Archives for January 2019

January 25, 2019 - No Comments!

Choosing Braces: SureSmile vs Invisalign

One of the great things about modern dentistry - and in particular, orthodontics - is that  technology has progressed in leaps and bounds. Orthodontists now have many options at their disposal for straightening teeth and fixing jaw problems. Invisalign and Suresmile are two technologies that can both straighten teeth and fix jaw alignment issues. If you’re eligible for both of them, knowing the difference between SureSmile vs Invisalign and which treatment to choose can be difficult.

Is SureSmile Right for You?

If you think that modern metal braces are just like they were when you were a kid, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that SureSmile technology has significantly improved on the traditional model. So, what is it and how does it work?

At the beginning of the treatment process, your orthodontist will create a 3D image of your teeth and jaw using special 3D software. This makes it easier for your orthodontist to create a virtual representation of the final position of the teeth. This information is then relayed to specialised software, after which a robotic mechanism creates the wires and bends them into a shape that is optimised for each patient's treatment plan.

Due to the precise nature of the SureSmile process, the advantages are as follows:

  • Teeth move efficiently into a final position,
  • Wire changes are minimised,
  • The final results are more precise than some older methods.

Despite the advantages, the metal braces can still present issues for people who are conscious of their appearance during treatment. They still require care and attention when cleaning, and some patients may find them uncomfortable to wear.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Custom made for each patient, Invisalign treatment is a series of clear, acrylic aligners, worn over the teeth to guide them into place. In most similar, eligible cases, Invisalign will do the same job as metal braces. So, what are the advantages of aligners when considering SureSmile vs Invisalign?

Advantages include:

  • They are discrete, making them ideal for people who are conscious about their appearance
  • Invisalign may be more comfortable when compared with metal braces
  • They are removable, so oral hygiene and eating certain foods is not as much of an issue as it may be during treatment with braces.

These are all great benefits, but clear aligners are not right for everyone. Because they are removable, wearing Invisalign does require a level of self-discipline that not every one has. Invisalign may not suit younger patients especially because of this.

SureSmile vs Invisalign: Making a Choice 

Ultimately, orthodontic technology is much better than it was only a few decades ago. The right choice for you is the one that offers the greatest benefits to suit your lifestyle. Talk to an orthodontist at Profile Orthodontics about the best choice for your individual case.

January 18, 2019 - No Comments!

The Ultimate SureSmile Braces Before and After

SureSmile braces are designed using advanced technology to move teeth more precisely.  Once the SureSmile wire is inserted, you’re on your way to a beautiful, healthy smile sooner than you thought possible. Let's look at how you can create your own ultimate SureSmile braces before and after...

How Are SureSmile Braces Faster?

Suresmile wires do not move teeth any faster than wires used in conventional orthodontics. Your overall treatment time is shorter because the Suresmile technology allows us to move your teeth more directly to their target position.

Advanced Imaging

Before your treatment planning begins, we create a 3D computer model of your bite.  With advanced imaging technology and scan procedures, we capture the 3D image. We use radiographs to assess tooth and root structure, angulation of the teeth and jaw bone balance.

Precision Planning

Suresmile Technology provides your orthodontist greater control over your treatment than traditional braces.

The 3D model allows us to have a look at your teeth from any angle, to see how they fit together. Using SureSmile’s Treatment Planning software, we can use highly advanced  stimulation tools to determine the final position of your teeth. We can also create the most effective plan for your treatment needs. The technology even allows us to work out, if treatment can be completed without extractions.

Complete Accuracy

SureSmile uses a robot to bend and shape your arch wire, once your orthodontist has completed your SureSmile plan. The wire aims to deliver gentle forces to move your teeth into the desired position.

The SureSmile archwire is customised for your unique treatment plan, applying high temperatures and robotic precision to a wire made from shape memory alloy.

The shape memory alloy is activated by your body heat, once inserted.  It moves your teeth according to the the treatment plan, embedded in the bends of the wire. The shape memory alloy delivers gentle, constant forces as it moves your teeth to their target position.

A Straighter, Healthier Smile After SureSmile

If you dream of precision treatment, along with visual projections on how your teeth will look after braces, SureSmile is a great option. SureSmile braces offer comfort, speed of treatment times and less frequent office visits compared to traditional braces.

SureSmile Braces Before and After

Book an appointment at Profile Orthodontics to find out if you're a candidate for SureSmile braces treatment and create your own ultimate before and after!

