orthodontics - interceptive orthopaedics
Orofacial orthopaedics involves treatment during the growth spurt of a child using specialised custom appliances. These appliances can be used to widen a narrow or tapered arch and/or translate or bring a jaw forward. For younger children, this can in most cases minimize or eliminate the need for braces in the future if the problem is treated early enough.
These appliances can also be used in adults to align the teeth in a more favourable position as a prelude to braces. Braces or conventional orthodontics are used to primarily correct rotation, crowding and gaps amongst teeth. With this technique we are able, whether adult or child, to correct the dental imperfections that they present with.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment include:
- Improve the smile / self-confidence
- Improve the width of the dental arches
- Influence growth of the jaws to the ideal position
- Reduce or eliminate the need to extract permanent teeth
- Lower the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct oral habits
- Reduce appearance-consciousness during critical developmental years