Orthodontics
Cape Town

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

Teeth that are misaligned, or skew, can cause significant problems in the mouth. Bacteria and plaque gather where teeth overlap and create hotspots for cavities, discolourations and decay.

Misaligned teeth also affect your bite, leading to problems when speaking, eating or chewing. This could also lead to jaw tension and pain.

Orthodontic treatment can address various dental issues while improving the overall health, function and appearance of your smile.

In addition to traditional orthodontic treatments, JJS Dentistry also offers advanced options such as clear aligners, which uses clear aligners to straighten teeth.

Orthodontic treatment is a type of dental procedure aimed at correcting misaligned teeth and improper bites. There are various reasons why you may need orthodontics, ranging from cosmetic concerns to more serious health issues.

A common reason for seeking orthodontic treatment is aesthetic concerns. Many people with crooked, crowded, or spaced teeth may feel self-conscious about their smile, and treatment can help correct these issues.

In addition, skewed teeth can make it difficult to clean between them effectively, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.

The most common conditions affecting the mouth include:

• Overbite: The upper front teeth protrude over the lower teeth
• Underbite: The lower teeth are too far forward
• Open bite: The space between the biting surfaces of the front or side teeth
• Misplaced midline: The centre of your upper teeth does not line up with the centre of your lower teeth
• Spacing: Gaps or spaces between the teeth
• Crowding: There are too many teeth to accommodate

Many types of devices, both fixed and removable, are used to move teeth, retrain muscle and alter the growth of the jaws.

These devices work by placing a gentle force on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your case will decide which orthodontic appliance is the most effective.

• Braces: the most popular fixed appliance, braces are made of bands, wires and brackets.
• Special fixed appliances: appliances attached to the teeth using bands to prevent thumb sucking and tongue thrusting

• Aligners: these are a great alternative to braces. Serial aligners move teeth similarly to braces but without metal wires and brackets. Aligners are transparent and can be removed for eating and cleaning.
• Jaw splints: these devices are worn on either the top or lower jaw and help train the jaw to close in a better position.
• Lip and cheek bumpers: these keep the cheeks and lips away from the teeth. These muscles can exert pressure on the teeth, and bumpers relieve that pressure.
• Palatal expander: This is used to widen the arch of the jaw. It's a plastic plate that covers the roof of the mouth. The plate applies pressure to force the joints in the palate to open and widen.
• Removable retainers: these devices stop the teeth from shifting to their previous position.

Orthodontic treatment is a gradual process that can take several months or years to reach the desired result. The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your issue and the type of orthodontic device we use.

One of the most common orthodontic devices is braces, which are made up of brackets and wires attached to the teeth. Braces use the constant, gentle force of the wires to shift teeth into their correct position. Over time, the brackets and wires are adjusted to continue the movement of the teeth until they are in their desired position.

Your gums cushion your teeth, and underneath them is the Periodontal Membrane, which protects the lower half of your teeth. Braces encourage your actual teeth to move, and they put pressure on the Periodontal Membrane at the same time. One side of this membrane stretches out so that the teeth can move. The bars and bands then push it from the other side, creating space for the teeth to shift safely.

Clear aligners is another popular orthodontic device. It uses a series of clear aligners custom-made for your teeth. The aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic material worn over the teeth, gradually shifting them into place.

Retainers are also used in orthodontic treatment to help maintain the new position of the teeth after they have shifted. Retainers are typically worn after braces or aligners have been removed and help to keep the teeth from shifting back into their original position.

Braces don't hurt at all during the application process, so there is no reason to be anxious about the placement appointment. However, there will be mild discomfort after the wire is engaged, which may last for a week. Most patients experience some pain in the first week after their braces, expanders, and wires are placed and after a wire adjustment.

Your lips and cheeks may also need a few weeks to get used to the braces. However, all our devices are cutting-edge and exert very light, continuous, and biologically sound forces that significantly decrease any pain associated with orthodontic treatment.

Some discomfort is expected throughout the process, but each person will eventually adapt to the discomfort over time. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a regimen of salt water rinses can be used to ease the pain significantly.

Thanks to modern advances in dental technology, almost every treatment is relatively fast. We use a full range of orthodontic devices and will recommend options best suited to correcting your orthodontic issue in the most efficient manner possible.

That being said, there are ways to make your treatment go as fast as possible:

• Follow all your orthodontist's instructions about brushing and flossing
• Don't forget to see your dentist for a cleaning every 6 months during orthodontic treatment
• If you have braces, avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
• Beware of sugary, acidic soft drinks, including regular and diet drinks, fruit juices, fruit drinks and energy drinks
• Wear your elastics
• Keep your scheduled appointments with your orthodontist

Who can benefit from orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for individuals of all ages, from children to adults, who have issues with the alignment of their teeth and jaws.

What is the best age for orthodontics?

There is no cut-off age for orthodontic treatment. However, most orthodontic treatment is recommended for children and teens to help them develop a proper bite and correct misalignments. At JJS Dentistry, we provide short-term orthodontics to adults seeking treatment for their bites and teeth.

Will orthodontics interfere with my daily activities?

It may take time to adjust to braces or aligners, but they won't interfere with your daily life. You will need to avoid hard or crunchy foods with braces, whereas aligners require more intensive cleaning.

How often will I need to come in?

This will depend on the treatment you are receiving. With braces, we typically see patients every 4-10 weeks, and aligners will require visits every 2 weeks.

How do I care for my braces?

Braces don't require any extra care other than your usual daily oral hygiene routine. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth daily and avoid harsh foods and drinks that may cause damage to your braces.

How do I care for my aligners?

Aligners require slightly more intensive care than braces, but they are removable and can be cleaned separately. Here is what we recommend:

• Remove your retainer when eating and drinking
• Clean your retainer daily and before reinserting it into your mouth
• Use toothpaste or aligner cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your retainer
• Ensure your retainer is dry and kept in its case when not in use

Can I still get braces with missing teeth?

Yes! Having an orthodontic device when you have missing teeth actually helps prevent teeth from shifting and causing a periodontal issue. However, it's always important to remember that each case is unique, and Dr Serfontein will work with you to establish the best treatment plan for your needs.

What happens once I’ve completed my treatment?

After orthodontic treatment is complete, patients will typically need to wear a retainer to help maintain the new position of their teeth. The frequency and length of time that a retainer will need to be worn will depend on the individual’s specific case, but most patients need to wear their retainer for several months to several years after treatment.

Are there any risks involved?

Orthodontics is a safe and effective treatment with little risk involved. However, some risks associated with this type of treatment include gum irritation, tooth decay and TMJ issues. These risks can be easily minimised by working closely with our specialised team and following the treatment plan.