Thinking about straightening your teeth but unsure whether to choose Invisalign or traditional braces? The question’s been a long lasting concern for cosmetic and health reasons alike; whether you’re dissatisfied with your smile, or you’ve had issues with overcrowding in the mouth . Each option has its advantages and limitations, and the right choice really depends on your individual needs, goals, and lifestyle.
As dentists, we’ve helped many patients through this decision, and the most successful outcomes always start with honest conversations, a proper diagnosis, and a clear understanding of your options. Below, we’ve broken down the key differences between Invisalign and braces to help guide you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system designed to move your teeth gradually into the right position. It involves a series of custom-made, removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth.
- Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic
- Nearly invisible when worn
- Changed every 1–2 weeks to guide teeth movement
- Worn 20 to 22 hours a day
- Removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
Treatment duration typically ranges from 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Invisalign is ideal for:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor bite corrections
What are dental braces?
Braces are one of the most established and effective ways to straighten teeth. They’re a fixed orthodontic treatment that works by applying continuous, gentle pressure to move your teeth into better alignment over time.
Metal braces, stereotypically how we imagine them in pop culture, use small brackets, which are bonded to each tooth, to landmark each member to its ideal position and anchor them there. A thin archwire thenthreads through eachbracket to subtly enforce this position by applying pressure on the teeth, restricting movement that deviates from this anchoring. The wire is adjusted at regular intervals to guide your teeth better into these ideal positions. Braces can correct crowding, close gaps, align bites, and improve overall dental function by allowing teeth shape alignment to be as ergonomic as possible.
Because braces are fixed to your teeth, you can’t remove them until treatment is complete, a key advantage for patients who may struggle with compliance. Most people wear braces for 12 to 18 months, although more complex cases may take a bit longer.
Types of braces available
There’s more than one type of brace to choose from. While traditional metal braces are still widely used, newer options offer a more discreet look without compromising effectiveness.
Meet the Braces Trio – you can choose from metal, ceramic, or lingual braces, each designed to suit different needs and preferences.
Metal Braces
These are the classic stainless steel braces most are familiar with. They involve metal brackets and wires attached to the front of the teeth. While they’re the most visible type, they’re also highly effective and often the most cost-efficient option.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made from a tooth-coloured or clear ceramic material, helping them blend in better with your natural teeth. They’re a popular option for patients who want a less noticeable appearance while still benefiting from the strength of traditional braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fitted to the back of your teeth (on the tongue side), making them invisible from the front. They use metal brackets and wires like traditional braces, but because they’re custom-made and trickier to fit, treatment may take a little longer and cost slightly more. These are a great option for those who are looking for the effectiveness and reliability of braces, but with maximum discretion.
Key Considerations at a Glance
Every treatment has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a summary of the most important pros and cons to weigh when making your decision.
The benefits of choosing Invisalign
A more subtle look
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Is Invisalign better than braces?” For many people, the standout benefit of Invisalign is how discreet it is. The clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them an appealing choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without it being obvious. Teenagers who feel self-conscious about their appearance also appreciate this subtle approach.
With Invisalign, there’s no awkward adjustment period where people notice your new braces. You can smile for photos without worrying about brackets or wires, only the gradual improvement of your smile.
Fewer unexpected problems
Because there are no brackets or wires, Invisalign wearers are far less likely to experience emergency visits due to breakages or irritation. This makes the entire treatment process more predictable and easier to manage, especially helpful for patients juggling work, school, or a busy schedule.
Less irritation to the mouth with a custom fit
The aligners are made from smooth, custom-moulded plastic, which reduces friction, cuts and rubbing against the inside of your lips and cheeks that often accompany their metal counterpart. Compared to braces, Invisalign causes fewer mouth ulcers and less soft-tissue discomfort overall. Invisalign care is also noticeably less stringent, not needing to rinse with saltwater on a consistent basis as an example.
Easier to keep teeth clean
Invisalign allows for better daily oral hygiene. Since the aligners are removable, you can brush and floss just like you normally would, without the finicky nature of navigating around brackets or wires or any special tools or techniques. This helps prevent plaque build-up and reduces the risk of decay or gum problems during treatment, and because there’s nothing fixed to your teeth, it’s easier to keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean throughout treatment.
