Orthodontic treatment is an important contribution to oral health, providing an answer for malocclusion, occlusal malposition, and all related oral problems. Orthodontics has become widely practiced in Australia, and a range of orthodontic treatment options are available to meet a wide range of individual needs. From conventional metal bracings to contemporary transparent aligners, there is a spectrum of orthodontic therapies that can be used to treat patients of any age group with their associated advantages. The present article explores various orthodontic treatment alternatives in Australia such as fixed braces, clear aligners and their latest developments. If you’re looking for expert care, an orthodontist in Maroubra can help you find the best solution for your needs.
The Role of Orthodontics in Dental Health
Orthodontics is an advanced field of dentistry that specializes in the detection, prevention and correction of teeth and jaw deformities. Many people seek orthodontic treatment to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile, but the benefits extend far beyond cosmetic enhancement. In excellent occlusion, teeth can function to optimize oral function allowing chewing and speaking with relative ease and, in turn, can reduce the chance of oral disease including dental caries, periodontal disease, and jaw pain.
In Australia, orthodontics is commonly associated with treatments such as braces and aligners. Still the profession has changed in the course of time and it has made available a wide variety of techniques and possibilities adapted to various dental indications. Whatever the clinical need may be for the treatment of functional problem, aesthetic changes, or both, an orthodontic intervention can be found suited to each patient’s situation.
Traditional Braces: The Classic Solution
By far, traditional metal orthodontics represents the common-place treatment for correcting misaligned teeth of the patients who want to normalize their teeth. Such braces contain metallic brackets which are fixed to the teeth, through a thin wire. The wire exerts a pressure on the teeth, and slowly moves them to the correct position in the course of time.
In Australia, many patients choose, straight orthodontics, for their proven effectiveness and flexibility. Metal braces are especially suitable for complex orthodontic cases, such as severe bite issues or crowded teeth. In addition, coloured elastics are commonly incorporated for amusement and customization, thus braces become an attractive treatment choice for children.
Clear Aligners: A Discreet and Comfortable Alternative
During the last years, there have been developed transparent aligners as a more discreet and comfortable option to conventional braces. These aligners are made from clear, durable plastic material that is custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth. In contrast to braces, which are directly bonded to teeth, the clear aligners (various types and various brands) are detachable and can be removed for eating, drinking, or brushing teeth.
Clear aligners have become very popular in Australia because of their ease in using and the in-visibility of the appliance. The aligners are nearly invisible, so they are a favourite by people who wish to get orthodontic treatment but who want to have a hidden brace.
Lingual Braces: Hidden Braces for a Discreet Treatment
Lingual braces are a traditional orthodontic appliance bonded to the rear (lingual side) of the teeth, and as a result they are almost impossible to see from the front. In this alternative there is an outstanding solution for patients who want to go orthodontically through a very discrete means, without leaving out the benefits of the traditional braces in the same treatment. Lingual braces are made to order for a snug fit on the surfaces of each patient’s teeth, and they are comfortable and non-removable.
Ceramic Braces: The Blend of Aesthetics and Function
Ceramic braces provide an intermediate appearance between conventional metal brackets and transparent aligners, that is, transparent. These brackets are formed from transparent or tooth-coloured resins that are more easily assimilated into the natural tooth colour, and as a result they are less visible than metal brackets. The ceramic type of braces are one of the popular choices of patients who need conventional anchors but look for a more aesthetic bracket.
