Braces, Invisalign & Personalised Orthodontic Treatments

Plates

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances can be used as interceptive treatment options for young patients. Some benefits of interceptive treatment are

  • Reducing the risk of tooth crowding
  • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  • Space preservation for unerupted teeth
  • Elimination of 'crossbites,' 'overbites,' and 'underbites'
  • Management of thumb-sucking habits

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances can be used as interceptive treatment options for young patients. Some benefits of interceptive treatment are

  • Reducing the risk of tooth crowding
  • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  • Space preservation for unerupted teeth
  • Elimination of 'crossbites,' 'overbites,' and 'underbites'
  • Management of thumb-sucking habits

Twin Block

A twin block is a set of upper and lower removable plates that work together in conjunction with the patient's natural growth potential to correct jaw issues (malocclusions) such as 'underbites' and 'overbites.' 

Upper Removable Appliance (URA)

Removable orthodontic appliances are appliances that are customised to fit your mouth to aid in your orthodontic treatment plan. Unlike braces and other types of appliances that are attached to your teeth, removable appliances can be taken out on your own as needed, such as when you are cleaning your teeth. Your treatment plan will be created for you by your orthodontist. In order to find the best plan of action to address the various stages that involve the adjustment of your teeth, you may require removable orthodontic appliances for the best results.

They can be used to correct minor orthodontic issues such as crossbites, expand narrow arches, and make slight individual tooth movements. Small screws can be inserted inside the plates in different places to perform these movements. Patients/parents were taught and advised to wind the screws themselves periodically to activate the tooth movement. Even clear aligners, such as Invisalign aligners, are a removable appliance.

Upper Removable Appliance (URA)

Removable orthodontic appliances are appliances that are customised to fit your mouth to aid in your orthodontic treatment plan. Unlike braces and other types of appliances that are attached to your teeth, removable appliances can be taken out on your own as needed, such as when you are cleaning your teeth. Your treatment plan will be created for you by your orthodontist. In order to find the best plan of action to address the various stages that involve the adjustment of your teeth, you may require removable orthodontic appliances for the best results.

They can be used to correct minor orthodontic issues such as crossbites, expand narrow arches, and make slight individual tooth movements. Small screws can be inserted inside the plates in different places to perform these movements. Patients/parents were taught and advised to wind the screws themselves periodically to activate the tooth movement. Even clear aligners, such as Invisalign aligners, are a removable appliance.

Braces

Braces have come a long way in recent years thanks to advances in orthodontic technology and techniques. We are proud to offer "INSIGNIA" braces, a customised bracing system. Like fingerprints, your smile is unique, and Insignia allows us to treat you as an individual. Mt Albert Orthodontic Centre is a provider of the customised Insignia system.

Benefits of Insignia

Insignia differs from traditional bracing systems, which use mass-designed brackets, as it customises braces and wires for every patient to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and a truly customised smile. Insignia uses computer software to transform a patient's treatment plan into a virtual 3D model, allowing the orthodontist to start with the end in sight and calculate your optimal bite and smile. Insignia designs customised brackets for each individual tooth; no two brackets are the same.

There are several benefits to being treated with Insignia, including:

  • Precisely calculated tooth movement
  • Accurate bracket placement
  • Reduction in treatment time
  • More comfortable treatment

Our orthodontists combine the advantages of Insignia with the design and benefits of Damon braces.

Please click the button below to find out more about Insignia braces.

Insignia Braces

Damon Braces

The Damon System is different from other bracing systems as it uses passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic bands around the braces. This results in less friction, shorter treatment time, and improved comfort levels. Damon braces use sliding doors to hold the wire in place, which allows the teeth to move more freely and with less force. Damon braces are available in both metal and clear options.


You should always read and follow the label and the instructions of your treating orthodontist.


Please click the button below to find out more about Damon braces.

Damon Braces

Invisalign / Clear Aligners

Invisalign is a great alternative for people who do not like the appearance of braces. Removable aligners are almost invisible, and this makes them a very popular option for both teens and adults.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Treatment involves wearing a series of aligners that are changed every 10-14 days. As patients replace their aligners, their teeth are moved gradually into the desired position. The aligners are worn at all times except when eating, drinking, flossing, and brushing. Aligners allow patients to eat and drink as normal, as they do not have the wires and brackets associated with braces.


Invisalign is a CAD-CAM-based aligner system, which allows patients to see their step-by-step progress. Patients can see their virtual 3D treatment plan, seeing what their teeth will look like at different times during treatment.