Freedom to eat what you like
One of the biggest lifestyle advantages is the ability to remove your aligners at mealtimes. While they need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, you can take them out to eat, meaning no food restrictions. There’s no need to avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods as you would with braces. You can enjoy your usual diet with minimal disruption.
Fewer in-person visits
Invisalign treatment is digitally planned in advance. A 3D scan of your teeth is used to create your full set of aligners, and your orthodontist will advise when to switch to the next set. Since there are no adjustments needed like with braces, most patients only need to come in for brief progress checks – meaning fewer appointments and less time away from work or school.
Limitations of Invisalign: what to consider
While Invisalign offers many benefits, it’s important to understand the limitations before starting treatment. For the right candidate, it can be a highly effective and convenient option but it does require discipline and may not be suitable for everyone.
Commitment is essential
One of the biggest challenges with Invisalign is compliance. Because the aligners are removable, patients must be diligent about wearing them for at least 22 hours a day. If you frequently forget to put them back in after eating or brushing, the treatment may not progress as planned. In fact, most Invisalign setbacks are linked to inconsistent wear rather than the aligners themselves.
Managing aligners in public
Taking aligners out before eating or drinking anything (except water) can be inconvenient, especially when you’re out socially or dining in public. You’ll also need to brush your teeth before reinserting the trays to avoid trapping food particles which could lead to staining, bad breath, or tooth decay over time.
Cost considerations
Patients often ask whether Invisalign is more affordable than braces. In most cases, the cost is comparable to traditional braces, largely due to the expenses associated with the intraoral 3D scanning tech involved, and the custom manufacturing process from thereon. However, if your case requires more complex movements that Invisalign can’t achieve alone, your orthodontist might recommend combining treatment with braces which can increase the overall cost. For those considering a discreet option, lingual braces (which sit behind the teeth) are also popular, but typically more expensive than standard metal braces or Invisalign.
Continuous low-grade discomfort
While Invisalign tends to cause less soreness than braces, it delivers a more constant pressure. As each new aligner is introduced, patients may experience a few days of mild discomfort or tightness. It’s a normal part of the process but worth keeping in mind.
Risk of losing or damaging trays
Because aligners are taken out multiple times a day, there’s always a chance they could be misplaced ,especially when dining out or travelling. Lost trays may delay your progress and require replacement, which can add extra cost and time to your treatment.
Slower for certain tooth movements
In some situations particularly involving complex rotations or vertical changes, Invisalign may take longer than traditional braces to achieve the desired results. Treatment speed depends on the specific movement required, as well as how closely the patient follows the treatment plan.
Less precision in complex cases
While Invisalign is highly effective for many alignment issues, fixed braces offer greater control over detailed or difficult tooth movements. Some patients may require a brief round of finishing treatment with braces to refine the final result.
Not always convenient when eating out
Social settings can pose a challenge for Invisalign wearers. Removing the aligners discreetly, storing them safely, and brushing your teeth before reinserting them isn’t always practical ,especially in restaurants or public spaces. Maintaining proper hygiene during meals is essential to prevent plaque buildup and aligner staining.
Effectiveness in Complex Cases
While Invisalign works very well for mild to moderate alignment issues, it’s not as effective as braces for complex orthodontic cases. Traditional braces offer greater control over tooth movement, allowing your orthodontist to make precise adjustments that may be difficult to achieve with aligners alone.
If your treatment involves significant crowding, bite correction, or complex tooth rotations, braces are generally the more reliable and efficient option. Your orthodontist can assess your specific needs and recommend the approach that will deliver the best and most predictable results.
The advantages of braces
Traditional braces including discreet options like ceramic and lingual braces remain one of the most versatile and effective orthodontic treatments. Here’s why braces continue to be a popular choice for patients with a wide range of needs.
SuUitable for all treatment types
Braces can treat almost any orthodontic issue, from crowding and spacing to bite correction and jaw alignment. They work by applying steady, controlled force using brackets and archwires, making them one of the most powerful tools for comprehensive correction.
