FAQs
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is specialised dental treatment which targets irregularities with the teeth, jaw and palate. Orthodontic treatment assists in aligning or straightening teeth, adjusting your jaw or bite, and expanding your palate to create the best and healthiest smile available to the individual.
What Happens At My First Orthodontic Consultation Appointment?
One of our Orthodontists will assess your particular dental situation. Once a treatment has been determined the Orthodontist will discuss treatment options and outcomes with you. One of our friendly Treatment Coordinators will then assist in planning the ideal customised treatment and provide an itemised quote. You will leave this consultation well informed.
What are Diagnostic Records?
The Orthodontist uses diagnostic records to fully assess and devise the ideal treatment plan for each Patient. Diagnostic records consist of two different types of X-rays; OPG and a CEPH, intra oral and extra oral photographs, as well as moulds of the teeth which are then made into study model. Both practices are equipped with X-ray imaging systems and laboratory facilities to collect these records.
What are Braces?
Braces are brackets made out of metal alloy, plastic and porcelain that are fixed to your teeth either on the outside or inside (lingual). The individual brace is designed to clasp an orthodontic wire in place. The braces and wire is designed to place controlled force on teeth to gently move them into a new position. Some people require a full set of braces, called full fixed appliances and some people only require partial braces, where only a few braces a fitted to specific teeth.
Are There Different Types of Braces?
At Wilkinson Orthodontics Gold Coast we use a variety of different types of braces including Spirit (partially clear on upper teeth and metal braces), Self-Ligating (partially clear on upper teeth using gated porcelain braces), Incognito (gold alloy inside braces) and Invisalign (clear aligners). All of these brace options have different aesthetics about them, from nearly clear, almost invisible, to completely hidden. Our qualified professional Treatment Coordinators will be happy to discuss in details with you at your consultation appointment on benefits and functionality of the different braces on offer.
How Are Braces Fitted To My Teeth?
Braces are bonded to the teeth using dental adhesive. There is no pain during this process. Braces can be fitted individually, which is called direct bonding or all at once, which is called indirect bonding. Both techniques are used at Wilkinson Orthodontics. Bonding braces does not cause pain. It takes approximately 45 minutes to bond a full set of braces to your teeth.
What are Orthodontic Plates?
There are many different types of removable and fixed plates used for a variety of Orthodontics applications, such as jaw expansion, sustaining spacing between teeth, and aligning upper and lower jaws. Some plates are used in conjunction with braces.
Does Wilkinson Orthodontics offer Invisalign or Inside (lingual) Braces?
Yes we offer both options – Invisalign and Incognito (inside braces).
Can I Get Treatment On Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?
Our aim is to make sure that your teeth are aesthetically pleasing as well as functioning correctly. To make sure your teeth are functioning well we need to consider your bite as part of the teeth straightening process. If we only place braces on upper or lower teeth it may compromise the way your teeth bite together and their functionality. This is not the case for everyone, and at your initial consultation your Orthodontist will advise which treatment options will be best suited to you.
Can I Still Play Sport or a Musical Instrument?
Of course. Playing a musical instrument will require a little adjustment when you first have your braces fitted however this shouldn’t stop you from participating in your normal activities. We recommend those who play a contact sport to wear a custom fitted mouthguard to help protect your new smile during and after orthodontic treatment. Please feel free to ask our staff for information on custom made mouthguards.
What Are The Benefits of Having Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics has the ability to enhance your smile giving you an increase in confidence and self esteem. It will also improve the functionality of your teeth by creating a more even biting surface and therefore reducing the wear on your teeth over time. Having orthodontics is an investment not only in the longevity of your teeth but provides a beautiful full smile for the whole world to see.
What if my General Dentist is doing Orthodontics?
There are General Dentists who practice Orthodontics within their practice. The difference is that an Orthodontist is a Specialist who first started as a dentist and then undertook an extra 3 years of formal education gaining qualifications in the specialist field of Orthodontics. This specialised education allows the Orthodontist to understand face symmetry and correction, skeletal growth and correction, and develop treatment plans for complex dental variations. An Orthodontist understands the full complexities of orthodontic correction not just the aesthetics of a smile.
What Is The Best Age To See An Orthodontist
No matter what your age there is no age limit to orthodontics. A first consultation for children is often recommended at age seven, as some dental discrepancies are best corrected whilst we are still developing. However, adult orthodontics can be just as successful and has seen a rise in popularity with less visible treatment options becoming available like Invisalign and Incognito.
Will I Need To Continue To See My General Dentist Whilst Having Orthodontics?
Yes. Your Orthodontist will be taking special care in your Orthodontic treatment and will monitor your dental health, however it is important to see your General Dentist or Hygienist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleans. Having an Orthodontic appliance or braces can make cleaning more challenging and it is important that we work with you and your dentist to ensure your teeth remain healthy throughout treatment.
Will I Need To Wear Elastics And What Do They Do?
Elastics are used in conjunction with braces to help correct your malocclusion (the way your teeth bite together). It is important to correct your bite, even more so than straightening your teeth, to give you functional use of your teeth and help prevent wear on your teeth over time. We will advise you during treatment if elastic wear will be required.
