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Braces are the tried and trusted way to align your teeth and jaw.
United Dental Clinic understands you are looking for a comprehensive functional and aesthetic adjustment when you undergo orthodontic treatment with braces.
We offer traditional metal braces and the less noticeable clear or teeth coloured braces here at United Dental Clinic.
Traditional metal braces are one of the most inexpensive and popular form of orthodontics.
Looking for an orthodontic option in between traditional braces and Invisalign? Clear braces take the strength of traditional braces and discreet appearance of Invisalign to create a powerful, yet almost invisible, orthodontic solution.
The team at United Dental Clinic have extensive experience with braces, and can provide an elevated orthodontic experience.
What are braces?
Braces are a common form of orthodontic treatment which correct dental alignment for a more beautiful, functional smile. The dental appliance applies pressure to each tooth to gradually move it into place. Comprised of a series of brackets along one strong arch wire, braces technology has come a long way since the days of headgear and bulky appliances. Modern braces are thinner and more popular than ever, with a choice to suit everyone.
Who can get braces?
Braces have no age limit! As long as your dentist is satisfied with the health and development of your teeth, braces are an option for you. For some, braces are a very necessary treatment, not only for aesthetic reasons, but to encourage positive oral health. To support the rigorous movement and pressure of having braces, your teeth and gums should be strong and healthy before braces are applied.
How do braces work?
Braces work by applying continuous pressure to your teeth over a period of time, to move them in a particular direction. As the teeth move, the bone below changes to accommodate the new position of your teeth to create a more permanent change. This pressure can cause mild pain and tension, but as the treatment progresses, this passes.
In more detail
Types of braces at United Dental Clinic
United Dental Clinic in Warriewood offers a number of different braces options. These include traditional metal braces, tooth-coloured braces and clear braces. The only noticeable difference between the three is the colour of the braces and the material. Where traditional braces are almost completely made of metal and are silver in colour, clear and tooth-coloured braces are transparent or ceramic and virtually undetectable from a distance. These are considered the ‘cosmetic’ alternatives, as clear braces camouflage into the natural colour of the tooth, and tooth-coloured braces, as the name suggests, are matched to the colour of your teeth.
How much do braces cost?
The cost of your braces treatment depends entirely on the amount of correction to be done, and the type of braces you select. Traditional braces are generally the most affordable option. At your initial braces consultation, your dentist will examine your dental health and alignment to determine the amount of work to be done. While this can provide the basis for a rough estimate, the total cost of braces can change throughout the course of treatment. This depends on your oral hygiene and braces care during treatment, the frequency of dental appointment to tighten your braces, and the speed at which your teeth adapt to their new alignment.
FAQs
Unlike with traditional metal braces, brackets on ceramic braces can stain easily if not taken care of. To avoid this, pass on highly pigmented or acidic food or drink, reduce or stop smoking, and do not use whitening tooth paste. While whitening tooth paste will reduce staining on both your teeth and brackets, it will cause a stain to be left where the brackets had been placed after they are taken off.
Braces do not hurt to apply or remove; however, you may experience pain when having them tightened. This is less of a pain and more of a gradual ache. While nothing can really be done to stop this, mild pain killers often help manage the pain.
The best way to ensure your treatment is as timely as possible is to follow the instructions of your dentist. This includes:
- Maintaining great oral health with your at-home routine
- Chopping up solid foods like apples; don’t bite directly into them
- Avoiding hard or sticky food
- Staying away from soft drink and other carbonated beverages
- Not chewing on ice cubes, pens or straws
- Breaking habits such as nail biting