What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that specialised in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. These problems are classified as malocclusions, meaning “bad bite”.
Common malocclusions include:
Painful or difficulty chewing
Facial muscle or jaw pain
Permanent teeth coming in (erupting) from the incorrect position
Speech difficulties
Misaligned, twisted or gapped teeth
Overbite
Our Philosophy
There are few topics in dentistry more controversial than Orthodontics. As the internet has improved our access to information, this has also also led to an increase in misinformation surrounding the various types of orthodontic treatment available.
You may have seen, heard or had recommended to you various products or treatments that sound extraordinary and flashy such as ‘fast braces’ that also make equally extraordinary promises such as ‘better results in less time’. Like most things in life, if it sounds too good to be true it usually is.
For many years, Dr John Sambevski and Dr Ian Westmore have been helping families on the northern beaches navigate the complex world of orthodontics and have helped provide dependable guidance about controversial and sometimes conflicting information to help patients and their families decide whether or not they are getting the right advice.
Our success as one of Sydney’s leading specialist orthodontic practices is built on our team’s long standing reputation as a trusted source of sensible orthodontic advice and treatment to patients, dentists and other professionals which is why many of our loyal patients travel to see us from all over Sydney and New South Wales for their orthodontic care.
At Dee Why Orthodontics we believe in taking a conservative and sensible approach to orthodontic care and we treat each and every patient as if they were our own child or family member. If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, John and Ian can assist you with honest and reliable advice about whether orthodontic treatment is right for you and the best options available to suit your needs, budget and lifestyle.
Common Orthodontic treatments
During childhood, functional orthopaedic* appliances can be used to expand or change the jaw position. Functional appliances are usually removable plates that fit over the teeth and change the bite to achieve a more desirable jaw position.
After the orthopaedic treatment with functional appliances, fixed braces treatment usually follows. If your child is 12 or 13 years old, this may be the stage that their treatment will begin using fixed braces to straighten their teeth.
Orthodontic treatment using braces or Invisalign usually begins when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
The other main type of Orthodontic treatment is Invisalign. The Invisalign system is a sequence of clear removable aligners which offer a good alternative to braces - especially for adults concerned about wearing noticeable braces and wires.
*Orthopaedic to mean manipulating the bone, orthodontics to manipulate the teeth.
