Because you deserve a beautiful smile. Whether you have been dreaming of having a beautiful smile for thirty years or whether you are only 12 years old, there is a beautiful smile waiting to be uncovered and it all starts here – getting them straight with modern orthodontics!
Orthodontics treatment will get your teeth straight and give you the smile you deserve – no doubt! But it does so much more than that. Orthodontics focuses on the development of your whole face and aims to guide and correct both the jaw relation as well as straightening your teeth. It improves and encourages breathing through your nose and favourably adjusts your bite which means that teeth last longer since they are used correctly. Our favourite benefit that modern orthodontics treatment allows is the improved side-on profiles and increased vertical facial height that many of our patients enjoy.
Modern orthodontics treatment is all about timing. Too early and treatment may continue for too long. Too late and you risk losing the growth potential during adolescence. That is why we need to start orthodontics screenings as early as the age of 6 – so we may pick up potential problems and treat them at the optimal time. It is also why limitations exist in adults and why, in extreme cases, surgical intervention is the only true solution.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment at age 8
At The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium, Umhlanga, we use the Damon® Orthodontics System. The Damon® System has revolutionised the world of orthodontics – it’s a whole new way of treating patients. Traditional treatment often requires removal of healthy teeth and the use of palatal expanders to create space. This approach is uncomfortable, takes longer, and will leave a narrower arch and flat facial profile. Smiles treated with the Damon® System are full, natural, 10-tooth smiles achieved with light biologically-sensible forces. Each treatment is specifically designed to improve the overall facial features of that patient.
Suffering with temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) problems? Are you experiencing joint pain, muscular pain and headaches? Is your nightstand drawer filled with bite plates and occlusal guards? If so, it may be time to consider orthodontics treatment. You may also be interested to read our page on TMJ Therapy.
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What to expect
Your first appointment
Most journeys start with a screening appointment. Our doctors will listen to your concerns and discuss various treatment options which may include orthodontic treatment. For optimal results, we use a multidisciplinary approach and explore all treatment options. You get the opportunity to familiarise yourself with modern orthodontics and get the right answers to all your questions.
Please note that screenings alone do not substitute diagnostic appointments.
Your second appointment
This is known as the diagnostic appointment, where things get a little more serious, and it also concludes phase 1 of your treatment. Our team will start by taking the necessary radiographs (X-rays), followed by a full set of photographs. We also take impressions or do intra-oral scans which are used to create your study models. Your next appointment will be made two weeks in advance for the placing of your brackets. In the meantime, while you take your own set of ‘before the treatment selfies’, we get to work planning your case from start to finish.
Your third appointment
A day you will never forget – for all the right reasons of course! Come prepared, make sure your teeth are spotless and get excited! We start the appointment with a thorough polish and fluoride treatment. We then prepare each tooth as per specified on our treatment plan and place your Damon® braces. After a couple more photos, we explain and demonstrate how to clean and look after your Damon® braces. Should you be given elastics to wear, we take the time to make sure you get the hang of it (pun intended). We stock many amazing products that will help you maintain good oral hygiene for the duration of your orthodontics treatment – these are available at each practice or online at www.thecdeshop.co.za.