Continuous force without relying on compliance
Because braces are fixed to your teeth, they’re always working. There’s no need to remember to wear them or risk delaying treatment due to forgetfulness, which makes them ideal for patients who may not manage removable aligners consistently.
Greater control for complex tooth movement
Braces allow your orthodontist to make detailed, hands-on adjustments. They’re especially effective for complex movements such as root repositioning, torque control, and significant rotations, offering more precision than removable aligners.
Predictable treatment timelines
Braces offer a more consistent schedule, as they’re not dependent on patient wear time. This makes it easier for your orthodontist to predict treatment duration as long as appointments are kept and good oral hygiene is maintained.
Easier finishing and detailing
Refinements are often easier with braces. Your orthodontist can make direct adjustments in real time without needing additional trays or waiting on lab-made appliances, which allows for greater accuracy in the finishing stages.
Aesthetic options are available
Modern braces come in a variety of styles to suit different preferences. Ceramic braces blend with the natural tooth colour for a more discreet appearance, while lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth and hidden from view.
Often faster for certain corrections
For specific types of tooth movement, such as closing gaps or shifting teeth over greater distances, braces can deliver results faster than Invisalign. Their fixed nature and constant force contribute to treatment efficiency.
Durable and hard to lose
Since braces are bonded to your teeth, there’s no risk of losing them a practical advantage for busy patients or younger individuals who might misplace removable aligners. They’re always working, with no interruptions.
The disadvantages of braces
While braces are highly effective and widely used, they do come with a few drawbacks that are worth considering when deciding on your orthodontic treatment.
Appearance of braces
One of the most common concerns about braces is how visible they are particularly the traditional metal style. Some patients feel self-conscious in social or professional settings, especially during the early stages of treatment. Even though ceramic and lingual options are available, they can still be noticeable to varying degrees and may come with trade-offs like increased cost or speech changes.
Oral hygiene can be more challenging
Brushing and flossing require extra care when wearing braces. Food and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of staining, decay, and gum problems if not properly cleaned. Patients need to follow their orthodontist’s instructions closely to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
Food restrictions and care with eating
Braces come with a list of foods to avoid. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as nuts, popcorn, chewing gum, or caramel can break brackets or bend wires. Any damage to the appliance can delay treatment progress and may require urgent repair. This means some adjustments to your diet and food preparation habits are necessary throughout the treatment period.
More frequent appointments
Braces need to be checked and adjusted regularly, usually every 4 to 6 weeks. These visits allow your orthodontist to make necessary changes to the archwires to keep your treatment on track. While these appointments are typically short, they are more frequent compared to Invisalign check-ups, which are usually every 6 to 8 weeks and often less involved.
Risk of staining around brackets
If oral hygiene is not maintained during treatment, the areas around the brackets may develop white spot lesions early signs of enamel demineralisation. Once the braces are removed, these spots can remain visible, creating uneven colour across the teeth. This is why daily brushing and flossing are so important with braces.
Dietary limitations and inconvenience
Having to avoid certain foods can be frustrating and limit spontaneity when eating out or snacking. Patients often need to cut food into smaller pieces, avoid biting into hard items, and think twice before choosing meals all of which can feel restrictive during longer treatments.
Adjustments can cause discomfort
Every time the braces are tightened or adjusted, you may experience some soreness or tenderness for a few days. While this is a normal part of tooth movement, it can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to eat or speak easily in the short term.
Choosing the right treatment for you
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to orthodontic care. The best option depends on your dental needs, treatment goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Take the time to weigh up the pros and cons of both Invisalign and braces, and think about what matters most to you, whether that’s appearance, convenience, comfort, or treatment efficiency.
And don’t hesitate to ask questions. Understanding your options is key to making an informed decision you’ll feel confident about.
Considering an Invisalign Alternative? Discover Angel Aligners
Both Invisalign and Angel Aligners deliver discreet, comfortable teeth straightening without metal braces, but Angel Aligners stand out for several clear reasons. At Gisborne Family Dental, we choose Angel Aligners because they offer cutting-edge technology with their unique “7+3” protocol of alternating soft and hard trays, meaning patients experience less discomfort while potentially achieving faster results. The trays are ultra-thin and stain-resistant, staying nearly invisible throughout treatment.
