If you or someone in your family has protruding or crooked teeth, bite issues or other problems related to the alignment of your teeth and jaws, orthodontics is an effective long-term solution for improving the appearance and functionality of your mouth.
Our experienced dentists at On Point Dental will help you to find the best orthodontic treatment for you or your child to establish a straighter smile for life.
Who needs orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics help to straighten teeth and improve the bite relationship between the jaws and teeth. Without orthodontics, patients may experience long-term discomfort or more serious problems in the future, especially if they make it difficult to clean your teeth and allow food to become trapped.
Despite what many people believe, orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners aren’t just for teenagers. While these treatments can be most effective when started at a younger age, many adults are now enjoying their benefits too, thanks to new dental technology such as ClearCorrect clear aligners that are less visible in the mouth. We also offer children’s orthodontics to help make sure permanent teeth develop correctly.
What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Clear aligners slowly move teeth and jaws into the desired positions over a period of time.
We may recommend braces to:
- Straighten protruding or crooked teeth that are at risk of injury
- Close gaps or eliminate crowding that can promote tooth decay
- Correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite and crossbite
- Help reduce problems with eating or speaking.
How are dental braces fitted?
During your consultation for orthodontics at On Point Dental, our expert dentists will carry out a thorough oral examination and help you to choose the right approach for yourself or a family member.
If you are having an aligner fitted, we will custom-fit the aligner to your mouth and show you how to insert and remove it. You should wear your braces as much as possible during the day and at night, but they should be removed for eating and drinking and when cleaning and flossing your teeth.
If you need a fixed brace, we will first clean and scale your mouth before fitting the brace to your teeth and connecting the wires or bands. Fitting braces is usually not painful and is usually complete within one hour, though you may need to make a return visit if some components need to be specially made.
Whether you have fixed or temporary braces, you will need to make regular follow-up appointments so that we can check your progress and make adjustments to the aligners.
Clear Aligners – FAQs
What is preventative dental care?
Preventative dental care encompasses a range of proactive measures aimed at maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they arise. It includes routine practices such as regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and comprehensive oral examinations to identify and address potential issues early.
Additionally, preventative dental care involves educating individuals about proper oral hygiene practices, emphasising the importance of daily brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride-based products to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Preventative dental care extends to orthodontics, which includes interventions like dental braces or modern alternatives like clear aligners for teeth. These orthodontic treatments are not only instrumental in correcting misalignments but also play a preventive role by addressing bite irregularities, reducing the risk of future dental complications, and enhancing overall oral health.
Regular visits to the dentist for preventative dental care allow for the detection and timely management of issues like overcrowding, malocclusions, or irregular tooth alignment, which can be addressed through orthodontics, such as dental braces or clear aligners.
By aligning teeth properly through orthodontic treatments and advocating consistent oral hygiene practices, preventative dental care not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing potential oral health problems in the long term.
Interested in clear aligners, dental teeth braces, or just want to learn more? Drop by On Point Dental’s clinic in Fremantle and our team would be more than happy to help.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry focused on correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues to improve oral health and aesthetics. It involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions (misaligned bites), crooked teeth, overcrowding, and other irregularities in the teeth and jaw.
Orthodontic treatment aims to enhance the function of the bite, facilitate easier chewing and speaking, and create a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile. Clear aligners are an innovative orthodontic treatment option that involves using a series of transparent, removable trays to gradually move teeth into proper alignment, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces.
Ready to invest in improving your (or your child’s!) smile? Book your appointment today.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners, including popular brands like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, function as orthodontic devices to straighten teeth and correct misalignments. These transparent, custom-made trays fit snugly over the teeth and exert gentle, controlled pressure to gradually shift them into the desired position. Clear teeth aligners offer a nearly invisible orthodontic solution, allowing individuals to straighten their teeth discreetly.
Clear aligners work through a series of progressively adjusted trays, each designed to slightly reposition the teeth. Patients typically wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series. This process continues until the teeth reach the desired alignment as planned by the orthodontist. Clear aligners differ from traditional braces in that they are removable, allowing for easier oral hygiene and enabling individuals to eat and drink without restrictions. Additionally, clear aligners provide a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to traditional braces.
