Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialised area of dentistry used to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile. Dr Carolyn Langrell-Read can assess your teeth, discuss possible orthodontic treatment and refer you to a specialist orthodontist if needed.

What Is The Best Age For Orthodontics?

If you are concerned about your child’s teeth it is good to book their first appointment around the age of 9 years when most of their adult teeth are coming through.

Any age is a good age to start orthodontics. Increasingly, adults are choosing to improve their smile with orthodontic treatments such as braces or the Invisalign system.

Book a consultation with Dr Carolyn Langrell-Read to find out more.

Orthodontic Treatments

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding coloured elastic ties for a more unique and colourful smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who may have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene and care as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.

Aligner Treatments 

Aligner treatments such as Invisalign — the clear and invisible solution for straightening your teeth, has many advantages over traditional braces and results can be achieved relatively quickly.

• Precise, predictable and gradual teeth movement
• The clear aligners are virtually invisible, meaning you can always smile confidently
• More comfortable
• Invisalign aligners are removable so you can clean them to maintain oral hygiene
• You can brush and floss as usual for good oral health

After full orthodontic assessment, your orthodontist will be able to advise if aligner treatment maybe suitable for you.

Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics is a combination treatment using orthodontics and surgery to correct severe cases where the problem is related to the poor position of the jaw bones rather than just the teeth. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist work together to plan the combined approach and timing for the best possible aesthetic and functional outcome. Surgery is generally carried out after most jaw growth has finished (roughly from age 16 years for girls and from 18 years for boys).