DOES MY CHILD NEED ‘BRACES’ ? THE TOOTH COMPANY’S IN HOUSE SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIST DR SHAZ MACAVOY CHATS WITH US ABOUT ORTHODONTICS. What is a specialist orthodontist? Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is concerned with the appearance, function and stability of the teeth and jaws. A specialist orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone an additional 2 to 3 years of specialist university training in the field of orthodontics. To complete their training, orthodontists treat hundreds of cases, complete research and undergo rigorous examinations to be admitted into the Dental Council of New Zealand as an orthodontic specialist. Only specialist orthodontists are allowed to be members of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists.
How do I know if my child needs braces? As a parent or caregiver you will be able to look for signs that your child may need to
see an orthodontist for a check up. Things to look out for include: • early, late or unusual loss of baby teeth • teeth that don’t meet or cover other teeth • when upper teeth bite inside lower teeth • crowding of teeth • blocked-out teeth • jaws that are protruded or recessed or are out of proportion to the rest of the face • jaws that make sounds or shift • difficulty in biting or chewing • mouth-breathing or clenching habits • habits such as thumb or finger sucking, chewing on toys/pens etc.
What age should I book my child in with an orthodontist? Although orthodontists can treat people of any age, a child should have a check up with an orthodontist by the age of 7. By this age, the first adult teeth should have erupted and your specialist orthodontist can monitor changes in growth or development as your child grows, so that if treatment is necessary it can begin at the optimum time.
What are the different treatment options? Everyone is unique and as such treatments vary to suit each individual. Treatments range from early treatment using plates and special expansion appliances to treatments including stainless steel braces, clear braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, and hidden braces that sit behind the teeth. In some cases, a combined orthodontic and surgical approach is required. To find out what is right for you or your child, it’s best to contact your specialist orthodontist.
How much does a set of braces cost? The cost of braces depends on a number of factors including the complexity of the case, the time it will take to complete the case and the type of appliances that are used. Your specialist orthodontist will be able to discuss the right treatment for you and will work with you and your budget.
DR SHAZ MACAVOY Specialist Orthodontist
DClinDent (Orth), MPhil (Orth), BDent, BPharm Hons
THE TOOTH COMPANY® KIDS 54
GROUND FLOOR, SOVEREIGN HOUSE, SMALES FARM, TAKAPUNA 094109971 Issue 75 - April 2017 www.channelmag.co.nz
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