Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is something many of us had as teenagers and then expected our smile to go the distance. However, in some cases we may need to consider orthodontic treatment again later in life. Reasons why your teeth may shift over time may include: accidents, tooth loss, not wearing retainers as recommended, or gum disease.

If your smile has become uneven again, contact your local Orthodontist and have it checked out.

Read more here: As an adult, why do I need to get orthodontic treatment for a second time?

The best time to see an Orthodontist is as soon as you or your Dentist see any problem with the alignment of your teeth or your bite. Only a Specialist Orthodontist can advise you on what treatment is best, and when it is appropriate to start.

There are reasons why metal braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment. They’re one of the most cost-effective options, they’re able to perform the full range of complex tooth movements, and their results have been proven to be both safe and predictable. However, metal braces are not the only option. Ceramic clear braces, lingual braces or clear aligners (such as Invisalign®) can be just as effective in achieving an optimal result. Your Orthodontist will help you select the best type of treatment for you. You can read about different treatment options here>

Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to over 2 years, depending on your case. For example, rotating a single tooth may be achieved in a few short months, but guiding an impacted tooth down into alignment with the rest of your teeth may take longer. Correcting jaw alignment and fixing your bite may also take longer to correct.

A number of companies claim to be able to treat all orthodontic cases in as little as 6 months. However, they tend to only straighten the front teeth without correcting underlying bite issues.

No matter the length of your treatment, a successfully completed treatment will generally be far better than one that is rushed.

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in you or your loved ones’ future. There is no set fee for orthodontic visits in New Zealand. Fees will vary depending on the type of treatment required, the length of treatment and the Orthodontist you see.

Many Orthodontists will provide all-inclusive treatment quotes so you can work out your budget ahead of time. They also offer payment plans so you can spread the cost of your treatment over time.

To help teeth transition to their new position and correct the bite safely, orthodontic treatment needs to be a gradual process. Placing too much pressure on teeth can cause damage to the roots and gums. If something is worth doing, it is definitely worth doing properly!

Most marketed quick treatments are, in fact, identical to the initial alignment stage of regular orthodontic treatment. This means that while the front teeth will appear straight, any underlying bite issues will often be left uncorrected.

Only a Specialist Orthodontist has the training, knowledge and clinical expertise to distinguish which types of patients can be safely finished in a faster-than-average timeframe and which patients require a longer treatment time to safely correct the bite.

You don’t need a referral to see an Orthodontist. But it’s a good idea to first see your family dentist for a check-up before requesting a referral. Check that your orthodontic treatment provider is a registered Specialist Orthodontist.