How are traditional braces applied?
Used to correct under bites, cross bites, malocclusions and crooked teeth, conventional braces have been utilised in orthodontics for well over 100 years. There is one main reason why this type of orthodontic treatment has been used for so long: it works! Using a mixture of brackets and wires fixed to the teeth, metal braces exert a gentle pressure over an extensive period of time to gradually reposition the teeth – resulting in a beautifully straight smile!
Going the extra mile
At Newwave Orthodontics on the Sunshine Coast, we will always use ceramic or ‘clear’ braces on the front six teeth to help ensure all our patients feel more comfortable and confident during their treatment. The main benefit of clear braces is that they are almost transparent which can help you retain your confidence throughout treatment.
If you are really worried about your appearance during treatment we may be able to use all-ceramic braces for select cases…
If you are seeking beautifully straight teeth and want a result-orientated treatment that suits your budget and won’t hinder your appearance, clear braces may be your solution. Our clear braces are a unique mixture of brackets and wires that are fixed to the front of your smile, and are far less obvious than traditional braces. While Dr Miles will fix clear braces to the top front teeth where possible for no extra charge, he may need to use traditional metal braces for teeth that aren’t visible when smiling to ensure the strength and efficiency of your treatment.
Maintaining your oral hygiene
It is important to take care of your teeth by flossing and brushing regularly with the correct equipment provided by our team at New Wave Orthodontics. Consuming sugary foods and drinks can be detrimental to your teeth as it can be caught in the brackets and wires. Failure to comply with maintaining your teeth can result in discolouration and patchy results once braces are removed.
For ongoing maintenance you may be required to wear a retainer once your braces have been removed. Wearing a retainer will allow you to take care of your investment and prevent any further attention to your teeth.
Common questions about braces
How long will your treatment take?
Depending on the complexity of your oral condition, treatment can take a few months to a couple of years, and Dr Miles, our principal orthodontist, will be able to give you an estimated treatment time for your individual circumstance.
Will braces provide me with results if I have crowns?
If you have a tooth that is supported by a crown, the team at Newwave Orthodontics are still able to straighten your smile.
Is it common to require further orthodontic treatment throughout adulthood?
It is quite common for individuals to experience a second course of orthodontic treatment as your bite can change in adulthood due to situations like wisdom teeth eruption. It is also quite typical for those who received orthodontic treatment in their late teenage years but failed to comply with wearing their retainer.
Are there any other solutions to achieving straight teeth?
At Newwave Orthodontics we also offer Invisalign and lingual braces for those who want discreet treatment. Invisalign consists of wearing a series of customised aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day and is lifestyle friendly as you able to remove the mouth pieces for eating and cleaning. The beauty of lingual braces is that it is similar to traditional braces although they are positioned on the back of your teeth. Considering that both options are lifestyle friendly the duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your teeth.
FAQs
Traditional metal braces involve a combination of brackets and wires that are fixed to the teeth. Once attached to the teeth, metal braces work by exerting a gentle pressure over a period of time, which gradually repositions the teeth. Traditional braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment and can be used to correct a number of issues, including underbites, cross bites, malocclusions and crooked teeth.
Here at Newwave Orthodontics, we put clear brackets on our patient’s most visible top teeth so they blend in with their smile for a more discreet look.
It is very important to take care of your teeth while you undergo orthodontic treatment. Make sure you brush and floss regularly and try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, as these can be detrimental to your teeth if they get caught in the brackets and wires of your braces. Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to discolouration once your braces have been removed.
In many cases, patients will need to wear a retainer once their braces have been removed. A retainer helps to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place, and will allow you to take care of your investment following orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist will advise you on the regularity of which you should change your elastics. You may need to change your elastics up to 4 times a day. Though on average, you should change your bands at least once a day to ensure that there is adequate tension on your teeth at all times.
In some cases, you may be able to eat with your elastics, though in other cases, your elastics may prevent you from opening your mouth up wide enough to eat. If you do eat with your elastics, it is advised that you change them once you have finished your meal.
This will differ from person to person and depend on the individual needs of your particular orthodontic treatment. Some patients may only need to wear them for a few weeks while others may need to wear them for a few months. Your orthodontist will advise you accordingly
