Smileworx clinics are warm and welcoming places, where your family will feel comfortable and relaxed. From our front desk to our hygienists, nurses and orthodontists, our goal is making orthodontic treatment the best possible experience for all our patients.
When orthodontic treatment is optional
Typically, orthodontic treatment is optional when you have a functioning bite but would like straight teeth for cosmetic reasons. Of course, there are benefits to having straighter teeth, including improved confidence. It can also be easier to keep straight teeth clean, and therefore you may be somewhat less likely to develop tooth decay. However, its still important to understand that orthodontic treatment in these circumstances is optional.
Dr Todres explains, “Of course, there will always be some benefit in orthodontic treatment, but that can be a big or small benefit, and you have to weigh it up against the cost and inconvenience that braces can entail. I often ask parents, ‘How do you feel about how yor child’s teeth look?’ and ‘How does your child feel about it?’. If the child has a confident smile, they’re not self conscious, and from your perspective you see a nice smile, then you could certainly decide not to proceed with treatment. It’s our job to provide families with all the information to be able to make an informed decision.”
When orthodontic treatment is recommended
When we do recommend orthodontic treatment it’s usually because we see a problem that’s going to get significantly worse if it’s not dealt with. This includes problems like underbites and crossbites which can develop into painful malocclusions (misalignments) down the track. We also recommend orthodontic treatment when teeth are positioned so that recession of the gums is beginning and is likely to get worse.
We also take into account the age and preferences of the individual patient. For example, there are differences between boys and girls. Dr Todres says, “If crowding is getting worse, I tend to recommend treatment a little earlier for girls than boys. This is because 13 and 14 year-old girls cope much better with braces than they do at 15 or 16, when they are more self-conscious. Boys don’t care so much, but if girls get braces later they tend to hate the braces, their parents, the orthodontist and the whole experience. Obviously, we want to avoid that if possible.”
Early treatment is best
At Smileworx, we aim to identify and treat issues before they develop into major problems. Orthodontists are trained to spot issues early on, so that treatment can take place before braces or surgery become necessary. Treating early typically makes the whole process simpler and more cost-effective and helps to ensure the optimum outcome for the patient – in other words, the best possible smile!