We value Angel Aligners for letting our customers enjoy a modern, flexible orthodontic experience with fewer disruptions to daily life. Angel Aligners are often more affordable, giving more people access to high-quality care without sacrificing effectiveness. By choosing Angel Aligners, we’re able to provide our patients with a smooth, efficient journey toward a better smile – one that’s comfortable, budget-friendly, and easy to fit into busy routines. Our commitment is always to what’s best for you: advanced results, greater comfort, and real value.
Invisalign vs Angel Aligners
Feature | Invisalign | Angel Aligners |
Brand Recognition | Global leader, widely trusted | Rapidly growing, popular in Australia |
Material | SmartTrack™ plastic, durable | Ultra-thin, stain-resistant trays |
Protocol | Change trays every 1–2 weeks | “7+3” protocol: alternate soft & hard trays |
Comfort | Smooth, custom-fit trays; less soreness than metal braces | Increased comfort from soft tray rotation |
Treatment Speed | Effective for mild to complex cases, average pace | Often faster for mild/moderate cases |
Control Over Complex Cases | Superior for complex movements | Best for mild to moderate corrections |
Appearance | Nearly invisible when worn | Even thinner & more discreet |
Stain Resistance | Resistant, but some risk with colored foods/drinks | Highly stain-resistant, designed for low visibility |
Cost | Usually higher, premium brand | Usually more affordable |
Check-ups | Regular visits and tray changes | Often fewer in-person visits needed |
Accessibility | Widely available worldwide | Increasingly available in Australia |
Not sure which path to take?
That’s completely normal and it’s why we’re here.
At Gisborne Family Dental, we take the time to listen, explain, and guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey. Whether you’re leaning towards Invisalign or considering braces, we’ll help you find the solution that fits both your smile and your lifestyle.
Your child is growing every day, and their first visit to a dentist is one of the most important things you should start including in your to-do list. Your child’s first dentist visit should occur after the first tooth appears but not after their first birthday. This is because the first teeth begin to grow during this period, and the baby can get cavities.
Not taking your child’s dental health for granted will help make their smile healthy for life.
What age should a child go to the dentist?
Every child is different, so there is no fixed age to take your child to a dentist, but it is advised to take your child to a dentist in their first year. A lot of parents tend to postpone the first dental visits of their child for some reasons, which include;
They don’t see the need
One of the reasons why some parents don’t take their child on their first dental visit is because they don’t see the necessity or because their child doesn’t have enough teeth to visit a dentist yet. So, visiting a dentist won’t be worth it.
But it is actually vital to take your child to the dentist where they get to know the team, become familiar with the clinical setting and feel comfortable with the process.
An important habit to form when they’re young, ensuring your child has regular dentist check ups will form part of their routine as they grow up.
Although their baby teeth eventually fall out, making way for adult teeth, it’s still extremely important to take good care of them because if baby teeth need to be removed early due to decay, the loss of space can cause crowding issues when the permanent teeth erupt.
They don’t think their child can handle it
Many parents avoid dentists because of fear of how their child will respond to the treatment and the unfamiliar environment of a dentist’s office. Even if you think your child’s teeth are healthy physically, there may be an underlying problem that a dentist can only see.
Most parents look for signs like tooth decay as the only condition for taking their child to a dentist. But it is necessary to take your child for a dental visit for a dentist to see the early signs and prevent them from getting worse.
Don’t be embarrassed by your child crying or shouting in a dentist’s office. It is a normal thing that will happen, but a paediatric dentist knows how to calm your child down and make them relax.
How to prepare your child for a dentist visit
Choose a happy appointment time
Study your child and book their appointment at a time that suits them best. Choose a time that your child is usually happy and attentive. Most time, young children of less than two years tend to be happy and attentive in the morning, and older children tend to be happy in the afternoon.
