Our Services
Functional Appliances
Functional appliances are orthopaedic devices which utilise growth to help move jaws into a better biting relationship. There are numerous appliances available, and at MB Orthodontics we use functional appliances to help improve bites for suitable young patients. For most patients it involves moving the lower jaw forward to reduce an overbite or overjet. These devices are easy to wear and patients tend to adapt quickly to wearing them.
Expansion Appliances
Expansion appliances are used to correct crossbites or to make more room for the adult teeth to fit in. Expanders can be either fixed in the mouth or removable and both are relatively comfortable and easy to get used to. Expansion of the upper jaw is a painless exercise and may be used before or during treatment with orthodontic braces.
Metal Braces
At MB Orthodontics we use low profile metal brackets which are more comfortable causing less irritation to the lips and cheeks. If colours are your thing then we have a wide range of colours that we can add to your braces. Even better, you get to change the colours at each appointment. We also have a range of options for those who prefer a more subtle look. The benefits of metal braces are their strength, durability and cost effectiveness.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are clear brackets most commonly used only on the upper teeth. They are popular with adults, self conscious teens and those who are frequently photographed (i.e. dance competitors). Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive than metal braces, however they do provide the advantage of effective and aesthetic treatment. We also offer non-staining ligatures for clear braces if required.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are metal brackets which are placed on the inside surface of the teeth. These can be placed on the upper and lower teeth, however they are most often used only on the upper teeth with regular braces placed on the outside surface of the lower teeth.
Lingual braces achieve the same effective results as traditional braces whilst maintaining your natural appearance and smile.
Invisible Aligners
MB Orthodontics use Australian made clear plastic removable aligners which are custom made to move your teeth into ideal alignment. They need to be worn 24 hours a day and only removed for eating, cleaning and consuming hot drinks. The aligners are usually changed every 3 weeks. The number of aligners and overall treatment time will depend of the severity of your case. Dr Barva or Dr Stewart will advise you at your consultation if this treatment is a suitable option for you.
Mini Screws
This is one of the most significant advancements in orthodontics in recent years. Mini screws are used to assist in moving teeth forward or back, to close spaces. Traditionally this space closure has taken longer and mini screws can often replace the use of headgear. Mini screws are placed into the gum and connected to the braces using an elastic or active wire. When the miniscrew is no longer required it is simply removed.
Space Maintainers
These appliances are used for young patients who need space held for the adult teeth to come through following the early loss of a deciduous tooth. They can be fixed or removable appliances. These are usually worn until the permanent tooth has erupted sufficiently.
Retainers
Retainers are used to hold your teeth in their new positions after your braces have been removed. The most common types are bonded retainers which are fine wires attached to the back of your teeth and also clear removable plates which are similar to thin mouthguards usually only worn at night.
Mini-Braces
Mini-Braces are used for early treatment to align the upper and/or lower front teeth. They are metal brackets with coloured “o” rings holding the wire in place. Treatment usually takes less than 12 months. A retainer wire or a removable retainer plate will be fitted after the braces are removed to hold the teeth in their new position.
