Orthodontics in Penrith

Who is Orthodontics for?

Orthodontic treatments are dental procedures that used to help straighten teeth and also correct bite alignment to help with aesthetics and chewing food, guide facial development and healthy jaw growth for growing children and teenagers.

Using braces the teeth are gently moved to get them aligned within the arches to create that attractive smile.

An orthodontic consultation can be booked for any age. If you notice you or your child have crooked teeth or misalignment of their teeth or you notice crowding of teeth together, it may be best to book in a consultation with our dentist as some issues that are causing the teeth to be crooked begin in childhood, therefore, it is never too early to have us take a look for you. It is also never too late to help you align your teeth as a teenager or an adult.

We have helped many children with their teeth alignment and jaw growth issues, who have grown into young adults with improved confidence, self-esteem and great smiles. We are excited to be able to offer this service to our community in Penrith.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment

Teeth that don’t align properly
Crowding, rotated or crooked teeth
Gaps in between teeth
Missing teeth
Difficulty with chewing or speaking
Extra teeth
Teeth growing in the wrong part of the gums

At Bella Dental, our dentists have gone through extensive post-graduate training in orthodontic techniques to help identify the issues and advise you on your treatment options and timeline for starting treatment.

We have a multitude of techniques available. From traditional braces that have undergone some advances for a quicker and more comfortable treatment. To orthopaedic plates which can help to grow jaws and faces, to invisible aligner trays that are discrete.

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What to look out for in each age group

Up to 4 years of age

We aim to have your child be comfortable throughout the dental visit. Our team are welcoming and family friendly. We have Netflix to watch their favourite shows and fun-sunglasses to wear and dental goodies to take home.

We recommend an evaluation as early as necessary to assess your child’s jaw development and teeth. We can advise on managing bad habits such as thumb sucking, lip and tongue ties for feeding, swallowing and speaking and incorrect jaw posturing as well as airways.

Airways and breathing obstruction issues can have adverse effects on children’s teeth, jaw and facial development from mouth-breathing. During the consultation, we will ask about their breathing, snoring, swallowing issues, frequency of ear infections, hyperactivity due to poor sleep and chronic nasal congestions.

We will also look for teeth growing incorrectly, congenitally missing teeth and the best way to identify these issues is with low-dose x-ray to monitor the health of their teeth, jaw and gums. You can rest assured that we will always take the conservative approach.

7 to 12 years of age

At this age the jaw is at the maximum growth phase. Your dentist will be able to identify abnormalities earlier in life to treat, or even prevent, teeth alignment and incorrect bite issues when their jaws are easier to adjust. This is helpful for treating problems such as crowding, spacing, protruding teeth and missing teeth before they become more serious problems later on. Issues such as crowding is not usually noticed until your child is 7 or 8 years old.

The jawbone of children are still soft until they reach their late teens. As the bones are still soft, corrective procedures work more effectively at this age.

While your child’s teeth may appear aligned and straight, there could be underlying issues that need to be addressed to prevent more serious problems from developing into adulthood.

The benefit of having appropriate treatment early on it can shorten the overall treatment time, reduce the need to extract permanent teeth and to best encourage better and proper facial development.

By visiting the dentist regularly it can help them to become familiar with their dentist and training them to value their dental health for a well functioning mouth into adulthood. Our dentists will be able to diagnose any existing issues, advise you on the treatment plans to cover their current dental needs as well as recommend what treatment may be needed in the future.

13 to 17 years of age

Most adult and permanent teeth have erupted by this age. Most of the jaw growth has finished, however, with braces corrections for the bite, crooked teeth and straighter smile may be achieved.

Adulthood

Teeth can be moved at any age. They are constantly moving in fact. Orthodontic treatments are available to improve your smile.

To book yourself or your child for a consultation call us now.

Short Term Orthodontics

If you were told that you didn’t need braces when you were a teenager and that your teeth were “straight enough” but still don’t like what you see in the mirror? Then adult short-term orthodontics may be for you. People often believe that orthodontics requires about 2-3 years in braces, but in reality we can now level and align the front teeth in much less time.

The objective is to move only the front teeth that are visible in the smile instead of the large molars with big roots.

We use modern brackets and wires that now improve the speed and comfort of treatment. This allows us to deliver this service in as little time as 5 months. We have provided short term orthodontics for many of our happy patients like this for years. Call us now to schedule in a consultation to determine the best treatment for you and your family.

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We are proud supporters of our local Penrith and surrounding suburbs. Our dentists are certified & qualified, backed by years of industry experience. Visit us today and discover why our multi-award winning service is just one of the reasons our clients love their smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The main goal of orthodontic treatment is to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, creating a harmonious and functional smile.

At what age should my child visit an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, the orthodontist can identify potential issues and determine if early intervention is needed. Early orthodontic assessment allows for timely detection and treatment of problems, which can lead to more effective and efficient treatment outcomes.

What are the different types of orthodontic treatments available?

There are several types of orthodontic treatments available to suit different needs and preferences:
•Traditional metal braces: These are the most common type of braces and use metal brackets and wires to gradually align the teeth.
•Ceramic braces: are similar to metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-coloured, making them less noticeable.
•Lingual braces: are placed on the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.
•Clear aligners: Custom-made, removable trays that gradually move the teeth into alignment, such as Invisalign®.
The best treatment option for you will depend on your specific orthodontic needs and lifestyle.

How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the type of treatment used. On average, orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from several months to a few years. Your orthodontist will provide you with a personalised treatment plan and estimate the expected duration of your specific treatment.

Are there any age limitations for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Adults can also benefit from orthodontic care to improve their smile and oral health. As long as the teeth and supporting structures are healthy, orthodontic treatment can be considered at any age. Advancements in orthodontic technology, such as clear aligners and discreet braces, have made orthodontic treatment more appealing to adults seeking a straighter smile. It’s never too late to achieve a confident and well-aligned smile through orthodontic care.