Contents
Dentist / Orthodontist Relationship
Risks
and Benefits of Orthodontics
Dr.
Malek graduated with honours from the University
of Sydney Royal
Australasian College
Dr Malek is a member of Australian
Dental Association, the Australian Society of Orthodontists and a Fellow of
the Royal Australasian
College
Dr Malek has published
Research and Clinical papers in Orthodontic Journals both in Australia United States
Dr.
Malek graduated with honours from the
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Dr. Malek
B.D.S., (Hons.), M.D.Sc.
F.R.A.C.D.S.
(
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Functional
Appliances (modify jaw growth):
– Fixed
or
•
Braces:
– Clear
(Uppers only, with new tooth-coloured wires)
–
Metal
•
Stainless steel ± colours
•
Gold
– Lingual (on the inside of the upper teeth)
•
Surgical
movement of the jaws with braces
•
Jaw
expansion appliances:
–
Fixed
Dentist /
Orthodontist Relationship
In order to provide the best, most comprehensive
orthodontic treatment available, we encourage a multi-disciplinary approach. Firstly,
we provide a comprehensive report to the referring practitioner, including a
detailed Treatment-Plan specifying requirements from each member of the multi-
disciplinary team.
•
Return
visits to the referring practitioner are encouraged six monthly or more
frequently when needed.
•
Progress
reports are given in situations requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. This
communication can also be supplied digitally, with the Orthodontists being
available via e-mail. Of course, patients and referring practitioner can
contact the orthodontists at any time during normal office hours.
•
Our
friendly, experienced and professional staff
compliment our family orientated practice for both adults and children alike.
•
All this, together with the convenient locations around
Staff / Team
Practice Manager:
Senior Clinical Assistant:
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic
treatment is the correction of crooked teeth and jaws. It will be one of the
best investments you make for your child's health and future.
Why
straighten teeth?
These days, with regular dental care, teeth should
last a person's lifetime. Crooked teeth and jaws can interfere with jaw
function and speech, and lead to long-term dental problems such as tooth wear
and gum damage. Orthodontic treatment fixes these problems, laying the
foundation for your child's long term dental health. An attractive smile will
also boost self-confidence, helping your child to achieve his or her full potential.
Who straightens teeth?
Orthodontists are the specialists who fix crooked
teeth and jaws. They are dentists who have completed a further two or three
years of full-time university training in orthodontics (usually a Master's
degree). They must also be registered as a specialist orthodontist by their
State Dental Board and work exclusively in this field.
How do I
find an orthodontist?
You don't need a referral to see an orthodontist. You can
ask your dentist to recommend one or, if you prefer, you can contact an
orthodontist directly for an appointment. Orthodontists are listed by name and
locality on the Australian Society of Orthodontists' web site (www.aso.org.au)
When should
my child see an orthodontist?
Most orthodontic problems are best treated when a
person is young. We recommend that you consult an orthodontist when your child
is around the age of 8 years so that the optimum starting time can be determined.
How are
teeth straightened?
Braces are usually the most precise and effective way
to straighten teeth. Some problems can be treated with simpler or alternative
devices such as removable plates. An orthodontist will be able to advise what
is most suitable for your child.
Will
treatment be uncomfortable?
Wearing braces is simple and generally quite easy with
the modern devices available. However, braces do need to be regularly adjusted,
and this will make the teeth feel tender for a few days. During this short
period, soft foods and a mild analgesic may needed.
How long
does treatment take?
Treatment time will depend on the severity of the
original problem. For most children treatment can be completed within two
years. After braces 
are taken off, retainer devices are used for several
years to hold the teeth in their new positions.
How much will treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will depend on the severity of
your child's problem and the type of treatment selected. Your orthodontist will
provide you with a written quote and payment options before treatment
commences.
More adults
than ever before are choosing to have their teeth straightened. If you are
considering treatment, the following advice addresses the most commonly asked
questions.
Why should I
have orthodontic treatment?
There are good reasons to have your teeth
straightened. For example, you may be embarrassed by their crooked appearance.
Also, the long-term effects of bad tooth alignment, such as uneven wear and gum
damage, may get worse as you get older. Naturally, most people wish to keep
their teeth healthy throughout their life, and orthodontic treatment will help
you achieve this.
Am I too old
to have braces?
Many people who missed out on having their teeth straightened
as a child can still benefit from treatment as an adult. Your dentist and
orthodontist will be able to advise you on your suitability for treatment.
Is adult
orthodontic treatment different from that given to children and teenagers?
Yes. The main differences for an adult are the
increased bone density, absence of jaw growth, possible gum problems, and worn,
broken or missing teeth. Due to these factors, some adults may need to see
other dental specialists as well as an orthodontist for complete treatment.
Also, teeth usually move more slowly in adults than in children and teenagers.
Will braces
affect my lifestyle?
Contrary to some people's fears, your lifestyle is
minimally affected during treatment. You can work, talk, sing, play a musical instrument,
dine out, and of course, kiss! Most adults enjoy enormous support and
encouragement from family and friends when they decide to have treatment. Your
greatest inconvenience may be finding time in your busy schedule for regular
visits to the orthodontist.
Are there
alternatives to braces and orthodontic treatment?
