Orthodontics

Orthodontics Leichhardt

Orthodontics is in charge of addressing malocclusions or improper bites, a condition in which the teeth are not lined up correctly when the mouth is closed.

At My Local Dentists Leichhardt, we offer effective orthodontic treatments that help straighten your smile. Visit us today to know more!

• Closing dental gaps
• Aligning the ends of the teeth
• Straightening of crooked teeth
• Improving speech and chewing
• Boosting the long-term wellness of the teeth and gums
• Preventing long-term wear or trauma
• Correcting improper bite

Orthodontic treatments not only improve the appearance of your teeth but can also result in improved chewing and speaking and teeth free from damage or tooth decay.

Types of Orthodontic Devices

Orthodontic devices can be fixed or removable.

Fixed orthodontic appliances include:

Z Braces

Braces the most common orthodontic appliances are braces, which consist of bands, wires, and/or brackets.

Bands are placed around the tooth, and used as anchors, while brackets are most often fixed to the front surface of the tooth.

Archwires are inserted through the brackets and attached to the bands. Adjusting the archwires puts pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position.

Braces are adjusted monthly to bring about ideal results, which may be achieved within a few months to years.

Z Special fixed appliances

Are used to control thumbsucking; these appliances are attached to the teeth by bands.

Z Fixed space maintainers

If a temporary tooth is lost early, a space maintainer can be used to keep the space until the permanent tooth erupts.

A band is fixed to the tooth, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the opposite side of the space.

Removable orthodontic appliances include:

Z Aligners

Are alternatives to metal braces, aligners are used to move teeth the same way fixed appliances work, only without the metal wires and brackets. Aligners are removed when eating and brushing.

Z Removable space maintainers

These work like fixed space maintainers. These are worn between certain teeth to keep the space between them.

Z Jaw repositioning appliances

These are worn on the upper and lower jaw, helping guide the jaw to close in the desired position. They can be used for patients who suffer from TMJ disorders.

Z Lip and cheek bumpers

These are worn to keep the lips and cheeks away from the teeth. The lip and cheek muscles can apply pressure on the teeth, and these bumpers relieve that pressure.

Z Palatal expanders

An expander is a plastic plate worn over the roof of the mouth. They are used to widen the arch of the upper jaw.

Z Removable retainers 

these are worn on the roof of the mouth, preventing the teeth from shifting back to their previous positions. They can also be designed and used to prevent thumb sucking.

Z Headgear

Headgears slow down the growth of the upper jaw and hold the back teeth while the front teeth are pulled back.