Choosing a morning session for your child is good. Try to avoid any appointments scheduled for the evening because children get tired in the evening, which will impact their response.
Mental preparation
Once an appointment has been scheduled with a dentist, all you need to start is preparing your child for the visit. Children do learn best when they are having fun.
Go with their favourite toy
Study what your child loves playing with. Some children love playing video games, and some love to play with a cuddly toy. So, prepare to take along the cuddly toy. This is because once the cuddly toy is taken along, dentists practice what they are going to do with them on the cuddly toy, which can help them understand.
Put them at ease
When an appointment is already scheduled, tell them about what will happen in their trip to the dentist. Assure them that nothing will affect their teeth and that the dentist will only examine teeth, brush them, and put them through how to make them healthy. Tell them that with these, they will have a beautiful smile.
You can also plan a treat for them that you will buy their favourite food for them if they behave well. Telling them that you will be there with them and that the dentist will show them all the tools and explain the necessary procedures will put them at ease.
Watch videos about going to the dentist
Studying your child is a way of preparing them for a dental visit. It would be best if you studied their favourite characters. When they see their favourite characters visiting a dentist, it helps to develop a positive mindset that visiting a dentist is normal.
Showing them this video will help them know what will happen in the dentist’s office, and it won’t be like a scary new situation to them.
Play some games
Playing or dentist video games is an effective way to demystify the experience with your child and prepare them for their first dental visit. After playing the video games for several hours, you can set them on a chair. Then brush their teeth, talking to them about how important oral hygiene is.
What Happens if You Delay Your Child's First Dental Visit
Baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, are important for your child’s oral health. If you take your child for their first dental visit early, it allows your child to:
- To develop proper speech patterns
- To chew properly
- Establish good oral hygiene habits
- Give them white teeth and a beautiful smile
Denying or delaying your child first visit to the dentist may lead to problems like:
- Tooth infections
- Teeth grinding
- Lazy oral hygiene practices
Choosing a dentist for your child
Before choosing a dentist for your child, you need to understand that not every child has cavities, and your child is not destined to have them, but precautions must be taken to prevent it. The most important thing is to select the best dentist for your child. Below are some of the steps to choosing a dentist.
Find a specialist children’s dentist
This is the first step and yet the most important when choosing a dentist for your child. It would be best if you had a paediatric dentist because they are specially trained for children’s teeth like our children’s dentists are. What makes the best option in this kind of situation is because they have a piece of unique knowledge on a child’s oral health that non-specialists don’t have.
Instead of looking for just any dentist, make sure you look for a paediatric dentist. This gives your child a unique dental experience and helps them develop good oral hygiene from a young age.
Here at Gisborne Family Dental, we provide dentistry for children and the whole family – it’s right there in our name!
Ask about an initial consultation
Instead of just meeting a dentist online and choosing a date or appointment, ask if they offer an initial consultation. This is because this is what will give you a chance to bring your child, get to meet the dentist, and your child get to feel the office.
This also helps you understand that it is not a scary experience and allows you to ask any questions about your child’s oral health before choosing the actual appointment date.
Pay attention to the dentist’s demeanour
During your first consultation with the dentist, try to notice how the dentist and receptionist interact with your child. This is because they need to understand how to talk to a child and easily understand, and they also need to be friendly.
It helps when a child is nervous because the dentist will explain what they are doing before doing it. A good paediatric dentist is always fun, making them turn fun into treatment.
Read online reviews
If you are searching for a paediatric dentist online, you need to read their online reviews. This is what will give you insights into what they have done. Pay attention to both bad and good reviews. Once you see how the reviews are handled and how other parents’ children are handled then you will have an idea of how your child will be handled.
Our children’s dentists will put you and your family first. We make sure you’re well looked after and your kids enjoy their experience at Gisborne Family Dental.
It’s never too early to begin teaching your little ones correct oral hygiene. From when their first teeth start to come through as babies, we encourage you to help your kids brush and floss their teeth, all while making it fun.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they become stuck behind the gums or bone, causing significant pain which is one of the first impacted wisdom teeth symptoms you will have.
