Braces Melbourne

Yes, adults can definitely get braces. Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Many adults choose to straighten their teeth to improve their smile or correct dental issues. While traditional metal braces are an option, many adults prefer more discreet alternatives like Clear Aligners. These are clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place without the visibility of metal brackets and wires.

Orthodontic treatment for adults may take a bit longer than for younger patients but advances in orthodontic technology make it easier to achieve great results at any age. Your orthodontist can help determine the most suitable treatment option based on your needs and goals.

Braces can initially affect your speech, particularly in the first few days or weeks of wear, as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. It’s common to experience a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, especially with traditional metal braces or other appliances that take up more space in your mouth. However, these changes are usually temporary. As you adjust to your braces, your speech will typically return to normal.

If you’re in Berwick or Glen Iris and concerned about speech issues related to braces, South East Orthodontics is here to help. Our experienced team provides personalised tips and adjustments to make your transition as smooth as possible, ensuring any temporary speech difficulties are minimised.

Braces work by applying constant, gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into their proper positions over time. Here’s how it works:

1. Brackets: The orthodontist will attach small brackets to the front surface of each tooth using a special dental adhesive.
2. Archwire: A thin, flexible wire called an archwire is then threaded through the brackets and secured in place with small elastic bands.
3. Adjustments: Over time, the orthodontist will adjust the tension on the archwire by tightening or replacing the elastic bands, which gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position.
4. Movement: As the teeth move, new bone tissue gradually forms around the roots of the teeth, anchoring them in their new positions.
5. Retention: Once the teeth have been moved into their proper positions, the orthodontist will remove the braces and replace them with a retainer to help maintain the new alignment of the teeth.

The length of time required to complete orthodontic treatment with braces varies depending on the severity of the dental issue and the treatment plan. Typically, treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more.

To care for traditional braces, brush your teeth after meals and before bed, pay attention to brackets and wires, floss daily with specialised tools, apply orthodontic wax if needed, avoid sticky and hard foods, attend regular orthodontic appointments, stay hydrated, use a mouthguard for sports, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for optimal care, ensuring effective treatment and maintaining oral health.

If a bracket or wire breaks, it’s important to act promptly to avoid discomfort or further damage to your braces. Here’s what you can do:

1. Assess the situation: If the wire is poking or causing pain, try gently pressing it back into place using a cotton swab or a pair of clean tweezers. If the wire is still attached but the bracket is loose, avoid touching it.
2. Protect the area: If you’re experiencing discomfort, use orthodontic wax on the broken bracket or wire to cover any sharp edges. This will help reduce irritation to your gums and mouth.
3. Contact your orthodontist: Reach out to your orthodontist at South East Orthodontics in Berwick or Glen Iris as soon as possible. We’ll provide advice on how to manage the breakage and schedule an appointment to repair or replace the damaged parts.
4. Be cautious with food: Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods until the issue is resolved to prevent further damage.

Brackets and wires are essential components of your treatment, and quick attention can help prevent delays in your progress. Whether you’re visiting our Berwick or Glen Iris clinic, South East Orthodontics is here to help you get back on track with minimal disruption.

When you have braces, it’s important to be careful about the foods you eat to avoid damaging the brackets, wires, or other components of your braces. Here are some foods that should be avoided:

1. Sticky or chewy foods: Foods such as chewing gum, caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can stick to your braces and be difficult to clean off, potentially causing damage to the brackets or wires.
2. Hard and crunchy foods: Foods like hard candies, nuts, popcorn, and ice can put pressure on your braces and cause them to break or pop off.
3. Tough meats: Tough meats such as steak, beef jerky, and pork chops can be difficult to chew and may damage your braces.
4. Sugary and starchy foods: Sugary and starchy foods such as cake, cookies, and potato chips can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Foods you bite into with your front teeth: Foods such as apples, carrots, and corn on the cob should be cut into small pieces before eating to avoid putting pressure on the brackets and wires.

It’s important to follow our orthodontist’s instructions regarding diet and oral hygiene while you have braces to ensure that your treatment is successful, and your teeth stay healthy.

The duration it takes for traditional braces to straighten teeth varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the misalignment, the age of the patient, the specific treatment plan, and how well the patient follows orthodontic instructions. In general, the average treatment time for traditional braces ranges from 18 months to 3 years. Some cases might take shorter periods, especially for mild misalignments, while more complex cases could extend beyond the average range. Regular orthodontic check-ups and adjustments are crucial to ensuring the treatment progresses as planned. Your orthodontist will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation during the initial consultation.