January 11, 2019 - No Comments!

How to Tell If Lingual Braces Are Right for You

If you or your teen need braces, but are conscious of your appearance, you’re not alone. Studies show that more than half of Australians are self-conscious about their smile. Teeth straightening technology has certainly come a long way, and there are now an array of treatment options to choose from. One of the most recent orthodontic treatments, lingual braces (or inside braces), is proving popular for people who are worried about the appearance of braces.

What You Need to Know About Lingual Braces

Traditional metal braces, as you know, are placed on the front of your teeth. Lingual braces, though, are placed behind the teeth. The braces are almost invisible, which makes them a popular choice amongst adult and teenagers alike.

Lingual Braces Have Many Benefits

The biggest benefit to lingual braces is their discretion while your healthier smile is in progress. For adults, especially, wearing visible metal braces is not ideal in professional or social situations. Since lingual braces are attached behind the teeth, they give you access to the benefits of traditional braces without being obvious. In fact, lingual braces are the most invisible option available.

What’s more, these braces are just as efficient when it comes to correcting rotations, evening out the height of your teeth and closing gaps. The braces are custom fit, too, for the utmost efficiency and precision of your orthodontic treatment.

Are You a Candidate for Lingual Braces?

While metal braces are still common, there are other options, including lingual braces. With this option, the wires, elastics and brackets are all mounted to the back of the teeth. Hidden from plain sight, these braces can correct your smile without anyone else knowing.

But before you rush into lingual braces, there are a few pros and cons that will help you decide whether or not they’re right for you.

1.      It’s All About the Bite & Severity

While a variety of bite problems can be fixed with lingual braces, there are concerns that these orthodontic appliances cannot help with a severe overbite. Sometimes, overbites can bear too much pressure on the brackets. Your orthodontist will be able to advise on the severity of your case and if Lingual braces are an appropriate option.

2.      Different Drawbacks for Different People

As with any kind of orthodontic treatment, there are drawbacks to consider. Keep in mind that these vary from one person to another. Some issues you might or might not encounter with lingual braces include:

  • A Sore Tongue

Since your tongue will rub against the lingual braces at the beginning of treatment, it may cause some discomfort. Eventually, your tongue will adjust and become used to the appliance. In the meantime, you can rinse out your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to help it heal against the sharpness of the brackets. Orthodontic wax placed on the brackets’ edges can also help.

  • Difficulties with Speech

Since the braces sit behind your teeth, it will feel strange at first. This may cause you to experience speech difficulty, like a whistling sound or a lisp as you get used to your new appliances. But eventually your tongue will get used to finding a different position in the mouth. Try to practice talking and reading out loud until your speech returns to normal.

  • Be Vigilant when Cleaning Your Teeth

Since the braces sit behind your teeth, it can be tougher to get rid of the plaque and food stuck between your braces and your teeth. Speciality dental flosses and an electric toothbrush can be helpful. During treatment with lingual braces, cleaning your teeth properly can be a little more time consuming, but it’s well worth it for the long-term benefits of a straighter, healthier smile.

  • Watch What You Eat

As with metal braces, there are some foods you should avoid when you have lingual braces. Try to avoid foods that are very crunchy or hard, or those that are sticky. Food that gets stuck behind your teeth can be hard to reach. Cutting food into smaller pieces can be a strategy to use to avoid damaging your braces.

  • The Cost

Lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional braces. If you are on a budget, you might want to consider traditional metal braces instead.  Generally, these are a little easier on the pocket. However, remember you can always ask about payment options to help you budget during orthodontic treatments.

3.      The Pros Outweigh the Cons

When it comes to figuring out whether or not lingual braces are right for you, remember that not everyone will have the above issues.

Thankfully, the technology used to create lingual braces is improving all the time. The brackets are much smaller than they used to be, and much smoother and rounded so they cause less irritation to the tongue.

What’s more, everybody’s experience is different. Your braces are designed just for you, so what may bother one person may not bother you at all.

Considering Lingual Braces

If keeping your braces hidden is the most important thing to you, this could be the right orthodontic treatment.

The key is to thoroughly research all your options and discuss them with your orthodontist before making a final decision.  Your orthodontist will talk you through the pros and cons of each treatment, so you can, together, decide on the best treatment for you.

If you’re considering lingual braces and want to know more, it’s time to talk to your orthodontist: book a consultation at Profile Orthodontics today to discuss lingual braces.