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May 17, 2019 - No Comments!

3D Technology Behind Suresmile Braces

One of the things that makes Suresmile technology so advanced is 3D imaging. Unlike with traditional oral x-rays, your orthodontist can see a full 3D image of your mouth.

Of course, you probably want to know more about how this technology works and why it's so beneficial for your oral health. By the time you're finished reading, you'll be amazed at how advanced Suresmile truly is.

Suresmile Technology Basics

Before diving deep into the 3D technology, it's a good idea to get an overview of the entire process. Despite how advanced everything is, it's actually only three main steps:

  • 3D scan
  • Treatment planning
  • Creating the braces or aligners

Sounds simple, right? However, it's a highly complex process. Much of the magic happens behind the scenes thanks to scanning equipment, Suresmile software and precision robotic equipment.

3D Technology Behind Suresmile

The star of Suresmile is the 3D scan. Your orthodontist takes a scan using a white light scanner or cone beam computed tomography, CBCT. Unlike traditional x-rays, these scans don't just take a two-dimensional image of your mouth.

Instead, they create a true 3D image of your entire mouth, including the roots and surrounding tissues. When your orthodontist is limited to seeing just your teeth and directly below the gumline, they're only seeing part of the problem. This means your treatment plan may not be as effective.

To create a better, more efficient plan, your orthodontist needs to be able to understand more about the structure of your entire mouth. It's not just your teeth involved. To realign your teeth as quickly as possible, your orthodontist must also consider:

  • Gums
  • Nerves
  • Bone
  • Soft tissue
  • Roots

As you can see, your mouth is not just teeth, gums and tongue. A 3D scan allows your orthodontist to see everything about your mouth from all angles. We've moved beyond 2D images at our offices. Our 3D camera combines images from six different cameras to create a full 3D image of your mouth and facial structure. After all, your facial structure and oral issues can be tied together.

Think of it like those clear phones where you can see all the inner workings. It's kind of like that, but with your mouth.

The first step towards benefitting from Suresmile technology is going in for your 3D scan.

Using Your 3D Scan

Having a 3D scan is nice, but how does it help you? The scan works with the Suresmile software to give your orthodontist a virtual 3D image of your mouth. They can manipulate it, spin it around to view different angles, adjust your teeth and even see the final result.

The orthodontist has full control over how they design your treatment plan based upon the 3D scan. Instead of having to start with a partial plan and adjust along the way, the entire plan is designed at one time.

Before anything else is done, your orthodontist will meet with you to discuss the treatment plan and show you what the final result will be. The scan isn't just for your orthodontist. Thanks to the power of 3D technology, you get to see what your smile will look before you ever get your Suresmile braces. That gives you something to look forward to, as if wearing them for less time wasn't enough.

Suresmile Technology Shortens Time

You read that right. Thanks to the 3D technology behind Suresmile, your orthodontist is able to create a more customised plan for your treatment. In studies, the average treatment time for Suresmile patients was approximately seven months shorter than patients with conventional braces.

Once again, it's all due to 3D technology. By having access to more data about your mouth, your orthodontist uses the Suresmile software to design a faster treatment plan that adjusts your teeth using the best possible path.

With traditional braces, your orthodontist has to manually adjust the plan with each visit, carefully adjusting the wires to move your teeth based on the results thus far. This isn't true with Suresmile.

Instead, the wires are already in the perfect starting position to get your teeth straighter in far less time.

3D Meets Robotics

While it's up to your orthodontist to use the 3D scan to create a custom treatment plan, robotic equipment takes over from there. The virtual 3D treatment plan is sent to Suresmile, where robotic equipment is used to carefully bend and form a shape memory alloy archwire to perfectly fit your plan.

Conventional braces have to be formed manually by hand. This does work, but it doesn't offer the same level of accuracy.

Plus, with manual formation, you need more adjustments. After all, your orthodontist isn't able to see exactly how your teeth need to be moved from day one. Instead, the plan must be altered as your teeth move into place little by little.

Robotic equipment forms the wires perfectly, allow them to put pressure in just the right places to gently push your teeth on their optimal paths to the perfect position for a straighter smile.

From 3D To Your Mouth

The final step turns that first 3D scan into your new Suresmile braces. The wires that were formed based on your custom treatment plan are fitted to your teeth. Thanks to innovative Suresmile technology, the wires react to your body heat. As they're placed on your teeth, the automatically adjust to the prescribed position. This leads to less adjusting and a quicker start to getting your dream smile.

Handling Adjustments

Just because the 3D technology helps your orthodontist create a more efficient plan doesn't mean you won't have to go in for adjustments. However, you'll need fewer adjustments than with conventional braces. The Suresmile technology lets your orthodontist plan ahead for adjustments, such as scheduling when and knowing exactly what needs to be adjusted to keep your treatment plan on track.

From the moment the scan is taken and entered into the Suresmile software, your entire treatment plan is mapped out. This takes out any guesswork and those sometimes painful manual adjustments. All of this is thanks to what may seem like just a simple 3D scan, but it's actually the start of an advanced treatment that'll make you glad you opted for Suresmile.

