Often the first thing we hear during a consultation is “I just want straight teeth”. What people don’t realise is that ‘straight teeth’ is only a small aspect of what can be achieved with orthodontic treatment. The concept of straight teeth has, for many patients been influenced by the so-called Hollywood Smile typified by […]
Emergency…my wire is poking!
And other orthodontic concerns. Occasionally you may need to visit us for an ’emergency’ before your next scheduled appointment. There are many small parts working together in your orthodontic appliances and sometimes things can spring loose. There are times when we might need to see you fairly quickly, and others when we can wait for […]
Thumb sucking & straight teeth
Babies are born with a reflex to suck any object placed in their mouth. This behavior helps during the first few months of establishing feeding, and disappears at around 4 months. Thumb sucking however, is not reflexive, and is believed to be a self-soothing practice. There are usually no ill effects from thumb sucking in […]
Do You Have Health Insurance?
Many people are surprised to learn that their health insurance does not fully cover the cost of braces. Orthodontics is usually an optional extra, carries a lifetime dollar value limit, and can be subject to annual claim limits too. Your yearly limit is the amount you receive from your health fund each year. Your lifetime […]
Do you need a Herbst Appliance?
Lets start with the elephant in the room….why is it called a Herbst appliance? It was named after Emil Herbst who invented it in 1904! Thankfully the current Herbst appliances have undergone several updates to make it more patient-friendly, and it is back in favour for correcting instances where the upper jaw and teeth protrude […]
