North Sydney Orthodontics

Fixed braces  Invisalign   Invisible Braces  Fixed expanders Space maintainers
removable braces  Functional braces  Mini-implant anchors  Retainers

Fixed braces : All you need to know !

Fixed appliances(also known as braces, train tracks, tram tracks and tin grin) are the most common and versatile device used by orthodontists. There are hundreds of different brackets manufactured around the world which means your brace might not look the same as your friend's. Basically a fixed brace is made of attachments (brackets and bands) which are glued to the teeth and one or more wires which attach to the brackets. The bending of the wires or use of elastics creates the force to move your teeth. North Sydney Orthodontics offer a choice of standard mini brackets, clear (ICE) brackets and low friction self ligating brackets.  There are advantages for each design and we will advise you of the most appropriate choice.

Things to expect when first wearing fixed braces

When braces are first placed the teeth are sometimes a little tender for a few days. Any discomfort is usually controllable with non- prescription pain killing tablets (but don't exceed the stated dose). If you are experiencing significant pain you should seek a prompt appointment with the orthodontist. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for a couple of weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!

Food glorious food - what not to eat

Braces are quite easily broken, because they are designed to be easily removed at the end of treatment without damaging the teeth.   To keep the braces working at their best and keep your treatment moving you must take extra care to avoid breaking the brackets or bending the wires. Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer and persistent breakages may incur additional charges.

So try to avoid:

Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, liquorice Sticky foods: caramels, gum 

Hard foods: nuts, lollies

Crunchy foods: caramel popcorn, ice, chips

tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables.

Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

We're not against healthy eating so if you want to eat crunchy carrots or apples - cut them up into small pieces first and pass them straight to the back teeth for chewing up

Keeping things clean and healthy while wearing braces

When you are wearing braces food and sugary liquids will persist in the mouth much longer than normal because food debris gets caught around the brackets and under the wires.  This can promote rapid bacterial plaque growth on the teeth surfaces, which causes gum disease and tooth decay.   To avoid these problems you should always clean your teeth carefully after eating - even at school or work , so take your toothbrush with you wherever you go and brush with a fluoride tooth paste.  We recommend the use of fluoride mouthrinse to help protect your teeth while braces are in place and to apply GC Tooth Mousse at nights (after brushing)  to protect your teeth against 'decalcification' marking.  Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment and definitely quit smoking.

Acidic food and drink (eg fizzy drinks, diet fizzy drinks, fruit juices, dry wine), can damage the teeth so if you are thirsty try milk (not milk shake), water, tea or coffee without sugar, diluted fruit juice is usually OK if you rinse out your mouth with water afterwards.  

What happens if I break my braces?

Don't be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This happens occasionally. If wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, push the irritating wire under the bracket if possible. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances.If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.

Braces and Sports

A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately.  If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness 

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Invisalign

Invisalign is a way to straighten crooked teeth without braces. Invisalign works best for adults but can be suitable in the older teenager. Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing, so you can feel confident to smile more during treatment as well as after.

Why Would I Want It?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. If it weren't for the remarkable way it was transforming your smile, you'd hardly even notice it. Because Invisalign lets you live your life. In fact, it does an excellent job of giving you the flexibility you need.

How Does It Work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Daniels  has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Daniels about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. 

The latest technology makes it possible
	Following your initial consultation, Dr Daniels will advise if Invisalign is possible for you. A full treatment plan with all the alternative methods available will be provided. Once you are happy to proceed the working impression of your teeth is obtained and submitted to Invisalign.
	Using highly advanced 3-D computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates the treatment prescription into a sequence of stages. We then show you the planned tooth movements on the computer before finalising the manufacture of your custom aligners to make your teeth straight.
	You then wear each set of aligners for two to three weeks, moving your teeth gradually: week by week, millimetre by millimetre--until you've achieved straighter teeth.
	You will need to visit us every 8-12 weeks. Generally, the treatment time is similar to braces but your teeth look great over the entire treatment course as they gradually become straighter.

Q1 What are the benefits of invisalign compared to braces ?

Invisalign® is nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Invisalign® is removable - you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the possibility of decay or gum disease.

