Orthodontics
Green Valley Dental offers a range of Orthodontic services to correct improperly positioned jaws and teeth. Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, have an increased risk of tooth decay and disease, and can lead to headaches and neck, shoulder and back pain.
Orthodontics consists of using fixed or removable appliances to gently move teeth and control the growth of the jaws. The most commonly used appliances are braces, retainers and invisible aligners, however, Green Valley Dental also offers an extensive range of specialized Orthodontic services, meaning we’ll always have the right solution for you!
Book an appointment today and get your child started at Green Valley Dental!
Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Orthodontist do?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty which looks to prevent or treat facial and dental irregularities. Dental appliances are fitted in patients’ mouths to realign or alter the position of teeth and improve appearance and functionality.
How do I know if I need Orthodontics?
If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for Orthodontic treatment:
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite (misaligned teeth)
- Open bite (where it is impossible to close all teeth at once)
- Misplaced midline (where your upper and lower teeth do not line up correctly)
- Spacing or crowding of the teeth.
What Orthodontic appliances are available?
Green Valley Dental offers the following appliances, depending on the situation:
- Damon Braces, retainers and Invisalign aligners
- Special fixed appliances
- Fixed or removable space maintainers
- Jaw repositioning appliances
- Lip and cheek bumpers
- Palatal expanders
- Headgear.
How long will it take to correct my teeth?
For the majority of patients and orthodontic services, it may take anywhere between 6 months and 2 years. Our orthodontist will be able to give you an estimate during your first session.
What age can my child get braces?
It is suggested that kids should come in for an initial orthodontic appointment once their permanent teeth start coming in, around 7 years old. Starting the process early means we are able to diagnose issues such as overcrowding or an uneven bite before they become a problem, and it does not necessarily mean your child will need braces right away. But remember – even adults can need orthodontic treatment!
What types of braces are there?
Green Valley Dental offers Damon metal and ceramic braces, which are virtually invisible and very comfortable to wear. We also offer Myobrace and MBT System treatment.
Are braces covered by my insurance?
Your insurance policy must include orthodontics for you to be covered for braces. You should check with your insurance provider prior to treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are a removable and virtually invisible method of straightening your teeth. Your aligner will be specifically fitted to your teeth and acts as an alternative to traditional Orthodontic services.
Invisalign aligners or Damon braces?
There are a variety of advantages for both Invisalign and Damon treatment, and both are viable options for orthodontic treatment. The main difference between the two is that Damon braces are non-removable, meaning they are always working and it is impossible to forget to wear them. Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time, but still should be worn at least 20-22 hours a day to be most effective.
Both Invisalign aligners and Damon braces are virtually invisible, and have a similar cost associated with service. While each might incur an initial discomfort for patients, they are both comfortable to wear within a few days, however Invisalign users might also experience a temporary lisp while they adjust to the aligner.
While both are effective in treating mild to moderate tooth crowding, Damon braces are the preferred solution for severe crowding and teeth alignment. Damon braces also have a lower relapse rate than Invisalign aligners, although both are more likely to be a permanent fix for orthodontic issues.
