The field of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and correction of misaligned jaws and teeth is called orthodontics. Advanced orthodontics focuses on leveraging the latest technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment planning, and to provide more comfortable, often faster, treatment options.
Three Things You Should Know About Advanced Orthodontics
These days, we always seem to be upgrading something. We upgrade our devices for the latest technology, so why not enhance our orthodontic treatments, too? That’s what advanced orthodontics is all about. In fact, here are 3 things you should know about this branch of dental treatment.
1. The treatment options
Firstly, orthodontics no longer revolves around one-size-fits-all metal braces. The options have advanced significantly and now you can enjoy more customised, effective, and less noticeable options.
Today’s braces are made of high-tech materials. For example, ceramic braces are designed to be clear; or to match the shade of your teeth for a less conspicuous look.
Secondly, braces are no longer your only option in your quest for a straighter, healthier smile. Aligners including Invisalign®, (for example) use clear aligner trays to help straighten teeth in a way that doesn’t affect your eating or oral hygiene routine.
2. Flexible payment plans
The sheer cost of traditional braces might have put you off treatment. However, budget concerns don’t have to get in the way of a beautiful smile. This is all thanks to the many advances in technology, the array of orthodontic treatments and the flexible payment plans available.
3. The whole package
Advanced orthodontics is about your entire treatment plan. During your first consultation, you’ll learn about your treatment options and costs. You can also see exactly how your treatment will progress. In many cases you can even see an indication of what the finished results will be, all thanks to advanced technologies.
Advanced Technologies
The team at Fine Orthodontics are proud to offer some of the most cutting-edge technology in the orthodontic field. We understand that no two smiles are ever going to be the same. That’s exactly why we use these technologies to provide personalised treatment plans.
For instance, we can offer precise scanning, which ensures effective results within your unique treatment plan. Now, you don’t have to endure messy impressions and metal braces with brackets and wires. Instead, we can capture a 3D model of your teeth, all thanks to advanced scanning technology.
In advanced orthodontics, we also use 3D radiography to get high-resolution images of your teeth and jaw. It’s a quick process that gives us better information to provide you with more precise orthodontic treatment.
We also use 3D data and related software to determine the most accurate and time-efficient course of treatment for your smile. This allows us to pre-plan orthodontic movements on a computer. In the case of braces, this software can direct a robotic arm to pre-bend braces wires to suit your treatment needs, facilitating highly-advanced orthodontics treatment.
The Evolution of Orthodontics
As you can see, advanced orthodontics involves state-of-the-art technology and treatments to achieve the healthiest smile in the shortest amount of time.
But why exactly do people visit an orthodontist in the first place? In short, it’s to get their teeth straightened. There are many important elements to your bite, and your orthodontist will need to consider how your teeth will fit together at the end of your treatment.
Tooth straightening and bite correction can help to ensure that your teeth function correctly over your lifetime. An incorrect bite is associated with increased tooth wear and enamel trauma. Examples include underbites, crossbites and overbites. Excessively crowded teeth are harder to clean, and can increase your susceptibility to gingivitis and cavities.
Improved dental function and a stunning smile have long been considered desirable. Several ancient societies used primitive forms of braces using materials such as gold, metal, or catgut. As history progressed, the composition of braces changed, incorporating materials like platinum, silver, steel, wood, ivory, copper, and brass.
In the early 20th century, orthodontic problems were classified, and braces came to look a little more like what we see today. The first 'modern braces' needed each tooth to be wrapped individually with metal. By the 1970s, materials technology had advanced to the point where most braces involved a small bracket and wire affixed to the front surface of each tooth.
While these braces may sometimes seem like a rite of passage for teenagers, their appearance can put self-conscious and public-facing adults off the idea of orthodontic treatment.
As advanced orthodontics progressed, Invisalign® was invented in the late 1990s and today there are plenty of options for straightening teeth that are discrete.
What Advanced Orthodontics Can Do for You
Orthodontic care can offer numerous benefits. While this field of dentistry certainly addresses cosmetic issues, there is a wide range of functional issues that orthodontists treat that are important to optimise overall oral health.
Whether your child or teenager needs orthodontic treatment or, as an adult, you’re ready for a healthy mouth of straight teeth, technologies like digitally customised clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign®) and accelerated orthodontics mean there are lots of options available to treat a wide range of issues.
Time to Fix Your Smile
For hundreds of years, society has valued healthy and straight teeth. As a result, orthodontic technique have been refined to offer more stylish, effective and comfortable advanced orthodontic options. Specialists have spent years studying, developing and mastering today’s modern tools and techniques.