Invisalign® you to view your own computerised treatment plan before you start - This means there will be no unexpected outcomes and you can see detailed three dimensional images of how straight your teeth will look and how long treatment should take. We will even allow you to view the computer image results and give us the go ahead only when you are totally satisfied with the planned tooth positions.

Q2 What is the cost of a consultation to see if I am suitable for invisalign?

The initial consultation fee is $80. Invisalign treatment is suitable for a large number of teenagers and adult patients. A percentage of this fee is claimable through almost all health insurance companies. A DVD and comprehensive information is also supplied at no extra charge that describes the Invisalign method and manufacturing process.

Q3 What is the cost of invisalign ?

As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case.

1) Initially records are required. The fee for this is $590.This fee covers two appointments and allows you to see your teeth in 3D on computer virtually moving from start to finish.This allows you the opportunity to assess how your teeth could look and if there is anything you are not happy with we will modify the treatment until you are totally satisfied. At this stage you are under no obligation to continue treatment if you do not wish to proceed.

2) The cost of Invisalign varies as follows -For minor crowding, that can be treated with 10 Invisalign aligners or less, the fee is from $4900. For more complex cases the fee is from $7650.

3) The cost of retainers to ensure your teeth remain straight once treatment is completed is $800.

Q4 Will insurance cover any of the cost of my invisalign treatment ?

Yes, providing you have orthodontic coverage (braces), Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

Q5 Is invisalign treatment tax deductible ?

YES!....A 20% Australian tax rebate (discount) is also available for any amount over and above the first $1500 spent on all dental and medical costs combined. As an example, if the total fee for your treatment is $7000, then you will receive a discount of $1100. Meaning that you effectively pay $5900

Q6 Who is suitable for invisalign treatment ?

Invisalign can treat a vast majority of patients with fully-erupted molars. Both adults, adolescents and teenagers may be suitable. Thousands of dentists are treating patients with Invisalign. It works for a wide range of people whose teeth are too crowded or have spaces between them, as well as for those whose teeth may have shifted after having worn braces in their youth. Invisalign can also be combined with other dental treatments.

Q7 How does invisalign work ?

Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to show you the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position before treatment even starts. As soon as you are happy with the computer simulation, a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two to three weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. They are like "contact lenses for teeth." Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference to braces is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system. If a tooth is very round in shape or requires complex movement then an almost invisible bump, known as an attachment, is temporarily bonded onto the specific tooth. This procedure causes absolutely no pain or discomfort and helps the aligner to grip the tooth and move it into position.

Q8 Do I need to have teeth removed for invisalign treatment?

Generally teeth are not removed when you have invisalign treatment. If your teeth are mildly crowded often space can be found by slightly expanding the dental arch, moving the molar teeth back, making some teeth a fraction of a millimetre narrower or moving teeth forward that are pushed too far back. If you have significant overcrowding occasionally a dental extraction may be considered but in general invisalign is not well suited to extraction therapy

Q9 What if I am planning to travel or move away for an indefinate period?

Many of our patients have chosen to do Invisalign even if they travel regularly or move away to another State or Country for an indefinite period. We have found that either extra aligners can be taken away with you, if it is a long trip, or if need be you can maintain the current position of your teeth by simply continuing to wear the same Invisalign aligner till you get back to see us. If your travel plans means that you will be away from our practice indefinitely then we can organise a case transfer for you so that a Dentist in another state or country, that provides Invisalign, can continue your Invisalign treatment for you. We will determine what fees are owing to the stage you are on so that the balance of your fees can then be used to pay your new dentist. Invisalign will forward your photos and computer records to your new dentist, with your permission, so that your treatment will continue as seamlessly as possible.

Q10 How long does invisalign take to complete treatment ?

Typically the treatment duration is similar to braces. An average time frame is 11 months but could take less than 6 months or around two years in more complex cases. The degree of changes required to obtain a perfect smile will determine the number of aligners required and the number of aligners determines the duration of treatment. Fortunately, unlike braces, the duration of treatment can be determined before treatment starts simply by viewing the simulated computerised movements of your teeth in less than a few minutes.

Q11 What if I am planning to get married?

Congratulations ! Many of our patients have chosen to do Invisalign even if they are getting married for many great reasons. Firstly every bride and groom wants to look there best on the most important day of their lives. Secondly you never need worry about your wedding day being spoilt by having visible braces.

