A comprehensive guide to orthodontics at E11even Dental

Have you got crooked teeth?

Do you refrain from smiling in photos because of the gaps between your teeth?

Unfortunately, we’re not all blessed with perfectly straight teeth – and this can affect our ability to bite and talk.

Misaligned teeth can also lead to dental issues, including (but not limited to) tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing the foods we once loved.

The good news is there is a simple solution for straightening your teeth, correcting your bite, and achieving a more symmetrical smile. And we have all the answers here at E11even Dental!

Read on to find out everything you need to know about orthodontics and how our expert orthodontists in Harley District can help you enhance your smile.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatments involve different types of appliances that apply gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them to the desired position.

These include:

Fixed braces

Our ceramic and lingual braces in Harley District are both a type of fixed brace that you cannot remove.

Lingual braces are fixed on the inside of your teeth whereas ceramic braces are fixed on the outside. Available with white brackets and wires, ceramic braces are less obvious than metal braces – but you should still avoid tea, coffee, curry and red wine to prevent them from staining.

As is the case with any fixed brace, the brackets will need to be tightened and adjusted monthly to allow your teeth to move towards their target position.

Removable braces

Removable braces, like Invisalign, are thin, transparent aligners that are custom-made for your smile. These move teeth in the same way as fixed braces but they’re virtually unnoticeable and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Every set of aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks (22 hours a day) and will need to be changed to gradually move and straighten your teeth. And you’ll need to visit our orthodontist every 6-8 weeks so we can check the procedure is working.

Retainers

Used at the end of orthodontic treatment to hold straightened teeth in place while the surrounding bone and gum adjust to their new positions, retainers can either be removable or fixed.

Here at E11even Dental, we provide the best retainers in Harley District, allowing you to maintain your stunning new smile. If you choose not to wear your retainer after undergoing orthodontic treatment, your teeth will likely drift towards their original positions – making it difficult (if not impossible) to correct.

Self-ligating braces

If you’re looking for a modern alternative to traditional metal braces, consider our Damon braces.

As self-ligating braces, these don’t require rubber bands to attach to the metal arch that’s glued to the front surface of your teeth. Instead, the wires slide into each of the individual braces that are attached to the teeth – making them more discreet and less painful than their conventional counterparts.

SureSmile Braces

Orthodontic treatments can be a long-term commitment – taking several months or years to straighten teeth. However, E11even Dental is one of the only dentists to use SureSmile braces in Harley District, reducing treatment time by 30%.

We use 3D diagnostic imaging to devise the most effective treatment plan and show patients how their teeth will look post-treatment. Robotic technology bends wires at high temperatures to ensure maximum comfort whilst providing the gentle force needed to straighten teeth.

As leaders in orthodontics, the team at E11even Dental will always discuss your requirements in further detail and assess the condition of your gums and teeth before advising you on which approach to go for.

We’ll also talk you through the procedure so you know what to expect from your treatment – ensuring no hidden surprises and putting your mind at ease when you’re sat in the dentist’s chair.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatments?

Orthodontic treatments are often used to improve the appearance and alignment of crooked, protruded, or crowded teeth.

Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean, putting you at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Opting to straighten your teeth with orthodontics will not only make it easier for you to brush and floss your teeth, but it’ll also prevent diseases.

Teeth that don’t fit together correctly can make it harder for you to chew – resulting in headaches, shoulder or back pain and, in some cases, temporomandibular joint (TMI) disorder. Orthodontic treatment will provide a healthy, functional bite so the front and back teeth meet evenly.

Abnormal positioning of your teeth and jaw can affect the shape of your face, impacting your self-esteem, and increasing the chances of your prominent teeth becoming damaged. However, our orthodontic specialists can treat such imperfections and risks by using a brace.

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

If you suffer from any of the following dental issues, orthodontic treatment can help:

Overbite – the upper front teeth appear to stick out over the lower teeth.

Underbite – the lower teeth protrude beyond your upper front teeth.

Crossbite – the upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Open bite – the upper and lower teeth don’t touch properly, leaving a gap when the mouth is closed.

Misplaced midline – the centre of the upper teeth and lower teeth don’t line up.

Spacing – the front teeth are separated by large gaps, usually as a result of missing teeth, teeth shifting, thumb-sucking, or gum disease.

Crowding – the dental ridge in your mouth doesn’t have enough room for all your teeth, causing teeth to shift so they’re not aligned correctly.

If you’re not aware of any of the issues mentioned above, your dentist can examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays to establish whether orthodontic treatment is required.

How do I look after my brace and teeth?

While you’re having orthodontic treatment, you still need to attend routine dental appointments and clean your teeth and gums as usual. However, braces can be delicate appliances, so you must take extra care when brushing and flossing.

For example, if you opt for Invisalign in Harley District, you’ll need to remove your aligners and clean them using a small blob of toothpaste and your toothbrush. Once you’ve cleaned them, either put them back in your mouth or the box provided by our orthodontic specialist. Don’t leave them on the sink or in your pocket as they’ll only end up damaged or lost.

If you decide to get lingual braces or SureSmile braces, you’ll need to brush your teeth and gums using fluoride toothpaste. Allow yourself extra time to clean over your braces and use interdental brushes to clean between the wires.

Patients with self-ligating braces will need to visit the practice so we can change the wires and reposition the brackets. However, the beauty of our Damon braces in Harley District is that you can easily clean them in between visits using a toothbrush and interdental brush.

For more tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene after having any other type of orthodontic treatment, talk to our experts today.

Why should I choose E11even Dental for orthodontics?

Braces are often associated with teenagers, but we’re delighted to inform you that our orthodontic treatments, here at E11even Dental, are suitable for all ages.

Having specialised in orthodontics in Harley District for many years, our orthodontists and therapists make sure that every patient receives the very best in dental care.

During your initial consultation, our team will perform an oral examination and dental X-rays to determine the best course of action to resolve your misaligned teeth or to correct your bite.

After deciding on a suitable treatment plan, we’ll then need to take impressions to create moulds of your teeth, to ensure your brace fits comfortably and doesn’t slip when you talk.

To find out more about the orthodontic treatments on offer at our clinic and how you can benefit from them, don’t hesitate to get in touch.