Unlike the early days of orthodontics, modern professionals now have a variety of means to help with your bite and alignment issues. From lingual and self-litigating braces to clear aligners and 3D imaging, we can now tailor every treatment option to each patient.
That means that advanced orthodontics gives you different treatment options and more affordable prices along with faster treatment times in certain cases.
Book a consultation today at Fine Orthodontics.
What is Advanced Orthodontics?
To the outside world it may seem that not much has changed in the world of Orthodontics in the last few decades. You still see people wearing braces and retainers – the braces look similar to what they did 20 or more years ago. Based on this observation, you would easily believe that nothing has changed in recent years. In some cases, depending where you seek your orthodontic treatment, this may be the case.
In some orthodontic practices however, settling for acceptable is not enough. While things might seem similar from a casual glance, a closer look will reveal that there is a drive for excellence. For faster and better treatment. An orthodontic office which embraces change will deliver an easier, more comfortable process and produce better results. For these practices – especially those embracing Advanced Orthodontics – almost everything has changed compared to 20 years ago.
Almost Invisible braces
The first thing you’ll see (or rather won’t see!) in a modern, Advanced Orthodontics office is an array of almost invisible braces options. Yes, the classic metal braces have their place, but they are no longer the only choice. Fine Orthodontics offer strong, reliable clear braces made from high-tech materials. For those that demand an almost invisible option, we can offer clear aligners like Invisalign®. Clear aligners are like an incredibly thin, almost undetectable, mouthguard that fits closely over the teeth.
Dr Fine himself has developed his very own Aligner brand, which is manufactured on-site at Fine Orthodontics.
Digital Treatment Planning
Even metal braces are no longer what they appear. Whether you choose metal braces, clear braces or aligner treatment like Invisalign®, a practice that focuses on Advanced Orthodontics will generally offer digital treatment planning.
Traditionally, Orthodontics involved having braces placed on your teeth. The braces used were the same for everybody. You’d visit your Orthodontist for checkups, during which your progress was checked and adjustments were made. Digital treatment, on the other hand, allows you to start with the end in sight. Rather than your orthodontist making adjustments whilst you lie in the chair, at Fine Orthodontics we can customise your appliance and plan movements on a computer.
As well as allowing for faster, easier appointments, digital treatment planning allows for faster and more precise treatment. Adjustments made by hand during treatment are always estimations – something is moved, and it is reviewed at the next visit. I’m sure you can appreciate the benefits of going directly from A to B along a pre-determined route!
3D technology
Advanced Orthodontics involves 3D technology. Your teeth are scanned and turned into a 3D model. We also use 3D X-rays to ensure we are taking into account every aspect and angle of your teeth and facial features. The Orthodontist devises your treatment plan based on your 3D model.
Wire bending robots
Your plan is then translated into movements which are programmed into either braces or clear aligners like Invisalign®. Some amazing technology is involved in this process – including wire bending robots to ensure complete precision.
Super-fast tooth movement
“Which braces are the fastest?”
No matter which braces are used, speed is always limited by your body’s ability to allow the teeth to move through the bone and gums. Fine Orthodontics works with a gum specialist to offer a procedure known as "Wilckodontics", which activates underlying bone – allowing the teeth to move at 3-4 x conventional speeds! In addition to speeding up the process, the procedure also enhances both hard and soft tissue support.
As an Advanced Orthodontic practice Fine Orthodontics also offers digital remote monitoring. This is especially useful for aligners like Invisalign®. Scan your teeth at home and your digital monitoring app will let you know if your teeth are ready for the next aligner!
Will technology replace my Orthodontist?
We think not. The orthodontist remains the director and project manager behind the process. A specialist orthodontist will listen to your concerns and desires and use their expert knowledge of function and aesthetics to plan the best treatment for you. The technology is beneficial – but only insofar as it ensures the most pure output of the orthodontist’s intended vision.
We never allow the computers to dictate the treatment goals. The tools are only that – in the same way that an artist will use tools to express a vision. We can never forget that Orthodontics is both a science and an art. Only a human eye can truly harmonise all the intricacies that go into creating beautiful, balanced results that suit your lips and face.
Plus, we don’t think technology could ever replace the human touch that comes with a friendly, wise, real life Orthodontist!
*If orthodontic X-rays are required, a fee of $180 applies. See Terms and Conditions. Treatment may not be suitable for you.
These Products are not available for purchase by the general public. They are however available to Fine Orthodontics patients. Always read the label and follow the instructions for use.
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