Wisdom teeth that become stuck are prone to deteriorate and can potentially cause damage to neighboring teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth that have become impacted must be extracted.
The discomfort caused by impacted wisdom teeth is generally enough to alert you that something is amiss. Knowing the signs of this prevalent oral health problem, on the other hand, might help you pinpoint the source of the discomfort early on.
Some people’s symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth aren’t evident, while others have prominent signs. This is why it is critical to have a dental checkup regularly.
But first, you need to be aware of the warning symptoms of a problematic wisdom tooth so that you can recognise the problem as soon as possible.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
Your wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the teeth at the back of your mouth. Most adults have 32 teeth, with four wisdom teeth in each corner of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to grow, if at all.
They usually mature (erupt) in late adolescence or early adulthood, and they might pose problems since there is little room in the mouth for them to come in correctly.
Teeth may come through at an angle or only partially through the gum due to a lack of space; this is known as impacted wisdom teeth, and these are the wisdom teeth that most typically need to be extracted.
The impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage to other teeth, and other dental issues, such as overcrowding of existing teeth and impaction, either into neighboring teeth or the gum. However, not all wisdom teeth create difficulties right away, and even if they are impacted, they may not be painful.
What Problems Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause?
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems in the mouth:
Damage to other teeth
If the wisdom teeth push on the second molar, the second molar may be damaged, or the area may get infected. This pressure might also result in crowding of other teeth, necessitating orthodontic treatment to realign them.
Cysts
In the jawbone, the wisdom tooth develops in a sac. A cyst can form when the sac fills with fluid, causing damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Rarely, a tumor develops, which is typically noncancerous (benign). This condition may necessitate tissue and bone removal.
Decay
The partially impacted wisdom teeth appear to have a higher risk of tooth decay (caries) than regular teeth. This is most likely due to the difficulty of cleaning wisdom teeth and how easily food and bacteria can become caught between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.
Gum disease
The difficulty of cleaning impacted, partially erupted wisdom teeth raises the chance of getting pericoronitis, a painful, inflammatory gum disease.
Signs And Symptoms Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that are impacted do not always produce symptoms. You may encounter some of the following indications or symptoms if an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, destroys other teeth, or causes other dental problems:
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Jaw pain
- Swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are impacted andare preventing good dental hygiene, it’s usually best to have them removed.
Teeth that erupt in a functional and upright position don’t always need to be extracted if they don’t cause pain or aren’t linked to decay or gum disease.
However, because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth and difficult to clean, even those that come in properly can develop problems over time. If you want to keep your wisdom teeth, brush and floss them thoroughly and see your dentist regularly.
When Is Removal Needed?
If wisdom teeth are causing problems or x-rays show they can be lost, they need to come out. Other good reasons to remove them are:
Damage to other teeth
These extra molars can press on the other teeth, causing mouth pain and bite problems.
Jaw damage
Cysts can form around new teeth. If left untreated, they can hollow out the jaw and damage nerves.
Sinus Problems
Wisdom tooth problems can lead to sinus pain, pressure, and constipation.
Inflamed gums
The tissues around the area can be swollen and difficult to clean.
Tooth decay
Inflamed gums can create pockets between the teeth that encourage bacteria to grow and the formation of tooth decay.
Alignment
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems with crowding other teeth and even make treatment to straighten other teeth necessary.
To make a selection, your dentist will examine the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth. Your age is also a factor.
Still haven’t given up your molars? You might enquire about what your dentist sees with your teeth. You can often wait a few months to observe whether things change before making a choice.
However, if you are experiencing discomfort, swelling, or a foul odour near your back teeth, it may be time to seek medical attention.
Why Choose Us for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Depending on the tooth’s location in the jaw, there are different degrees of impacted wisdom teeth. Soft tissue inoculation occurs when the tooth’s crown has penetrated the bone, but the gums still cover part of the tooth. When the tooth has partially appeared, part of the tooth remains sunk in the jaw, partial bone deposition. Complete bone impact occurs when the jaw completely covers the tooth.
