Blog Post

Braced for Change? Time to Act

Let's get things straight....

Girl With Glasses and Orthodontic Braces - Orthodontic Treatment Christchurch

Most patients think of having orthodontic treatment as a cosmetic treatment to straighten teeth, boost their self-esteem and give them a smile that they can be proud of, but the most important reason to have orthodontics can be to correct how the teeth fit together.

Crooked teeth,an underbite or overbite can create long term health complications. They can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss. Thelink between oral hygiene and general health is well documented, and so if you arethinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the benefits are far reaching, long lasting and go beyond just having a great smile.

If you hear the word braces, what image do you conjure?

Most people will think about an awkward teenager with a mouth of metal wires and brackets;however, orthodontic treatment has, thanks to dental industry innovations, undergone a transformation in recent years, and people of all age scan have their smiles corrected without the need for braces or at the very least clear braces.

The metal mouth of yesteryear has been replaced by more subtle dental interventions:

Invisalign aligners are barely perceptible and consist of custom-made plastic aligners that gently move the teeth. There are no brackets required.
Ceramic(tooth coloured) brackets blend in and provide almost invisible orthodontic braces.
Metal brackets and wires have been redesigned; they are smaller, less noticeable and adjust teeth quicker.

What is the best age to have orthodontic treatment?

In the idealworld, a child will have visited us for an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 & 9. This allows the teeth’s positions to be monitored and controlled from the offset. However, there is no age restriction for seeking advice on how to straighten teeth; it’s never too late to visit for a free consultation.

Is the orthodontic treatment the same for children and adults?

For both child and adult patients, each orthodontic treatment is tailored for the individual and takes into account the size of the teeth, the space in the mouth and the health of the teeth and bones.

While some of the orthodontic treatment options are the same for adults and children, there are some solutions that are better for different age groups. For example, younger patients may be recommended a first phase of treatment to utilize growth and development of the jaws. If some treatments are not performed at this growth phase that opportunity will be lost and in extreme cases can only leave a surgical option as an adult.

There’s a lot to consider when you first start looking into orthodontic treatment. The first step is to identify the best dental services that are needed. Using the latest digital technologies, Duxton Dental’s orthodontics Christchurch team conducts a painless but thorough examination of the patient’s mouth, face and teeth using photos, jaw scans, x-rays of the head and mouth and a digital 3D scan of the teeth and gums (gone are the days of the mucky impressions). This information is then analysed to develop a dental care plan to give you the most effective and appropriate solution to match your physical and social needs.

If you have any questions about how to straighten your or your child’s teeth, call us now to make an appointment for a free orthodontic consultation on 03 348 5488 .

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A close up of a woman 's smile with white teeth and pink lips.

How to keep the whiteness of your whitened teeth

21 Apr, 2024

Once you've made the investment in a brighter, whiter smile through professional teeth whitening , you'll notice the immediate boost it gives to your confidence and self-esteem. While the joy of an improved and radiant smile is long lasting, it is not permanent. It can last from as short as a couple of months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person but also the lifestyle choices they make. If you had your cosmetic dental treatment with us at Duxton Dental’s clinic in Riccarton, you will know (in great detail) about how to maintain your newly whitened teeth. However, not all cosmetic dentists are as obsessed with aftercare. Here’s a summary of the maintenance information we give to help keep that sparkly smile for longer: Aftercare: 72 hours after you’ve whitened your teeth Teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle and it is on the pellicle where stains on your teeth are found. During the teeth whitening process, this natural barrier is removed which means they are vulnerable to fresh staining. For the pellicle to develop again it takes between 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt, this includes, but is not limited to: · Coffee · Colas · Red sauces including ketchup · Mustards · Soy sauce Eat only white and clear foods and drinks and avoid anything acid based for the first 72 hours. If you eat something dark, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterwards. If you are unable to do so, chew some sugar-free gum within 20 minutes. The saliva produced helps remove food and drink debris, neutralise acids in the mouth and help reduce any whitening-induced tooth sensitivity. During the first 72 hours, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as staining, so be vigilant to the food and drink you are consuming. Here’s some examples of foods and drinks you can eat: · Milk and water · Bananas and apples with the peel removed · White bread and flour tortillas · Oatmeal, cream of wheat · Plain yoghurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese · White rice or baked potato · Plain pasta with a white sauce

A young girl wearing glasses is holding a model of teeth and braces.

Invisalign vs. braces: Which is best for you?

21 Apr, 2024

Are you considering straightening your teeth but feeling torn between the classic method of orthodontic braces and the innovative alternative of Invisalign? Invisalign and braces are two of the most popular orthodontic treatments available in Duxton Dental clinics in Christchurch. Both are highly effective at correcting misaligned teeth and improving smiles. So, which is best for you? Let's start by breaking down the key differences between Invisalign and braces: 1. Visibility Braces: traditional braces are conspicuous and obvious, with metal brackets and wires that are easily noticeable when you speak or smile. Some people feel self-conscious about their appearance during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible braces made from clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them discreet and barely noticeable to others. 2. Comfort Braces: the metal brackets and wires can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, and even mouth sores, especially during the initial adjustment period. Your orthodontist may need to make further adjustments to make the brace more comfortable. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, with smooth edges that won't irritate your mouth. There can be some minor discomfort initially, but this is short lived and remedied by over-the-counter painkillers. Overall, they offer a more comfortable experience, with no wires or brackets to worry about. 3. Convenience Braces: with braces, certain foods need to be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Maintaining oral hygiene can be a challenge due to the hardware obstructing thorough cleaning. Invisalign: one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its removability. You can easily remove the aligners before eating, so you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions. Your regular brushing and flossing routine remain the same as there are no brackets or wires to navigate around.