Orthodontics
Orthodontix / Treatments / Orthodontics
Apart from making your teeth look great, there's also many important functional reasons for straightening teeth:
- Crowded and crooked teeth are hard to clean which can, in turn, cause a range of problems in the future
- Too much space between the teeth, caused by the jaw being too big for the teeth or missing teeth
- If the upper and lower jaws are misaligned or there's an underbite or overbite
You could also consult a specialist orthodontist if you notice other problems such as difficulty chewing or biting, if your child complains of a clicking jaw, tooth grinding or clenching, speech difficulties and breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
Dr Ronald Sluiter is a highly experienced and has particular expertise in facial biology and systems of moving teeth to improve function and appearance.
The cost of braces depends on the type of braces and how long they are on for. Generally the cost relates to the complexity of the treatment and how long they are on for. Many orthodontic practices offer payment terms, discounts for siblings and sometimes discount for early payment. The practice will advise you at your consultation visit.
Our orthodontists are highly trained and skilled at making the whole process of getting braces easy and painless. Getting braces put on isn’t a painful procedure. However, most patients will feel some discomfort or mild pain when the braces are first put on and they get used to having them. When the braces are adjusted every 6 to 8 weeks they may also be a bit uncomfortable for a day or two until you adjust to them. The removal of your braces is also painless.
Orthodontists usually recommend your child has their first visit at around age 7 or when their adult teeth start coming through. Your orthodontist will assess your child's teeth and discuss the best treatment process with you. It may be that treatment should be delayed – the orthodontist will guide you as to the likely time frame and will offer regular check-ups.
Some children with a range of issues may require early treatment, have a break and then restart treatment once more adult teeth are through or their jaw has grown more. An early assessment enables treatment to start at the optimum time for your child.
The usual treatment time with braces for a teenager is around 24 months. However the duration of treatment can vary from 3 months for a simple cosmetic correction through to several years, split into several treatment stages. The duration depends on the growth of the mouth and face and the severity of the problem.
It’s not unusual these days for adults to get braces or orthodontic treatment. It can be as successful in adults as it is for children. Treatment time may vary depending on your age, as adults have denser bone tissue meaning treatment may take a bit longer. If you're thinking about getting orthodontic treatment we suggest booking an appointment with an orthodontist. They will be able to assess your teeth and recommend the best treatment option for you.
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed additional study at a university dental school. After completing a five-year dental undergraduate programme, an orthodontist typically practices first as a general dentist, before undertaking further post-graduate specialist studies. After additional full-time study in the field of orthodontics, they graduate with a Masters of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics. Orthodontists keep knowledge current through ongoing Continuing Professional Development. Orthodontic specialists can be members of the NZ Association of Orthodontists.
Orthodontics is the specialist field of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of issues developing from alignment problems with the teeth and jaws. Specialist orthodontists have extra training, specifically in this field.