If you’re looking for clear aligners Perth, On Point Dental is here for you! Book your appointment today.
How to clean clear aligners?
Cleaning clear aligners, including ClearCorrect clear aligners for teeth, is essential to maintain their transparency and hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment. Here are some steps to effectively clean clear aligners:
1. Rinse: After removing the clear aligners from your mouth, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove saliva and any food particles.
2. Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap or a non-abrasive clear aligner cleaner recommended by your dentist. Gently brush the aligners both inside and outside to remove plaque and debris. Avoid using toothpaste, as it may be abrasive and dull the aligners’ appearance.
3. Soak: Consider soaking the clear aligners in a denture cleaner or a mixture of water and clear aligner cleaning crystals for the recommended duration specified by the manufacturer or your orthodontist. This helps to disinfect and remove stubborn stains.
4. Avoid Heat: Keep clear aligners away from hot water, as exposure to heat can distort their shape.
5. Store Properly: When not in use, store clear aligners in their provided case to prevent damage or loss.
6. Regular Cleaning: Clean your teeth thoroughly before reinserting the aligners to avoid trapping plaque or bacteria against your teeth.
Consistent and proper cleaning of clear aligners or any other clear aligners for teeth is crucial to maintaining their clarity, preventing discoloration, and ensuring oral hygiene throughout the orthodontic treatment duration.
Still need help? No worries! Visit our dental clinic in Fremantle today, and our team would be more than happy to help.
Clear aligners vs. Invisalign?
There’s no difference! Invisalign is merely one of the better known brands of clear teeth aligners.
What is the difference between Invisalign and ClearCorrect?
Invisalign and ClearCorrect are both popular brands of clear teeth aligners used for orthodontic treatment, offering similar benefits of discreet teeth straightening. However, there are some differences between the two.
1. Material and Manufacturing: Invisalign uses a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, while ClearCorrect uses a thinner polyurethane resin material. The manufacturing process and materials may slightly vary, impacting the feel and appearance of the aligners.
2. Treatment Approach: Both Invisalign and ClearCorrect follow a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into alignment. The treatment plans and the way they address specific orthodontic issues might differ based on individual needs.
3. Cost: Pricing for Invisalign and ClearCorrect in Australia can vary based on the complexity of the treatment, the number of aligners needed, and the provider. Roughly, Invisalign treatment might range from $4,000 to $8,000, while ClearCorrect may range from $3,000 to $7,000 AUD. However, these figures can differ widely and depend on various factors, including the specific treatment plan and where you’re based.
Ultimately, the choice between Invisalign and ClearCorrect depends on your personal preferences, treatment needs, and the recommendation of an experienced orthodontist or dentist.
Give our team a call today to help decide which clear aligners for teeth best suit your orthodontic requirements and budget.
What are dental braces?
Dental braces, commonly referred to as dental teeth braces, are orthodontic devices used to straighten and align teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall oral health. These braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that work together to gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions. Traditional dental braces use metal brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires and elastic bands, applying gentle pressure to guide teeth movement.
Modern dental braces come in various types, including ceramic braces, which blend more with the teeth for a less noticeable appearance, and lingual braces, placed behind the teeth for greater discretion. Dental braces are an effective orthodontic treatment recommended for correcting misalignments, crowded teeth, gaps, and bite irregularities. They work by applying controlled force to gradually reposition the teeth, resulting in a straighter and more aligned smile. Seeking advice from a dentist helps determine the most suitable type of dental braces for your orthodontic needs – book your appointment today.
Does health insurance cover dental teeth braces?
Health insurance coverage often depends on your specific health insurance policy and provider. Some health insurance plans may offer partial coverage for orthodontics, including dental braces, as part of their extras or ancillary cover. However, it’s important to keep in mind that coverage for orthodontic treatment, such as dental teeth braces, typically comes with waiting periods, annual limits, and specific terms outlined in the insurance policy.
Reach out to your health insurance provider to get specific information on you and your family’s coverage for orthodontic treatment. As always, our team at On Point Dental is here to support your orthodontic care in Fremantle.