Parental support helps kids benefit from Orthodontics in Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

The use of Orthodontic treatment is often required to correct misaligned teeth in children. Many children and teenagers facing this orthodontic treatment, have concerns and questions prior to their treatment. It is common to feel anxious or unsure about wearing braces. They may hear from their peers that they will have to give up the foods that they love, or that wearing braces hurts. Many children equate wearing braces to a feeling of awkwardness, or may simply feel uncomfortable. It is often reassuring for them that their dental care provider in the practice is also skilled in orthodontics.

Orthodontics from dentist in Moonee Ponds

In our dental practice in Moonee Ponds and Sunbury, we offer a wealth of dental services, including orthodontic care, so that your family can have their various dental needs met in a comfortable setting with familiar, friendly faces.

In addition to answering any questions that may arise before or during treatment, we suggest a few tips that will help parents guide their child through a stress-free and mostly fun orthodontic treatment.

Start early

Although braces are typically seen on teenagers, an evaluation for misaligned teeth can begin years earlier. At Smile In Style we monitor children from the ages of six or seven. As we offer services in our Moonee Ponds and Sunbury practice which includes general dental care, hygiene treatments, and orthodontics; it is easy for children who regularly visit our practice to transition into this new dental phase of orthodontics. Early evaluation monitors the growth of teeth as well as the jaws. Some irregularities picked up in the primary dentition warrant early intervention. These include: anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite, unilateral crossbite, underdeveloped mandible (lower jaw) or maxilla (upper jaw), habits such as tongue thrust, thumb sucking, open bite and deep bite.

When necessary, your dentist may suggest interceptive treatment to correct these discrepancies in the primary dentition. This makes future orthodontic treatment in the secondary dentition easier with shorter treatment times and better results.

The issue of comfort

Braces are designed to gradually move teeth into the right position. Although gentle pressure is consistently applied through brackets and wires, mild to moderate discomfort may occur as the underlying ligament is urged to move. This can be handled initially with over the counter pain relievers.

Protecting delicate tissues

Discomfort with braces may come from the presence of metal brackets, which can contact the lips and the inside of the cheeks. Placing dental wax over brackets that pose a problem can greatly improve comfort throughout treatment. Protecting the lips from catching on brackets can be made easier by applying lip balm, which keeps the lips from becoming dry. Most patients suffer discomfort during the first week but their tissues get used to the brackets, bands and wires after this time.

Braces do not have to put a damper on a teenager’s life. Even when conventional braces are the most suitable form of treatment, comfort and aesthetics can be managed. We choose to offer conventional braces using the cutting edge “POS IP Appliance” which is customised for each case, over alternative clear aligner technologies. In our experience conventional braces usually cost less and deliver better results for our patients at a cheaper price.

In the end, the lifetime results speak for themselves and our patients just can’t stop smiling. It’s life changing and very rewarding dentistry. In fact we have found that many parents book in for orthodontic treatment once they see how beautiful their children’s smiles are and want to have the same for themselves.

Contact us in Moonee Ponds 03 8400 4104 or Sunbury 03 8001 6021 for your appointment.

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Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.
Dr. Terry Rose Dr. Sally Fairbairn Dr. Helen Luo Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar Dr. Darshan Brar Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Terry Rose

Dr. Terry Rose completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia and founded Smile in Style in 1990. With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Rose has been a Progressive Orthodontic Seminar instructor. He is an Accredited Biological Dentist certified in the SMART protocol through the IAOMT and completed the LA&HA Master’s Program in Laser Dentistry. In 2021, he was named an Advanced Instructor in dental lasers, and he continues to train dentists in laser and CEREC technology.

Orthodontics from dentist in Moonee Ponds

Dr. Sally Fairbairn

Dr. Sally Fairbairn completed her Bachelor of Science before earning her Bachelor of Oral Health in Dentistry from Griffith University in 2011. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry. Certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) by the IAOMT, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing accreditation as a Biological Dentist. Dr. Sally’s proficiency in biological dentistry and dedication to ongoing education have established her as a trusted dentist.

Dr. Helen Luo

Dr. Helen Luo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, where she was recognised with a prize in Paediatric Dentistry. Since joining Smile In Style in 1998, she has gained extensive experience using CEREC for inlays, onlays, and crowns, as well as using the Dental Laser for both children and adults. Dr. Luo is also certified in the SMART technique by the IAOMT and offers advanced teeth whitening with the Kör system. She enjoys treating children as well as adults in the Sunbury surgery.

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed a residency in functional breathing and craniofacial pain. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics from Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and is a Certified Clear Aligner Practitioner. A member of the IAOMT, Dr. Rajcoomar is SMART certified and completed an oral surgery course at the University of Melbourne. Her broad expertise and commitment to continuing education make her a well-rounded dental professional.

Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Darshan Brar earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2001 and obtained her Australian Dental Council Certificate in 2010. She is trained in Safe Amalgam Removal using the SMART Technique. She has an interest in Endodontics and same day inlays/onlays and crowns using CEREC. Dr. Brar’s commitment to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in dental care, providing her patients with high-quality, modern treatment options.

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur is an experienced general dentist who earned her Bachelor of Dentistry in India in 2012 and completed the Australian Dental Council Exam in 2017. She has experience working in regional Victoria with Community Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dr. Kaur is skilled in the SMART technique for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal and offers a range of cosmetic treatments, including full mouth restorations, teeth whitening, crowns, and bridges. She embraces modern technology and is committed to ongoing education to continue providing her patients with the highest level of care.