Currently, braces are the most precise and effective
way to correct teeth alignment problems. For those who want an alternative to
metal braces, clear braces or braces fitted to the inner surfaces of the teeth
are possible options. A recent innovation is the use of clear aligner plates
that may be used instead of braces in a few cases. Consult your orthodontist to
find out which option is best for you. Remember that orthodontic treatment
conserves your natural teeth, which is unlike veneers, crowns and other
treatment alternatives.
Risks and Benefits of Orthodontics
BENEFITS
Orthodontics plays an important role in improving
overall oral health and achieving balance and harmony between the face and
teeth for a beautiful, healthy smile, which may enhance one's self esteem.
Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and so the
tendency to decay may be decreased as may the likelihood of developing disease
of the gums and supporting bone. Also well aligned teeth are less likely to
experience abnormal wearing down of the teeth.
Because of the individual conditions present and the
limitations of treatment imposed by nature, each specific benefit may not be
attainable for every patient.
RISKS
All forms of medical and dental treatment including
orthodontics have some risks and limitations. Fortunately in orthodontics
complications are infrequent and when they do occur they are usually of only
minor consequence. Nevertheless, they should be considered when making the
decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. The principal risks in 
orthodontic treatment pertain to:
1. Oral
hygiene
Orthodontic appliances do not cause tooth decay. Gum
disease, tooth decay and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can
occur if orthodontic patients eat food containing excessive sugar or do not
brush their teeth frequently or properly. These same problems can occur without
orthodontic treatment but the risk is greater to an individual wearing braces.
It is imperative during orthodontic treatment that
extra care is taken with oral hygiene and tooth brushing in particular.
2. Relapse
Teeth may have a tendency to change their positions after treatment. This is usually only a minor change, and on average, 90% to 95% of a correction is retained. The faithful wearing of retainers should reduce this tendency. Teeth can however, move at any time, whether or not they have had orthodontic treatment this is especially true during the late teen period when active growth of the lower jaw is coming to an end. The most vulnerable teeth are those at the front. Throughout life, the bite can change adversely from various causes such as: eruption of wisdom teeth, growth or maturational changes, mouth breathing, playing of musical instruments and other oral habits. Very occasionally tooth movements will be severe enough to merit a further short course of treatment to ensure a satisfactory result.
3.
Periodontal Health
The health of the bone and gums which support the
teeth may be affected by orthodontic tooth movement if a condition already
exists, and in some rare cases where a condition does not appear to exist. In
general, orthodontic treatment lessens the possibility of tooth loss or gum infection
due to misalignment of the teeth or jaws. Inflammation of the gums and loss of
supporting bone can occur if bacterial plaque is not removed daily with good
oral hygiene.
4. Root
Shortening
In some patients the length of the roots of the teeth may
be shortened during orthodontic treatment. Some patients are prone to this
happening, some are not. It is nearly impossible to predict susceptibility.
Usually this shortening does not have significant consequences, but on very
rare occasions it may become a threat to the longevity of the teeth involved.
5. Jaw
Joints
Occasionally patients may suffer pain or dysfunction
in the jaw joints (T.M.J's). This may present as joint pain, headaches or ear
problems. These problems may occur with or without orthodontic treatment. Any
of the above noted symptoms should be reported to the orthodontist. Some
patients are susceptible to T.M.J. problems and some are not. Stress is the
major contributing factor in temporomandibular disorders. Just as for painful
conditions in other joints, discomfort in T.M.J's can last from a few days to
several weeks or longer.
6. Tooth
vitality
Sometimes a tooth may have been traumatized by a
previous accident or a tooth may be decayed or have large fillings which can
cause damage to the nerve of the tooth. Orthodontic tooth movement in some
cases aggravates this condition and in rare instances may lead to loss of tooth
vitality and discolouration of the tooth requiring root canal treatment and
other dental treatment to restore the colour of the tooth.
7. Loose
appliances and discomfort
The gums, cheeks or lips may be scratched or irritated
by newly placed appliances or by loose or broken appliances or by blows to the
mouth. You will be given instruction on minimising these effects. Very rarely,
loose orthodontic appliances may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated. You
should inform your orthodontist of any unusual symptoms, or broken or loose
appliances, as soon as they are noted.
Usual post adjustment tenderness should be expected,
and the period of tenderness or sensitivity varies with each patient and the
procedure performed. (Typical post adjustment tenderness may last 24 to 48
hours.)
8. Atypical
growth
Insufficient, excessive or asymmetrical changes in the
growth of the jaws may limit our ability to achieve the desired result. If
growth becomes disproportionate during orthodontic treatment, the treatment may
be prolonged. Growth changes that occur after orthodontic treatment may alter
the quality of treatment results and may require further orthodontic treatment.
In some cases of atypical growth, the bite may change so much that oral surgery
is required to achieve the best possible result.
After Hours Advice Phone: 0434 502 330
Email: info@enhanceorthodontics.com.au
Hours:
Monday:
Tuesday: Drummoyne Rooms
Wednesday:
Thursday: Drummoyne
Rooms
Friday:
8.30am - 5.30pm
FREE CONSULTATION
Burwood Tel.: 9744
8455
Drummoyne Tel.: 9719
8820
Australian Society of Orthodontists
Last Revised: