Our practice prides itself in having a large adult patient base. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and the number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment has increased significantly in recent times. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children, with slight differences in the treatment modalities.

The health of an individual's teeth, gums and supporting bone are the most important determinates for improving an adult smile and function and often interdisciplinary treatment in conjunction with other dental practitioners is necessary.

Due to the fact that adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain asymmetrical corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone. These dramatic facial changes however, are now being achieved successfully using a combined approach of orthognathic surgery and orthodontics for individuals who elect to receive this type of treatment.

There are many different aesthetic orthodontic appliances available to adults. These include internal "Lingual braces ", "Ceramic braces" and "Invisalign" type removable clear tray aligners. These alternative treatment modalities have made treatment acceptance far easier for adult patients. We do specialise in all the above and would be happy to discuss the various options with you.

Dr Stramotas has vast experience in the speciality of Lingual and or internal braces. Lingual braces are the only non-visible form of fixed orthodontic therapy available today and are utilised when the problems are more than just alignment of teeth, such as an ill-fitting bite. Many years of specialist training, special instrumentation, equipment and staff training are required to master this amazing technique. The latest generation of Lingual or Internal braces are extremely small and comfortable and treatment times have been greatly reduced.

Are Lingual braces more comfortable than outside braces?

Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces. The difference is that the Lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces will affect the cheeks and lips. Patients take approximately 1-2 weeks to achieve a good comfort level. The new generation of lingual brackets are small and streamline and extremely comfortable.

Does the treatment with lingual braces take longer than outside braces?

No, treatment time is comparable to that of outside braces and sometimes even shorter. Some cases respond more efficiently to Lingual braces due to certain mechanical advantages of the appliance.

Can anyone get lingual braces?

Most patients are good candidates for Lingual braces. There are a few exceptions. Dr Stramotas will determine the type of braces most beneficial for your treatment.

Will lingual braces affect my speech?

Yes, initially all orthodontic appliances(internal or external) have some effect on the patient’s speech. The amount will vary depending on the patient’s dental arch form and tongue position. In most patients this will be temporary and of short duration.

Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Dr Stramotas will decide if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment as not everyone can be successfully treated using this technique. It is highly successful in those patients who have crooked teeth with well matched upper and lower jaws and a bite within acceptable limits.

Aligners are removable and virtually invisible. This means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing and you can still enjoy all your favourite foods. One can also brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth. There are no wires or brackets with this technique, but sometimes tooth coloured attachments are required.

Many of our patients who have in the past never considered traditional braces are now happily and comfortably improving their smile with Invisalign.

WHAT IS INVISALIGN?

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?

Ceramic braces are made of translucent (Clear) glass material. They are also popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.

Ceramic braces utilize less noticeable brackets for patients concerned about aesthetic appearances. Ceramic brackets are translucent, so they blend in with your natural tooth colour. This means that unlike traditional stainless steel braces, with ceramic braces your smile will not look ‘metallic’. In addition, ceramic brackets are designed so that they won’t stain or discolour over periods of time. The arch wires used in conjunction with the ceramic braces are unfortunately not translucent, but they do blend in well with the ceramic brackets and are not as noticeable.