The benefits of clear aligners are:

  • Aligners are virtually invisible
  • They are easy to clean and can be removed when brushing and flossing
  • There are no restrictions in diet as aligners are removed to eat and drink
  • Treatment time is reduced with the use of AcceleDent

Invisalign is a treatment option for most patients. Our orthodontists will be able to assess your eligibility for Invisalign. To see if Invisalign is suitable for you, please phone our office for a consultation.


To learn more about Invisalign, click the button below.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are a registered medical device; you should always read and follow the label and the instructions of your treating orthodontist.

The benefits of clear aligners are:

  • Aligners are virtually invisible
  • They are easy to clean and can be removed when brushing and flossing
  • There are no restrictions in diet as aligners are removed to eat and drink
  • Treatment time is reduced with the use of AcceleDent

Invisalign is a treatment option for most patients. Our orthodontists will be able to assess your eligibility for Invisalign. To see if Invisalign is suitable for you, please phone our office for a consultation.


To learn more about Invisalign, click the button below.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are a registered medical device; you should always read and follow the label and the instructions of your treating orthodontist.

Dental Monitoring

Here at Mt Albert Orthodontic Centre, we’ve integrated dental monitoring technology into our practice to improve your Invisalign experience. This cutting-edge, smartphone-based system gives us the ability to track your progress remotely, minimising the number of in-person appointments and shortening overall treatment time.


Using the app, you simply take regular photos of your teeth, which are securely sent to us. We examine the images against your treatment plan to ensure everything is on track. If your teeth are moving as expected, there's no need to come in, saving you time without compromising care.

FAQs

  • Do you charge interest?

    No, we do not charge interest on payments, and our payment plans are conveniently spread out across the treatment duration.

  • Do I still need to see my dentist?

    Yes, regular checkups are important. Clean, healthy teeth are essential for your final result and the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

  • Do you have appointments out of school hours?

    We’re going to be seeing a lot of each other as you go through your orthodontic treatment. Once we’re underway, you’ll need to come in fairly regularly for adjustments and checks.


    We do our best to work around your school or work commitments, but unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to undertake a full course of orthodontic treatment without some daytime appointments. We do try to be as flexible as possible and to schedule routine adjustment appointments for after school. Longer visits and some key appointments, if required, are usually scheduled during the day.


  • Can I come in my lunch hour?

    We provide adjustments both late morning and early afternoon. Our day is structured to provide adjustment appointments at convenient times throughout the day, allowing most patients' school/work days to have as little interruption as possible. Our longer appointments are scheduled within school and working hours.

  • What is life with braces like?

    Starting out: The good news is that having your braces put on is completely painless, but the first few days of wearing them can be a bit achy. The aching is caused by the pressure of the teeth being pulled, but it subsides as they begin to shift. It’s quite normal for the soreness to last for two to three days, but you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol to reduce the discomfort. Warm drinks also help.


    The inside of your mouth is very sensitive, and although the braces are designed to be as comfortable as possible, some people find that the brackets scratch the insides of their lips and cheeks. Your mouth will get used to it fairly quickly, but in the meantime, you can mould some soft wax over the irritating parts. The smooth wax feels good on a sore spot, and it can even be flavoured!


    Keeping clean: Braces provide great places for food to hide and get stuck, so while you’re going through orthodontic treatment, it becomes even more important to look after your teeth and gums. You really want to keep plaque from building up around the gum line, as this can lead to gum disease.


    Try to brush after every meal; we’ll show you how (it’s a bit harder with all those wires!). If you’re out for lunch and forget your toothbrush, have a good rinse-and-spit to dislodge any food. It's best to visit your dentist every six months while your braces are on and avoid sugary foods and fizzy drinks.


    Taking care of your braces: Having braces doesn’t mean you have to stop eating most foods, but you do have to be aware of what you eat. Hard foods such as apples and carrots can snap the brackets off when you bite into them, and sticky, chewy foods like toffee can stick to your braces. So be careful with nuts, avoid popcorn, chop hard foods into small pieces and chew slowly with your back teeth, and slice corn off the cob with a knife.


    If you play sports, it’s also very important to protect your mouth while playing. Let us know, and we’ll provide you with a complimentary mouthguard to fit over your braces. A custom-made mouthguard is an additional cost.


    Breakages and repairs: You’ll have appointments every few weeks to check up on and adjust your braces. But if you break something, don’t wait for your next appointment! We need to repair your braces as soon as possible, because broken fixtures can alter the pressure on your teeth and result in you needing to wear braces for longer. The broken parts can also hurt the inside of your mouth. Breakages do happen, so contact us as soon as you can to arrange a repair appointment.


Call our team on 09 849 4171 and discover the right orthodontic treatment for you.