Want to learn more about our Suresmile process and average treatment lengths? Contact our office today to discuss treatment options and schedule an appointment for your 3D scan.

 

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May 10, 2019 - No Comments!

Best Children’s Orthodontist In Joondalup

Before you address your child's orthodontic issues, you'll want to do some research to make sure you're using the best children's orthodontist in Joondalup. This means you'll have a better experience and your child's oral health will have a brighter, straighter future.

Picking the good from the bad doesn't have to be difficult. Simply make sure they meet some very important criteria. If they do, you've got a winner for your child.

Highly Recommended

This is always a great start. First, if you have a great relationship with your child's dentist, you can trust their recommendation for an orthodontist in Joondalup. After all, they've proven that they only want the best for your child.

Of course, you don't have to rely on the dentist's word alone. Thanks to online reviews, it's easier than ever to see what types of experiences others have had. In many cases, you may even find before and after photos to showcase what type of work various orthodontists have done.

Programs Specifically For Children

The next thing to check is whether or not they have programs in place specifically for children. If they only have general programs, this may not be the right fit for your child. While the orthodontist might be a great fit for older teens and adults, children's teeth and orthodontic needs are different. Having someone who's experienced in working with children is beneficial.

Offers Newer Solutions

While you probably don't want your child to be the first to try a new orthodontic treatment, the best children's orthodontist in Joondalup will use cutting edge solutions to offer the best possible treatment.

For instance, they might use SureSmile over conventional orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth more accurately and in less time. By working with an orthodontist that stays current with the latest advances in their industry, you'll know they truly care about the oral health of their patients.

Children's Orthodontist In Joondalup

At Profile Orthodontics, we love working with children as is evident with our Grow With Us program. Contact our office in Joondalup to learn more about starting your child's orthodontic journey with us.

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May 3, 2019 - No Comments!

5 Tips For Taking Care Of Your New Invisible Braces

One of the worst things about traditional metal braces is the anxiety around their appearance. These days though, there are plenty of nearly invisible options! However, just because you can't see them easily, it doesn't mean you don't have to take care of your new invisible braces.

To make sure your invisible braces and clear aligners help you get the best smile possible, there are few things to keep in mind.

1. Rinse Them Often

Good news! Your clear aligners are removable. But, when you take them out, you expose them to bacteria. You definitely don't want that back in your mouth! So, instead, rinse them thoroughly before you put them back in. It's a good idea to rinse your mouth too, so as not to trap any food particles.

If you have invisible braces with clear brackets attached to your teeth, try to rinse after you drink or eat any foods that could stain them. Like red wine and coffee.

2. Deep Clean Regularly

While regular water works for a quick rinse, you'll need to give your invisible braces a deeper clean sometimes, much like brushing your teeth. Use a clear antibacterial soap or antibacterial rinse to clean your invisible aligners. You can even let them soak for a couple hours. Don't use toothpaste as this can damage them. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them, though.

Your orthodontist will show you some techniques to clean your clear braces when you are at the clinic too.

3. Skip Your New Invisible Braces While Eating

Hate the thought of getting food caught in your braces? Not a problem with clear aligners. In fact, you should remove them before eating or drinking to avoid damaging them, especially with extremely hot foods and drinks. Of course, this makes it easier to avoid getting food trapped between your teeth and aligners. So, refer to point 1!

4. Brush Regularly

Since your new invisible braces sit on your teeth, you'll want to keep your teeth as clean as possible, so brush regularly.

If you can, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush after eating to remove any food particles before putting your aligners back on.  Brush your aligners daily as well. However, always use a soft-bristled brush and be extremely gentle. Scrubbing or using a hard-bristled brush can cause scratches, making your braces not so invisible anymore.

5. Store Them Safely

You've probably heard the horror stories of people who've lost retainers and aligners in trash cans or while traveling. This is why we recommend you always store your new invisible braces in a hard container when you take them out. Immediately put the container in your pocket, purse, bag, briefcase, etc. to keep them with you.

If you have any questions about invisible braces and how to care for them, don't hesitate to contact us or make an appointment today. We're always happy to help you take the first step towards getting the smile of your dreams.

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December 21, 2018 - No Comments!

What Happens If My Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

Invisalign and other clear aligner systems are a fantastic orthodontic treatment option for those people who might be worried about their appearance while wearing traditional metal braces. Even though aligners are sometimes said to be less painful than braces, it’s important to know that there is going to be some discomfort involved while the aligners move your teeth. If you are concerned about whether treatment will hurt, it may help to know what to expect. Or if your Invisalign aligners hurt at the moment, it might help to know what will relieve the discomfort.

Do Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

Generally, orthodontists advise that Invisalign and other kinds of clear aligners can cause some discomfort during the first few days of each new aligner series. Whether the Invisalign aligners hurt depends on the patient and their pain threshold, but usually the discomfort disappears within a few hours or days.

What Does the Pain Feel Like?

If you’re about to have aligner treatment, it’s important to understand what the feeling will be like. Some people may find that aligners cause less discomfort than braces, but it depends very much on the movements required. The clear aligners do however have the benefit that they don't rub as much on the inside of the cheeks/lips.

The constant gentle pressure of the aligner trays against the teeth will cause some soreness and tenderness. At times, the edges of the Invisalign aligners will also rub against the gums and the inside of the lips, causing some level of discomfort.

The Next Set of Invisalign Aligners 

The good news is that patients do get used to the effect that Invisalign and other aligners have inside their mouth and against their gums. Callouses inside the mouth may form; they are the body's natural way to provide some protection against the aligners. The level of discomfort first associated with having something odd inside the mouth will certainly become less significant.

Once your orthodontist provides you with the next set of clear aligners, there will be more soreness or tenderness. It may not be at the same level as in the beginning, but it will be present. This is because your orthodontist designs each new aligner tray to move the teeth into their final position over time. The ongoing pressure will cause some level of discomfort.

Dealing with the Discomfort

So, what can you do when aligners hurt? And how can you deal with the soreness of teeth alignment? Here are a few tips:

  • During the initial stages when the pain is worse, you may choose to use general pain medication until you adjust,
  • Avoid foods that require lots of chewing,
  • Use the gum provided by your orthodontist. This can provide an analgesic effect when biting
  • Wear new sets of aligners just before you go to bed so that you sleep through much of the uncomfortable adjustment period.

Most people adapt successfully to wearing aligners and the experience of discomfort is manageable.

If your Invisalign aligners hurt more than just general discomfort, contact your orthodontist, or make an appointment with Profile Orthodontics in Joondalup or Claremont. 

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July 26, 2018 - No Comments!

What is the Best Age to Get Braces?

The Best Age to Get Braces

When is it a good time to get braces? Braces treatment can correct such concerns as an underbite, overbite, crooked teeth and overcrowded teeth.  These dental imperfections can grow worse over time and braces can improve facial appearance and self-esteem. Braces are often an ideal solution to correct your smile, but the best age to get braces depends on the individual.

When to See the Orthodontist

The best age to first see the orthodontist is between the ages of 7-9 years. This can identify any developing growth issues relating to a child's teeth, bite or jaws.  The Profile Orthodontics "Grow with Us" program monitors these issues while each child grows.  Simple issues can be identified and easily rectified which means orthodontic treatment can then be commenced at the correct time for the child's development.

Phase I Treatment

Before a child's permanent teeth have come through and while they are still growing, an Orthodontist can intercept developing issues that might worsen with age.  This takes maximum advantage of growth for optimal results.  It can improve the relationship of the upper and lower jaws, allowing more normal future growth and development.  Referred to as Phase I, this treatment may use dental hardware such as removable or fixed plates depending on the child’s needs.

Not every child will need Phase I treatment.

Phase II Treatment

Phase II is when the orthodontist decides it is the best time to commence full braces.  To achieve optimal results, phase II is generally started during the teenage years.  This is when there is the most growth to work with.  Braces can be used at nearly any age but the treatment may be more invasive the older it is commenced.

The Right Age Is Different for Everyone.

There are many benefits of orthodontic treatment, and it's important to start treatment at the right time. If you have concerns, speak with your dentist and orthodontist to determine when braces may be right for you or your child. Contact Profile Orthodontics to make an appointment today. 

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July 5, 2018 - No Comments!

Your Vacation Checklist for Travelling with Braces

What to Take with You When Travelling with Braces

The holiday season is never far away, and this typically means considerable travelling to visit friends and family. If you have braces, the idea of travelling with braces might seem complex. However, you don't need to worry because it's easier than you think.

Since you'll pack toiletries and clothes for your vacation, it's only sensible to leave room for oral hygiene essentials. If you're wondering what to carry for the trip, ensure you include these items in your travel kit.

Floss Threaders

You can easily pick up an extra toothpaste or toothbrush in the event that you forget yours back home. However, it can be more challenging to access floss threaders. They're crucial for getting floss between your braces' wires, enabling you to sweep food particles from between the teeth.

Dental Wax

Dental wax is especially important if you're new to wearing braces, which can occasionally cause irritation on the soft tissues. As your teeth move, the braces might cause mild irritation of the gums or cheeks.

You'll discover dental wax is the best means of decreasing this irritation because it protects the soft tissues against the braces' hard components. Therefore, you should carry some for application to the area that's causing abrasion.

Travel Mirror

A portable and foldable mirror is a great addition to your travel kit because it will help ensure you don't miss anything while flossing. You'll also spot if there's food in your braces following a meal.

Pain Relief for Braces

As braces realign your teeth, you might occasionally experience minor pains or aches and the last thing you want is disruption during your vacation. We recommend you pack ibuprofen or acetaminophen when travelling.

These over-the-counter pain relievers are beneficial for managing orthodontics-related pain and other minor pains that could interrupt your trip.

Tweezers

You should always be ready for minor emergencies. If you have metal braces, tweezers help manipulate the wire and possibly restore it in place.

Travelling with braces shouldn't be an inconvenience as long as you implement the necessary precautions. Packing with your oral health in mind will ensure you have a great relationship with your braces, both at home and abroad. 

If you have queries regarding your braces, contact your orthodontist for expert advice.