Q12 Is invisalign treatment painful ?

Not really ! Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is is a sign that Invisalign® is working sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Q13 Will invisalign affect my speech?

Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear. Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing. About 22 hours of wear per day.

Q14 Will my teeth remain straight after invisalign treatment ?

Yes - similar to other orthodontic treatment a strategy is required to keep teeth straight once active treatment is completed

Q15 Will invisalign affect the types of food I can eat?

Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods. However, a diet that is high in sugars and involves frequent snacks should be avoided . Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Q16 Can any dentist do invisalign ?

Many dentists are carrying out invisalign who have no orthodontic training other than the 1 day invisalign certification course (designed to teach the use of invisalign). Invisalign certified dentists are not qualified orthodontists - and of course Invisalign is just one of many orthodontic techniques that seek to move teeth. Invisalign training does not require any training in the biology of tooth movement or understanding of orthodontic treatment planning.

Q17 Why should I get North Sydney Orthodontics to do my invisalign?

North Sydney Orthodontics is a specialist orthodontic practice that is not only accredited in invisalign but all tooth movement methods. All available methods to obtain straight teeth are offered, and we will give you unbiased advice about the limitations and advantages of different treatment methods for your particular case.

Q18 How can satisfaction be guaranteed?

1)We do this by showing you three dimensional images of how your teeth will look before treatment starts and confirm that you are entirely satisfied with the computerised plan before treatment commences. Otherwise the computerised plan will be modified until you are totally happy. At this stage you are under no obligation to continue doing treatment if you do not wish to proceed.

2) If a perfect alignment is not obtained we have the expertise to complete the case using whatever orthodontic method you wish (Additional costs may apply).

Q19 How do lingual braces compare to invisalign??

Lingual braces are bonded to the backs of the upper and lower teeth. This method costs more than Invisalign or normal braces and is initially somewhat uncomfortable. However it is the only truly invisible system and theoretically has the ability to deliver first class orthodontic correction. If the case is suitable for invisalign that is probably the preferred method.

Q20 How do ceramic braces compare to invisalign ?

The ceramic braces that we use are aesthetically outstanding and are capable of delivering the very best orthodontic correction.  They are however marginally more visible compared to Invisalign though usually cost less than invisalign.

BUT Sometimes invisalign does not create a perfect result.  Under these circumstances a short course of braces or lingual braces usually completes the case perfectly. So make sure you chose an orthodontist who can offer all the alternative tooth movement techniques! >

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Invisible braces

Invisible braces or lingual braces are an orthodontic technique where the braces are placed on the inner surface of the teeth.  The brace is completely secret to the outside world.  The technique is more difficult (for the orthodontist) and will usually require longer treatment times and longer appointments.  Also the speech is somewhat affected and the tongue mat be sore compared to regular braces.  It can take 2-3 weeks for things to feel 'normal' with a lingual appliance. As with any brace good oral hygiene is essential to ensure there are no problems with tooth decay

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Fixed Expanders

These appliances are commonly used to correct crossbites or make space and have several designs;

Quad helix

This appliance is used to derotate the first molars and expand the side teeth by  tipping.  The appliance is activated and adjusted by the orthodontist 2 or 3 times over 9 months.  

Rapid Palatal Expansion

This is a robust device designed to create orthopeadic expansion of the palate.  It is activated by the parent turning the 'jackscrew' in the middle of the appliance once or twice a day (according to the activation schedule recommended by the orthodontist). The appliance is usually in place for  3 months and then some form of retention appliance is required.

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Space maintainers

Space maintainers are used to stop certain types of tooth movement and to provide additional support to teeth that bear a high burden of anchorage strain.  The appliances do not actively create tooth movement but usually the opposite - i.e. prevent tooth movement. These appliances are usually simple and robust.

Removable braces

Removable appliances or plates are useful for undertaking a limited number of tooth movements but usually for early treatment involving arch expansion to correct cross-bite

For any removable appliance to work efficiently it must be worn according to the orthodontist's instructions, usually for 20 hours each day at least. 

Your plate should be removed for playing contact sports, swimming, eating and tooth brushing.