What is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. It can also focus on modifying facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.
Abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws is common. Nearly 50% of the population, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, has malocclusions severe enough to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Although this figure decreases to less than 10% according to the same AAO statement when referring to medically necessary orthodontics. Treatment can take several months to a few years, it involves the use of dental braces and other appliances to slowly move the teeth and jaws around. If the malocclusion is very severe, jaw surgery may be used. Treatment is usually started before a person reaches adulthood since bones can more easily be moved around in children.
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. It can also focus on modifying facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.
Abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws is common. Nearly 50% of the population, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, has malocclusions severe enough to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Although this figure decreases to less than 10% according to the same AAO statement when referring to medically necessary orthodontics. Treatment can take several months to a few years, it involves the use of dental braces and other appliances to slowly move the teeth and jaws around. If the malocclusion is very severe, jaw surgery may be used. Treatment is usually started before a person reaches adulthood since bones can more easily be moved around in children.
Orthodontic Methods In Perth
A typical treatment for incorrectly positioned teeth (malocclusion) takes about 1 to 3 years to complete, with braces being altered slightly every 4 to 10 weeks by the specialists called orthodontists.[4] Orthodontists are dental specialists who are University-trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They provide a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix bad bites and align the jaws correctly. Multiple methods exist for adjusting malocclusion. In growing patients there are more options for treating skeletal discrepancies, either promoting or restricting growth using functional appliances, orthodontic headgear or a reverse pull facemask. Most orthodontic work is started during the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed. If skeletal growth has completed, jaw surgery can be an option. Sometimes teeth are extracted to aid the orthodontic treatment (teeth are extracted in about half of all the cases, most commonly the premolars).
Orthodontic therapy can include the use of fixed or removable appliances. The majority of orthodontic therapy is delivered using appliances that are fixed in place, for example with braces that are bonded to the teeth with adhesives. Fixed appliances can have a greater mechanical control of the teeth and the treatment outcome is greater with the use of fixed appliances.
Fixed appliances are, for example, used to rotate teeth that don’t fit the arch shape of the other teeth, to move multiple teeth to different places, to change the angle of teeth, or to change the position of the root of the tooth. It is not preferable if the patient has poor oral hygiene (as that can result in decalcification, tooth decay, and other problems), if the patient isn’t motivated (as treatment lasts several months and commitment to oral hygiene is required), or if the malocclusions are mild.
Teeth Braces in Perth
Braces in Perth are usually placed on the front side of the teeth, but may also be placed on the side facing the tongue (called lingual braces). Brackets made out of stainless steel or porcelain are bonded to the center of the teeth using an adhesive. Wires are placed in a slot in the brackets which allows for controlled movement in all three dimensions.
Apart from wires, forces can be applied using elastic bands, and springs may be used to push teeth apart or to close a gap. Several teeth may be tied together with ligatures and different kinds of hooks can be placed to allow for connecting an elastic band.
Clear aligners are an alternative to braces, but insufficient evidence exists to determine their effectiveness.
Orthodontic Treatment Time in Perth
The time required for wearing braces in Perth varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem; the amount of room available; the distance the teeth must travel; the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone; and how closely the patient follows instructions. On average, however, once the braces are put on, they usually remain in place for one to three years. After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first six months, then only during sleep for many years.
Jaw Surgery Perth
Jaw surgery in Perth may be required to fix severe malocclusions before braces or dental implants are fixed to the jaw bone. The bone is broken during surgery and is stabilised with titanium (or bioresorbable) plates and screws to allow for healing to take place. After surgery, regular orthodontic treatment is used to move the teeth into their final position
After Orthodontic Treatment in Perth
After orthodontic treatment in Perth has completed, there is a tendency for teeth to return, or relapse, back to their pre-treatment positions. Over 50% of Perth patients have some reversion to pre-treatment positions within 10 years following treatment. To prevent relapse, the majority of patients will be offered a retainer once treatment has completed, and will benefit from wearing their retainers. Retainers can be either fixed or removable.
Qualified Orthodontist Perth
In Perth, to obtain an accredited three-year full-time university degree in orthodontics you will need to be a qualified dentist (complete an AHPRA registered general dental degree) with a minimum of two years clinical experience. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offer s orthodontic programs. Orthodontic Courses are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and reviewed by the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO). After completing a degree in orthodontics, orthodontists are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in order to practise orthodontics in Perth.
Where is a good Orthodontist in Perth's northern suburbs?
Ebortho in the Perth suburb of Ellenbrook are good orthodontists in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Practice managers of Perth orthodontal clinics can phone me on 0418958799 for an online ad on this web page if you have good orthodontic service in Perth.