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A smile is everything — it’s like the front window into your shop!

A smiling set of shiny brights is the universal way to show others that you’re happy. While smiling makes you appear more confident, hiding a smile can actually give off the wrong kind of vibe. And why do people not smile? I bet nine out of ten times, it’s because they don’t like their teeth.

I’m pretty sure nobody on earth is born with perfect teeth. You just get what you’re given and it’s fate where each tooth ends up. If you’re like me, you could be blessed with a double whammy — fangs and an underbite. Thank god for the orthodontist, am I right?

Actually, thank you mum and dad for investing in my adolescent smile. I had braces from Year 8 until Year 11 and now, I’m fairly sure my smile is my favourite part of my body. Even under a facemask, I’m still smiling.

Now history is repeating itself and I have a nine-year-old with teeth coming out of his gums, left, right and centre. I have no idea whether or not nine is too early for intervention, so I thought I’d share the love and ask all the toothy questions for everyone else in my position.

The Orthodontic Place in Kent Town and Hindmarsh provides high-quality orthodontic care to achieve the smile you deserve, in a warm and family-oriented environment. “We always give each patient plenty of personal attention, as every patient’s smile is a customised work of art that has unique needs,” says owner and orthodontist Dr Sara Dudley.

On the menu are metal braces, clear (ceramic) braces and invisible braces for kids, teengers and adults.

As well as fixing your smile, they can answer all your silly questions, with absolutely no judgement.

Here’s Sara…

Q: I have a nine-year-old and his teeth are growing on top of each other. Is it too early for braces?

A: It’s recommended by the Australian Society of Orthodontics for children to have orthodontic consultation around the ages of seven or eight to examine their bite and development of their adult teeth. Often a full mouth X-ray (OPG) is recommended for a comprehensive examination. Should there be a need for early intervention, there are often different approaches and appliances that will be discussed and tailored to your child’s needs.

Q: If my child has braces early, will that mean he might need them twice?

Early braces often means early (interceptive) treatment. An early treatment is often a short (6 to12 months) treatment performed to correct a bite or dental problem to allow a more ideal growth and development of the child’s jaw and permanent teeth. An early treatment can be done using different appliances such as plates, partial braces or Invisalign First. This first phase will normally be followed by a more comprehensive treatment (Phase 2) when the child is older and has all their adult teeth, to detail the position of the teeth.

Q: Can kids get Invisalign?

Yes. Invisalign or clear aligner appliances are another option in orthodontic treatment for kids. Obviously we would have to diagnose the problem first and advise whether it is a suitable option for the child.

Q: How do you know if you need braces?

The first step is to get an orthodontic consultation. There is no need to get a referral from the general dentist for an orthodontic consultation. However, patients need to be in good dental health to receive orthodontic treatment. We work closely with general dentists throughout each patients’ orthodontic journey.

 Q: A lot of friends I went to school with who had braces in Year 9, 10 and 11 are now turning 40 and their teeth have moved back again. How do you stop this from happening?

The most common reasons for this happening can be late adulthood crowding or wisdom teeth eruption but this doesn’t have to undo what you’ve had done. The key to making the most of your investment and keeping your teeth nice and straight in the long-term is making sure to use retainers once you finish with orthodontic treatment in your teenage years. There are lots of different types of retainers available and we will run through the options as part of the treatment plan.

Q: Orthodontic work is an investment. How much are you up for with braces?

Full braces range from $5500 to $8500. Invisalign ranges from $6500 to $9000. Early treatment ranges from $1500 to $4000.

We offer interest-free payment plans for 12 to 30 months to make things more affordable. We also offer sibling and family discounts.

 

To chat more about you or your kids’ pearly whites, give Sara and her wonderful team at The Orthodontic Place a buzz on 8362 6000, or jump on their website here!

As with all services, every person’s experience and results may vary. You should make your own assessment as to whether this is right for you. 

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Hayley Pearson

Hayley Pearson

Co-Creator and Writer for Adelady, she still gets goosebumps that she’s combined her creative passion with sharing the best of her stunning home state.

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