An impacted wisdom tooth doesn’t always show symptoms, which means you may have impacted teeth, and you don’t even know it. When symptoms occur, it is usually the result of infection or swelling of the gums on the tooth. Symptoms can include pain, swollen and bleeding gums with swelling around the jaw, bad breath, headache or jaw pain, and an unpleasant taste when eating. Some people have a stiff jaw or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
See your dentist if you experience these compromised wisdom tooth symptoms. Untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to gum and dental problems. Damage to the other teeth can also occur, including infection and crowding of the teeth. In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts and tumors.
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it may be associated with an impacted wisdom tooth, and you should see your dentist. They will examine the area and, if necessary, X-ray to see where the wisdom teeth are and if they are affected. If wisdom teeth are bothersome, they may need to be removed.
At Gisborne Family Dental, we offer an effective wisdom tooth extraction service. If they do not need to be removed, we will tell you. But if they do, our exceptional and caring team of experienced dentists from Gisborne Family will make wisdom tooth extraction as painless as possible.
If you are having troubles with your wisdom teeth, call us on (03) 8595 1888 or book online to make an appointment.
We recommend coming in to see a dental professional every 6 months for a professional scale and clean. In doing this, we can drastically reduce the incidence of gum disease. These regular visits allow us to closely monitor the teeth and gums, and make sure you are on track with your oral hygiene care at home.
At these recall visits, we will be able to identify any other dental problems early on and treat them before they become larger, more complex and often more costly to treat. Small holes usually don’t hurt at all so you may not even notice that they are there which is why it’s so important to have a professional check your teeth.
If you are due for your dental check up & clean, call us on (03) 8595 1888 or book online to make an appointment.
Did you know that the most common spot for decay is in between your teeth? This is because it’s the area that’s missed the most.
If you think about having a shower; you wash ALL sides of your body – not just the front and the back. Similarly, brushing is great and works really well cleaning the front and back surfaces of your teeth, but it doesn’t get in between the teeth well. This is why flossing is so important!
Find flossing tiring? There are other methods you can use to clean in between your teeth such as an interdental brush (like a Pikster) or a Waterpik. Ask us about these alternatives next time you come in for your check up!
If you would like a dental professional to go through oral hygiene techniques like brushing and flossing in more detail, call us on (03) 8595 1888 or book online.
Did you know that someone who brushes and flosses well does not need to use any mouth rinse?
You should be brushing twice a day, morning and night, using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. You should aim to have half of the brush on your tooth and half on your gums, as the gumline is the area where soft plaque usually develops.
Brushing at night is particularly important as any bits of food or debris that is left overnight in your mouth gives decay the perfect opportunity to develop.
If you would like a dental professional to go through oral hygiene techniques like brushing and flossing in more detail, call us on (03) 8595 1888 or book online.
During the development phase, when there are baby and adult teeth present (between 6 – 12 years), the teeth may not be perfectly aligned. Both the teeth and the jaw go through a lot of growth during this phase. So you don’t need to worry too much if the teeth are not completely straight while your child is still growing as this may not be their final position.
However, in saying that, an early orthodontic (braces) assessment (whilst your child still has baby teeth) could mean more complex orthodontic issues can be prevented in future. While traditionally, most people associated braces to be a ‘high-school thing’ because the last baby tooth in the mouth falls out around 11-12 years old, we now know that some early intervention techniques may reduce the need or at least simplify future orthodontic treatment. We might even be able to avoid braces altogether!
This is why it is so important that your child’s teeth are regularly monitored by a dental professional. As part of all our dental check ups, we complete an orthodontic screening and make recommendations if we believe further orthodontic treatment may be warranted.
To book a full dental examination for your child, give us a call on (03) 8595 1888 or book online.
We would recommend bringing your child in for their first visit anytime from 12 months old (or younger if you have any concerns), even if it is just to have a ride in the dental chair and familiarise themselves with us and the new environment. Our dentists and therapists are very experienced with treating children (not to mention we love them!), so rest assured, your children will be well looked after.
To book your child in for their dental check-up, call (03) 8595 1888 or book online.
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At Gisborne Family Dental, we are committed to delivering quality, comprehensive dentistry with the utmost integrity, and respect for our patients.
