Child Orthodontics in Rosebery

A different approach to traditional orthodontics

Traditionally orthodontics has been purely focused on straightening teeth by whatever means possible. This would usual mean pulling out several teeth in order to alleviate any crowding and then pulling teeth back to close the gaps. This would also mean straightening teeth without regard for the facial appearance and facial profile.

Lips are supported by the teeth so if you pull teeth back, lip support is lost resulting in a “flatter” facial appearance.

What is the point of pulling teeth out and making the remaining teeth straight as possible if you end up with a damaged face?

At the Healthy Smile Centre, while making the teeth straight and aesthetically pleasing is a goal, the priority is in creating beautiful faces and beautiful healthy smiles.

The only way this is achievable is to address the issue of why the teeth have become crooked in the first place. This can only be answered by holistically assessing a persons general and oral health, airway assessment, breathing patterns, and, myofunctional and parafunctional habits ie how one uses their facial muscles.

The teeth are attached to the head which is attached to the body. Surrounding the teeth are muscles which are also attached to the head and body and so it becomes highly relevant and important that any orthodontic issues be addressed holistically not be simply a matter of “yes you can get braces”.

Orofacial Orthopaedics (facial structure development)

Facial growth abnormalities can be assessed and diagnosed in children as young as 3 years of age. Airway obstruction problems can be detected in children even younger.

What many people don’t realise is that an open and patent airway is vital for normal facial growth and development. A patent airway allows for correct tongue position and posture keeping the dental jaws nice and wide, allowing for teeth to erupt with no or minimal crowding.

However our diets are changing away from fresh and healthy produce, foods are much softer, we are spending more time indoors and less time outdoors, getting less physical exercise, mothers are breast feeding for short periods, and there a lot more pollutants and allergens in the air.

As a result, we are seeing more children with crowded jaws and hence crowded teeth. Crowded jaws lead to restricted air passages, and this in turn can cause symptoms such as mouth breathing, recurrent ear infections, upper respiratory infections, vertical facial growth, venous pooling under the eyes, bed wetting, visual disturbances and incorrect speech and swallow patterns. Yes, this is all related!

So if a deformity is suspected and/or detected, would you not want something done as soon as possible?

At the Healthy Smile Centre, one of our main priorities with all children is to ensure that they are given the best opportunity for correct facial growth and development through early and minimal intervention.

The ideal time for initial assessment for children is 2-3 years of age. The best time for mothers to come in for advice is pre-pregnancy during their examination and check-up appointments or shortly after giving birth.

Orthodontics (braces)

Orthodontics provides both an aesthetic and functional enhancement to your smile. In a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of people surveyed thought of a smile as an important social asset. 74% of people surveyed thought an unattractive smile could adversely affect a person’s chances for employment and success.​

Having an unattractive smile can lower self-esteem and self-confidence.

Having a straight smile not only looks good, feels great but is also far easier to clean and maintain decreasing your chances of gum disease, dental decay, bite problems, snoring and sleep apnoea.

At the Healthy Smile Centre we provide both traditional and clear braces. We use the revolutionary self-ligating braces by the Damon system?, as it provides optimal results and patient comfort as they move teeth via light and gentle forces.

To talk to our cosmetic dentist at Healthy Smile Centre about having Orthodontics in Alexandria, click the Book an Appointment button below.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you. Contact us for more information