Visit Core Dental for your children’s braces and Invisalign
The question we are most often asked relates to the necessity of a tooth extraction. Some orthodontists and general dentists claim to use “new orthopaedic” methods and appliances for treating crooked teeth without the need for an extraction. These are marketed as better than “traditional orthodontics” for facial aesthetics. Our specialist orthodontists also offer such methods and appliances, but in some cases of overcrowding the best results depend on creating additional space via the extraction of one or several teeth. We will consult with you on the available options and will tailor a plan to suit your expectations and your child’s biological needs.
Traditional and Clear Braces
Orthodontic appliances have come a long way. As well as traditional metal (stainless steel) braces, clear or ceramic (porcelain) braces are available; these match the surrounding tooth colour, are more aesthetically pleasing and are virtually invisible from 2 to 3 metres away.
Both traditional and clear braces work in the same way: a series of brackets with a wire arch running through the slots of the bracket are attached to the surface of each tooth, and when the wire is tensioned these slowly guide the teeth into position.
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Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is the almost invisible alternative to braces for young people. With Invisalign, teeth are gradually moved into place by means of custom-made clear aligners that are changed every two to three weeks until the teeth are in the desired position.
Teenagers being treated with Invisalign can remove the aligners to eat, brush their teeth, and play sport or a musical instrument, or even for a special occasion. Aligners simply need to be worn for the prescribed 22 hours per day to be effective within the treatment time prescribed by your orthodontist.
Learn MoreSpace Maintainers
When a primary tooth is lost prematurely (usually due to decay), adjacent teeth may drift into the space and leave insufficient room for proper alignment of the developing permanent teeth. Our specialist paediatric dentist and specialist orthodontists will advise you as to whether a space-maintaining device is necessary. Space maintainers can be fixed or removable, depending on the individual case.
Dental Crowding and Early Intervention to Avoid Extractions
If dental crowding is noted in a young child, removable orthopaedic plates can be utilised from the age of six to eight years. To expand the arches or maintain premolar spaces and avoid the need for later extractions, orthodontic braces may follow. Early intervention is usually achieved with simple removable appliances, but treatment is often continued until all the teeth have erupted. Fixed braces are then used to complete the alignment.
Snoring and Low Tongue Position Problems
Childhood snoring is a possible sign of partial airway obstruction and is a potentially serious problem that can affect a child’s daytime mood, educational development and facial development. Occasionally, the problem is due to narrowness of the upper jaw. Early expansion may help to improve nasal airflow and restore normal sleeping patterns. We work in conjunction with ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists and a children’s sleep specialist to provide orthodontic care for children with snoring problems.
Orthodontic Treatment of Jaw Growth Problems in Children
In some children, a growth imbalance between the top and bottom jaws (the maxilla and the mandible) makes it impossible to bite correctly. This is often an inherited problem. To compensate, expansion of either jaw and promoting forward growth can be useful. Recent studies have indicated that early intervention, when the child is aged six to eight, can be advantageous. Core Dental’s specialist orthodontists work in conjunction with our oral & maxillofacial surgeons in the effective dental management of children with jaw problems who may also require orthognathic surgery.