Our Treatment Philosophy

At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics in Brisbane, we partner evidence based practice with the latest technology to provide each patient with a customised solution for their orthodontic needs. We adopt proven, safe, gentle, effective and efficient treatment options to improve oral function and aesthetics, as well as harmony of the teeth, smile and facial appearance.

Braces in Brisbane

Braces are made up of three components. Brackets that are bonded onto the teeth, an archwire that lies over the brackets, and ligatures that hold the brackets and the archwire together.

In keeping with providing customised treatment, Olivia Rogers Orthodontics offers several different braces systems that enhance accuracy and streamline treatments.

The 3M™ Digital Bonding system offers an accurate way to place the orthodontic brackets that decreases your time in the chair the day the braces are placed, improves the comfort of the procedure and helps to achieve better outcomes.  Both metal and clear ceramic brackets can be chosen, and this system can be used in conjunction with 3M™ clear aligners.

Clear Aligners in Brisbane

Clear aligner treatment, is a series of removable aligners that progressively and incrementally move teeth to their desired final position. Clear aligner systems offer several advantages to conventional braces.

  • Clear aligners are nearly invisible making them an attractive option for adults and teenagers. Patients no longer need to feel self-conscious about their smile as the changes during treatment are occurring. Aligners indeed remove the stigma associated with the appearance of traditional orthodontic appliances and are great where aesthetics are of importance.

  • The aligners are removable making eating and oral hygiene practises easier. They can be taken out for special occasions, for sport or while playing musical instruments, making everyday life easier for you.

  • Aligners are generally comfortable, as they are custom made to fit, and there are no wires or sharp edges. It is also unlikely that aligners call for orthodontic emergencies making them convenient for busy lives.

  • Aligners can be used in conjunction with braces, which may broaden treatment options and may shorten time in traditional braces.

  • Clear aligners can be used confidently in adults and teenagers, and even in younger children in selected cases.

Getting started with clear aligners is straightforward. A 3D scan of the teeth is taken to create a virtual simulation of the teeth and bite. This digital technology allows you to visualise your teeth and smile at the end of treatment. Each custom made aligner is worn for approximately two weeks, and progressively, the teeth move into their planned positions.

Other Orthodontic Appliances

Temporary Anchorage Devices

Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are miniature screws that are placed in bone and serve as an anchor point from which teeth are moved. The utilisation of TADs in orthodontics has revolutionised the way we move teeth.  

Maxillary Expansion

Maxillary, or palatal expansion is a treatment commonly used to widen the upper jaw to fit the dimensions of the lower jaw, or in other words to resolve a crossbite at the back of the mouth. This can be achieved in growing patients with either a removable plate or a fixed expander. Orthopaedic expansion is not suitable for adults.

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances are used in growing children or teenagers to assist in bite correction. Twin blocks are an example of a removable functional appliance. Functional appliances can also be fixed in the mouth, such as the Herbst appliance or the Forsus appliance.

Reverse Pull Headgear

Reverse pull headgear is indicated in younger children when there is an under bite of skeletal nature. It encourages forward growth of the upper jaw and aims to normalise the bite and promote the possibility of balanced jaw growth during the growing years. Unlike the old days, this appliance only needs to be worn at night.

Removable Appliances

Removable appliances hold their value and place in modern orthodontics. They are useful in providing orthodontic solutions for many presenting conditions and may be the preferred treatment modality in younger children. They are made from special smooth acrylic that comes in a myriad of fun colours and patterns.

 

Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment and provide a greater degree of certainty to the long term orthodontic result.

Longitudinal growth studies have shown that the jaws continue to grow and the facial musculature continues to change over time. The teeth sit within the bone and soft tissues envelopes, hence they too will move over a lifetime. This may be ever so small year to year, but can be significant over time.

At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics there is a focus on life long orthodontic retention (both fixed wires and removable plates) to minimise the chance of needing orthodontic treatment again. At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics in The Gap, two years of orthodontic retainer supervision and care is included in the fees. 

Children and Interceptive Orthodontics

At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics, we place prime importance on prevention and interceptive treatment in order to minimise dental procedures and extensive orthodontics during life.

Orthodontics Australia recommends that children between the ages of 7 and 10 visit a specialist orthodontist for an assessment, and any age is not too early if you have concerns. At around the age of 7, children have a mix of primary and adult teeth. During this time of dental development, many anomalies can arise and early assessment is most valuable in diagnosis, treatment and even prevention of dental irregularities. It is often the case that no treatment is required and a wait and watch approach is taken. Following the initial consultation, there is no charge for periodic reviews while monitoring the development of the teeth, until they are ready to start treatment.

Early orthodontic treatment aims to be efficient and targeted at the specific problem. The type of appliance used depends on the nature of the issue and what is most acceptable for the young patient to tolerate. Braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances may be used for interceptive treatments.

  • • Guiding adult teeth into their correct position as they erupt

    • Correct bite issues such as crossbites and underbites

    • Eliminate functional shifts of the jaws and associated asymmetries

    • Reduce the risk of dental trauma

    • Elimination of digit sucking habits

    • Preserve space in the dental arch if a baby tooth comes out prematurely

    • Prevent the need for permanent tooth extraction later

    • Check for impacting upper canines

    • Assess for supernumerary teeth and associated delayed eruption of permanent teeth

    • Missing teeth

    • Reduce the extent of restorative procedures owing to tooth wear

    • Improve dental aesthetics for psychosocial reasons

    • Potentially prevent the need for jaw surgery as an adult

Teenagers

At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics, we understand that the adolescent years are a time of great emotional, cognitive and physical development, that bring inherent challenges and busy lives that are constantly changing. We do not underestimate the importance of a beautiful smile during the growing years and the confidence it brings.  Therefore we aim to make the orthodontic treatment process as efficient, easy and flexible as possible.

Every teenager is unique and so too are our proposed treatments. Our priority is to create beautiful smiles for life, and we aim to recommend the plan we consider will achieve this the best. For some this may mean metal or clear ceramic braces, and for others it may mean clear aligners.  Other orthodontic appliances are often recruited to optimise treatment results in the teenage patient.

 

Adults

There is no maximum age to commence orthodontic treatment. In fact, more and more adults are embarking on orthodontic treatment and taking advantage of the modern aesthetic options available, namely clear aligners and clear ceramic braces.  Some adult patients even happily embrace the more traditional metal braces.

Adult treatments may be more complex owing to missing teeth, large restorations or other complex dental issues. Specialist orthodontists are well prepared to manage complex cases and where indicated will work with a team of dental professionals to achieve the best result for you. 

Orthodontic treatment as an adult offers great benefits and is definitely worthwhile. We believe that adult treatment promotes confidence through straightening the teeth, and enhancing the smile and general facial appearance. It can also help in preventing dental decay and other oral health issues.

Oral Hygiene

At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics, we have a strong focus on each patient achieving consistently good oral hygiene during their orthodontic treatment. At each appointment we will assess your teeth and constructively guide you towards improving and maintaining a great standard of oral hygiene. We pay particular attention to cleaning techniques and diet.

We welcome you to our practice

To book an appointment please phone reception, or complete the appointment request on the link below. No referral is necessary.