Conventional Orthodontics

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Orthodontics can improve a person’s self-image and boost self-esteem. The results from a successful orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, and can also improve a person’s general outlook on life. Our ultimate goal is to give you the confidence to smile, a great smile is an important part of enjoying life.

Can orthodontics benefit you?

Dental braces can be used to straighten crooked teeth, align upper and lower jaws, improve the aesthetics of smiles and faces, and relieve pressure on joints. Alignment of the teeth can help alleviate or prevent such problems as tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and even tooth loss.

The ideal age for starting conventional orthodontic treatment ranges from 3 to 12. In children, the goal of orthodontic treatment is not only to create straight well-aligned teeth, but also to improve the facial profile that will remain stable throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Orthodontic treatment in adults is more difficult. Those who undergo treatment should be aware that they will probably need to wear a retainer at night the rest of their lives if they want to maintain the results of the treatment. [link to invisalign info]

What are braces?

For comprehensive orthodontic treatment metal wires (archwires) are inserted into orthodontic brackets which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into the desired positions. Additional components, including removable appliances ("plates"), headgear, expansion appliances, and many other devices, may also be used to move teeth and jaw bones.

Treatment

Prior to your initial consultation we will post you a pack containing information on what you can expect from your orthodontic treatment with Withers Dental and an estimate of cost for treatment.
At your initial consultation you will undergo a routine orthodontic pre-treatment examination including x-rays and photographs. Dr Withers will also take impressions of your teeth to be used in the analysis process.

We will ask that you return after the pre-treatment examination for a case analysis appointment, there is no charge for this appointment. This appointment is used to discuss treatment options and so the dentist can answer any questions you may have.

Once the decision is made to proceed with treatment, your fitting appointment can be scheduled and a set of brackets, wires and molar bands ordered specifically for your treatment. Once we set the brackets and wires in place, we show you how to take care of them.

After your braces are fitted, you will come back approximately every 6 weeks to check how your treatment is progressing. These visits are an essential part of your treatment, and the cost is included in the initial fee. For a short while after these visits, your teeth may feel a bit tender.

Typical treatment times can vary from six months to two and a half years depending on the complexity of the treatment. In order to avoid the teeth moving back to their original position, retainers must be worn once your orthodontic treatment is complete.

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