to make it more comfortable
(iii) Try to cut the wire using a pair of nail clippers/cuticle cutters
Always give us a call when this happens and we will try to see you as soon as it is feasible.
(b)
Loose Bracket/Band
Sometimes one of the bands or brackets may dislodge. This doesn’t happen often and is usually due to eating hard foods.
Any loose bracket/band is still usually attached to the wire and thus is not an
urgent problem.
Please contact us if this happens and we will advise if you need to be seen sooner.
(c)
Lost Module
(Coloured Band)
The orthodontic wires are held onto the brackets by the small coloured bands which are changed at every appointment. If any of the coloured bands are lost, it is not a major problem.
(d) Orthodontic Pain & Discomfort
It is normal for teeth to feel sore for a few days after the appliances are first fitted or after an adjustment Routine painkillers (Panadol or Nurofen) should provide relief. Soft food is also advised. The wax provided can also be placed on appliances to prevent rubbing of the cheeks and gums. Warm salt rinses can also help relieve any discomfort.
Looking to talk with our orthodontic team? Call us on (02) 6953 8080.