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Why do people need braces?

Braces are usually fitted in order to straighten crooked teeth or to correct a poorly aligned bite.

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They can also be used to relieve overcrowding, or to reduce the spacing between the teeth. Whatever the underlying reason, the essential function of braces is to reposition the teeth and improve oral health and wellbeing. It is most often the case that people get braces fitted in their teens, in order to correct an exisiting problem or to prevent more serious dental problems from developing later in life.

However, this is changing and it is now not uncommon for people aged in their 20s and even later to have braces fitted at Southside Dental Options. There are also many more options available now when it comes to the type of braces that you can have fitted, so it pays to talk to our dentists about the choices you have open to you, regardless of your age.

How are braces fitted?

When you have conventional braces fitted, metal or ceramic brackets are placed on the surface of each tooth.

This bracket is connected to an interlinking arch wire which is designed to apply force, and it is this pressure that over time causes the teeth to move into the desired position. As part of the process, the wires will be adjusted and changed over the course of your treatment, in order to control the teeth’s gradual repositioning.

Once you have had braces fitted, you will generally be required to come back to our Morphett Vale dentist surgery every 6 to 10 weeks for a checkup. We will also make adjustments to your braces to ensure that the pressure being applied remains comfortable, yet sufficient for your teeth to become correctly aligned.

There are, however, other types of braces, such as Invisalign and clear aligners, which are designed and fitted in a different way to conventional metal or ceramic braces. Talk to your dentist about the range of braces Southside Dental Options can provide.

What are the benefits of braces?

Braces are fitted to fulfil a range of different purposes, and so bring with them a number of important benefits.

The most obvious benefit of braces is that they improve the quality of your smile by ensuring your teeth are straighter and more evenly spaced. However, there are other reasons for getting braces that go beyond the aesthetic.

Children and teenagers, for instance, can have crowded teeth, or problems with their jaw alignment (also referred to as your bite), both of which can make it harder to maintain oral health, and can lead to more serious dental problems later in life.

Braces are highly effective in addressing these sorts of issues before problems emerge or become too serious. Therefore, whether you are looking to correct a structural issue, or are considering getting braces purely for cosmetic purposes, they are effective not only in correcting the positioning of your teeth, but also for improving your overall oral health.

When is the right time to get braces?

There is no set age for getting braces, nor are they confined to treating one particular condition or problem.

Therefore, the decision whether you should have braces fitted will depend on your particular needs and circumstances; however, we would always recommend tackling any potential orthodontic problems as early as possible. For children, braces will usually be fitted to correct crowding or spacing problems, and to ensure that teeth are straight and developing in the way that they should be. For girls, this means braces are most commonly fitted at 11 or 12 years of age, while for boys it is 12 to 13.

However, there are no hard and fast rules in this regard. In the case of adults, braces are commonly used to correct mouth and jaw problems, as well as to enhance the quality of your smile, and so can be fitted at any age. If you have concerns over these or any other issues, our dentists will be able to advise you as to whether having braces fitted is the right option for you. You can chat with us in person at our south Adelaide practice, call us on (08) 8382 2436, or email admin@southsidedental.com.au.

Before & After Photos

FAQ

Common questions about Braces

What types of braces can I have fitted?

At Southside Dental Options, we are experienced in fitting a range of braces, and will help you choose the option that is right for you. These include:

  • Metal braces
  • Ceramic braces
  • Clear aligners

How long will it take before I start to see results?

It can take between 1 to 30 months of wearing braces for your desired result to be achieved.

Can I continue with my normal oral hygiene routine when wearing braces?

Wearing braces means it is more important than ever to maintain good standards of oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced, healthy diet, not smoking, and avoiding as far as possible liquids that stain your teeth, like coffee, tea and red wine.

You should also seek to avoid crunchy and sticky foods as far as possible when wearing braces.

How much do braces cost?

The type of braces you have fitted and the complexity of the case will determine the overall cost of your treatment. Please ask your dentist at your next appointment, call us (08) 8382 2436, or email admin@southsidedental.com.au to find out more.

Does having braces fitted hurt?

The process of having your braces fitted at our dental surgery in Morphett Vale will be painless. You may experience some discomfort as you get used to wearing your braces, but on the whole you will be surprised at how quickly you feel comfortable with them on.

How often do I have to come for checkups?

Once your braces have been fitted, we suggest that you come back every 6 to 10 weeks so that we can check your progress and make any adjustments to your braces that may be required.

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