Your oral hygiene must be excellent, as cleaning your teeth is much more difficult with a brace in place. Brushing your teeth after every snack and meal throughout the day will reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. In addition, it takes longer to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Ask your dentist which is the best type of toothbrush for cleaning braces. If you do not look after your teeth during treatment, they can become permanently stained.
Expert Orthodontist Melbourne
Expert orthodontists in Melbourne provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments. Orthodontics is when teeth are straightened or moved to improve the appearance of your smile by correcting the alignment of your teeth and the way you bite together. An incorrect bite can lead to long-term dental problems and even jaw and head pain. By straightening the teeth, you also help to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases, as straighter teeth are easier to clean.
Orthodontic braces are either fixed or removable.
- Fixed braces consist of brackets and bands that are cemented (glued) to your teeth and hold flexible wires in place. These wires exert pressure on your teeth, gently moving them into their correct position throughout your treatment.
- Removable braces can be taken in and out of the mouth. They have delicate wires and springs attached, which move the teeth using gentle pressure. These are used for less complex cases or in conjunction with fixed Braces as part of a combined treatment.
Orthodontic Services We Offer
At Lincoln Dental, we offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments to meet every patient’s needs, including:
- Traditional Metal Braces: Effective for correcting teeth misalignment with proven results.
- Clear Ceramic Braces: Aesthetic braces that blend with the natural colour of your teeth.
- Invisalign: Discreet and removable clear aligners for a more comfortable treatment experience.
- Early Orthodontic Treatment: For children requiring early intervention to prevent future dental issues.
- Adult Orthodontics: Customised solutions for adults seeking to improve their smile.
- Bite Correction: Treatments for overbites, underbites, and crossbites to improve oral function.
Affordable orthodontist Melbourne At Lincoln Dental
Get the beautiful smile you always dreamed of with treatment from the best orthodontic dentist in Melbourne. To schedule an appointment for a check-up or orthodontic treatment in Melbourne, call us at 03 9939 3032 or 03 9874 1309.
How does the treatment start?
Your dentist will refer you to a dentist who carries out orthodontic treatment, or you can refer yourself. At the first appointment, the dentist will discuss what you want to achieve from the orthodontic treatment. You will have an oral assessment, x-rays and moulds taken of your teeth.
At the second appointment, the dentist will outline your treatment plan and discuss your options. In many cases, permanent teeth need to be extracted to create space in your mouth to move the remaining teeth.
Fitting the Braces
Appointment Three: Small plastic bands called ‘Separators’ will be placed between your molar teeth. They will stay in place for one week to create a space for the permanent molar bands.
The molar bands, brackets and wires will be put in place at the next appointment. You may find that for the first couple of days your teeth may feel tender to bite and your jaw aches; this is because of the pressure of the brace, taking a headache tablet will help. If the discomfort lasts longer than a few days, make an appointment to see your dentist, who carries out the orthodontic treatment, to see if your brace needs adjusting. You may find that your brace may also rub against the inside of your lips or cheeks. If this is the case, use the wax your dentist will have supplied.
You will now need to see your dentist carrying out the orthodontic treatment every six to eight weeks to have the bands and wires changed, tightened or elastics added. If your brace is tightened, you may feel a slight discomfort later in the day, which is normal, and a headache tablet will help.
You still require regular six-month dental check-ups to ensure your gums and teeth are healthy.
How long does the treatment take?
It usually takes between 18 and 24 months, but the time will vary according to the case’s complexity. We will provide you with a time frame at the beginning of the treatment; however, breakages of the brace will add time to the treatment.
Looking after your Braces
You will be able to eat most of the foods you ate before, but you must take more care not to damage your braces. Some foods must be cut out of your diet while wearing the appliance.
- Toffees.
- Chewy sweets, like Mars bars or Starburst, for example.
- Hard foods, like crusty bread and apples.
Also, think twice before opening bottles with your teeth, biting pen tops or chewing your fingernails, as these can damage your braces.
After your treatment is complete
Your braces will be removed, and your teeth will be cleaned and polished to remove any remaining cement. Your treatment is not over; the teeth must be held in position while the surrounding gum and bone settle. This period is called retention, and the appliance holding the teeth is called a retainer, either fixed or removable. Depending on the type of retainers. Impressions may be taken for the retainers to be made at the dental laboratory. You will then return a week later to collect your retainers.