Braces in Wooloowin, QLD

In addition to the comprehensive general dentistry services provided at North Brisbane Dental Clinic, Dr Georgia Sheahan and Dr Priyesh Shah offer fixed (braces) orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.

A straight smile may mean a healthier smile. When properly aligned, teeth are easier to keep clean, making them less likely to have problems with decay, infection or tooth stains. In addition, quality orthodontic care can mean less wear and damage from a misaligned bite and improved comfort. Properly aligned teeth may also improve jaw function for patients who experience TMJ dysfunction. Not to mention, a straight smile may add confidence to all you do.

Early Childhood Orthodontics in North Brisbane

As part of each child’s paediatric dentistry in Wooloowin, an early childhood orthodontic evaluation allows us to determine if your child’s bone, teeth, and jaw are developing normally. In most cases, it is not necessary to intervene and start treatment until permanent teeth are present. This is usually around age 11-13 for girls and 12-15 for boys.

There are some specific issues, however, that do benefit from early intervention. These would include crossbite or asymmetry, among others. Your dentist will assess your child’s teeth and jaws at each checkup to determine if any orthodontic treatment is required.

Braces for Teens and Adults

For children, teens, and adults, traditional braces offer a reliable solution for orthodontic conditions, including:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Openbite
• Crooked teeth
• Twisted teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Unusual spacing
• Jaw issues
• Protruding teeth

Your dentist bonds brackets directly to the teeth and controls movement with a thin, pliable wire. With regular adjustments to the shape of the wire, teeth will gradually move into their ideal location. Treatment could take anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on your particular case. Modern braces are available in silver and tooth-coloured alternatives.
 

The porcelain (teeth-coloured) braces are less noticeable than their metal cousins, but both modes of treatment straighten teeth with minimal fuss. Braces are less intrusive and more comfortable than they used to be. However, mild discomfort is to be expected when teeth are being moved. Thankfully, any pain you experience as your teeth begin to move generally eases off quite quickly.

If you opt for braces, you must avoid biting into foods that can damage brackets and wires, sticky and chewy foods in particular.

We have had many dismayed looks from kids who are told they can’t have pork crackling or redskins for a while. If we’re feeling a bit cheeky, we sometimes encourage these kids to binge on their favourite sweets just before braces go on, so hopefully, they’ve had enough to last them a while. It’s the only time you’ll ever hear a north Brisbane dentist telling you to eat sweets, so our advice is: take advantage of it while it lasts! Rest assured, there are still plenty of treats you can indulge in while braces are on, just not the chewy, sticky kind. We recommend going for ice cream instead.

Treatment times for braces vary from person to person. Once we’ve had a chance to examine your teeth, we will give an approximation of what we predict the treatment time to be. However, there is always some variation between cases. Some people’s teeth float into place quickly, and others are a bit more stubborn. The good news is even if treatment takes longer than expected, there is no extra charge for the extra time. The quote you receive at the initial consultation is fixed in stone.