The Braces Blog ;-)#)

Invisible Braces

2007-08-24T22:31:00.000+10:00

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional steel or ceramic braces. It uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth.

Each clear aligner moves teeth incrementally and is usually worn for around 2 weeks, it is then replaced by the next aligner in the series until the final position is achieved.

Like braces treatments, Invisalign patients will still experience some tooth pain in the first few days following an adjustment visit.

The main benefits of Invisalign are that it is:

clear - treatment is virtually invisible
removable - brushing and flossing is easier
comfortable - no brackets (which can cause mouth irritation)

However, there are also several disadvantages to Invisalign:

there are restrictions to using Invisalign - it's not for everyone
braces may still be needed for a few months before/after
it generally costs more than traditional braces

To find out if Invisalign is right for you, it is best to see a Registered Specialist Orthodontist for an initial consultation - they will examine your teeth and jaw and will be able to quickly advise if you are a candidate for this type of treatment.

Cleaning teeth with braces can be tricky ..

2007-08-23T23:31:00.000+10:00

.. but, luckily there are a few handy dental products available to make life with braces just that little bit easier! One such product is known as an interdental brush.

There are several types of interdental brushes. The example pictured above has fine, soft-moulded, tiny rubber brushes which massage gums to increase circulation and remove plaque and food.

Retainers

2007-08-23T09:13:00.000+10:00

After braces are removed, a 'retainer' will be used to keep your teeth in their final adjusted position.

Do you have to wear it?? .. Yes.

As it can take several months for your bone and ligaments to 'remember' the new position of your teeth, most people will need to wear their retainer all day and night (don't worry, you can get clear ones! :) for around 6 months after getting their braces off, followed by 6-12 months of night-time wear. After this period, the need for retainer use typically decreases over time.

How old is too old to get braces?

2007-08-22T01:29:00.000+10:00

A question that I often get asked is "Am I too old to have braces?".

The Answer: Age is no barrier to getting braces - you can have a beautiful smile at any point in your life once you decide to make the change.

Teeth are moved through bone: the bone cells give way on one side of a tooth and regenerate on the other side - and this process happens whether you're 17 or 71.

Some problems if tackled early allow for shorter and less complex treatments, however a specialist orthodontist can achieve fantastic results for anyone.