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Early orthodontic assessment (around age 7)
The Australian Association of Orthodontics recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at around age 7. This helps identify any developing bite or jaw concerns early.
Benefits of early treatment may include:
- Guide jaw growth and help permanent teeth erupt into more favourable positions
- Reduce the likelihood of needing adult teeth removed later (in some cases)
- Help manage crowding or spacing as the smile develops
- Support facial balance and smile appearance during growth
- Maintain space if baby teeth are lost early
Early use of orthodontic plates (when appropriate) can help guide jaw growth and may reduce the need for extractions or jaw surgery later. Dr Chisholm will advise if early treatment is recommended for your child.
Adolescent treatment
Adolescent (Phase II) orthodontic treatment is typically started in the early to late teenage years. It often involves braces to align teeth and correct the bite, and in some cases a short period of a fixed appliance may be used to broaden the smile and help create space.
Modern braces come in a range of options, including metal and clear braces, and clear aligners for suitable cases—making treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever.
How long will I need to wear braces? Treatment time varies and depends on a few key factors:
- What needs correcting: The type and severity of the bite and alignment issues, and how your teeth respond to treatment.
- Your involvement: Wearing any elastics or appliances as prescribed, attending appointments, and keeping your teeth and braces clean.
We’ll provide an estimate of expected treatment time at your consultation and keep you updated as treatment progresses.
Orthognathic Treatment
Orthognathic surgery refers to jaw surgery, which may be carried out if there is a gross discrepancy in the size of the upper jaw to the lower jaw.
Surgery is most often carried out when growth has completed or has almost been completed.
There are times when the bite discrepancy is too large to fix with tooth movements alone. Often the problem is the incompatibility of the upper and lower jaws being out of proportion to one another and to the cranial base.
To resolve the discrepancy, braces are put on to set teeth up, followed by jaw surgery to achieve jaw bone compatibility and bite correction.
The pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontics is critical to establish long term stability and success of treatment and to achieve a beautifully balanced bite and smile.
Pre-surgical orthodontics helps in ideal tooth placement for the surgery and post-surgery, when the tissues have healed Dr Chisholm, guides the teeth into an ideal relationship.
Adult Treatment
Think braces are just for children or teenagers? well think again. Adults’ seeking orthodontic treatment is not a strange occurrence.
The most commonly asked question is “am I too old to have my teeth straightened?” The answer is “definitely not.” Those who missed the opportunity when they were younger and have never really been happy with the way their teeth look can certainly achieve a perfect smile and a good bite; improving their self-esteem and dental health.
Adults seeking a healthy, beautiful smile has increased in the past 5 years – as a beautiful smile has an impact on the way we look and perceive ourselves. Gwen Stefani, Diana Ross, Tom Cruise, Delta Goodrem and Whoopi Goldberg all sported a metal braced smile during adulthood, often while they worked on films and other projects. Actress Kathryn Heigel wanted a nice smile before her wedding to fix her ‘wonky teeth’ with Invisalign, which she wore during the filming of 27 Dresses.
Improving the health of your teeth and gums is important, as crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay and abnormal wear of teeth enamel and surfaces. It can also contribute to headaches and jaw joint pain. Orthodontic treatment may be part of a more comprehensive dental treatment plan to replace missing teeth or as part of other oral rehabilitation.
Adult orthodontics treatment in some cases may take a few months longer, as often the cases are more complex. Teeth straightening options for adults may include metal braces, translucent/clear braces, Invisalign or lingual braces. During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best treatment option to achieve the best result for your individual need.
Our adult patients will agree that it is never too late to improve your smile.
Syndromes & Clefts
This type of treatment often involves multiple stages of surgery to get the best bite and appearance for the child. Treatment is commenced early. Dr Chisholm works in conjunction with the Australian Cranio-Facial Unit at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital.