Early orthodontics not only is a cornerstone in early facial and airway development, but in adulthood will lead to a holistic approach to general health and wellbeing. To patients, our orthodontics services have improved longevity of their teeth and gums and have given them so much more self confidence.
Dr Suzanne Cairns, Owner and Principal Dentist, Bayside Family Dentistry discusses the range of orthodontic treatments available.
Book an Orthodontics consultation
Book in now to discuss your potential need for orthodontics.
As dental professionals, we can evaluate and advise if orthodontics is the right thing for your smile and walk you through the various options.
Our Orthodontic Services
Children’s Orthodontics
Not all kids’ orthodontics start in their teens as most people think, our orthodontic assessments are completed at every child’s examination, even as young as 2 years old!
Rather than watch a malocclusion (or a bad bite) grow adversely and look upon it as a ‘let’s deal with it when all the baby teeth have gone’ approach, well, we do the opposite. We note it early and treat at an age-appropriate time, as not to encounter complex and longer orthodontic treatment in the future.
If your young child requires early orthodontics this is called Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics. As mentioned earlier, this is when we action a malocclusion as soon as it appears.
However, some malocclusions that arise from sucking a thumb, may simply need monitoring, and as the child grows and the habit stops, the malocclusion may self-correct.
We have a number of ways to treat a malocclusion depending on the type and severity, these include removable, fixed appliances and fixed braces. We also liaise with other professions such as physiotherapists and speech therapists for a holistic orthodontic approach.
If you are concerned about your child’s teeth or jaws, book in for a complimentary consult by calling our friendly team on (03) 9589 4472 or directly by booking online.
Adult Orthodontics
Adults too can have orthodontics to correct their misaligned teeth.
We have several patients in their 60s with braces on and they are kicking themselves for not actioning it sooner.
Without a doubt, the conventional fixed braces are the best choice for most cases, as they are bonded onto the teeth and are working 24/7. Unlike the removable plates, it means you don’t have to worry about taking them in and out to eat, if you lose them, or if the dog eats it!
Frequently Asked Orthodontics Questions
What is orthodontics in dentistry?
Orthodontics, or Ortho, is the correction of teeth and jaws from a bad position. It is the movement of teeth within the jaw bones to a favourable position. Placing teeth into this ideal position spreads the biting forces equally and it also stabilises forces on the gums for long term gum health. It is teeth straightening essentially!
If the teeth, muscles of the mouth and face, and jaw bones are in harmony this leads to ideal facial development.
Do orthodontists only do braces?
No, many general dentists have training in orthodontics, and have completed many courses to improve their knowledge.
Dentists cannot claim to be orthodontists but some show a specific interest in the field. With all clinicians they are required to improve their skills each year by committing to continuing professional development.
Orthodontist vs Dentist: Is there a difference?
Orthodontists solely do orthodontics at their practices.
Our principal dentist, Dr Suzanne Cairns, is a general dentist who has been qualified since 2003. She started to train and develop her orthodontic skills in 2013 and now orthodontics has filled her day to day for the last 7 years.
Dr Suzanne treats patients as young as 6 up, all the way through senior years. It has become an integral part of her working week, and with further studies she has incorporated it into her treatment planning for other dental fields such as airway development/bite/breathing and sleep apnoea.
What is a Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is when your upper and lower teeth do not fit correctly or bite together. With a normal bite the upper teeth should sit slightly over the edges of the bottom teeth, parallel and also into the spaces between the lower teeth. Those jaws that don’t fit this rule are called malocclusions.
