Benefits of Orthodontics
- Improved appearance
- Increased Confidence
- Healthier Teeth - reduced risk of decay & gum disease
- Straight teeth are easier to clean
- Reduced risk of accidental injury with protruding teeth
- Improvement to your bite
Orthodontics Explained
Orthodontics focuses on the correction of teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are at higher risk of being lost early due to tooth decay, increased pressure on the jaw and gum disease. The benefits of orthodontic treatment mean that teeth are more likely to last a lifetime and make for a far healthier mouth.
Modern orthodontics can gently and comfortable align your teeth using either clear aligners or wires (depending on your preference or clinical situation). Once teeth are aligned they are easier to keep clean which can have major benefits in terms of general health.
Problems with teeth can include
- Crowded or spaced teeth
- Irregular position of teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Thumb sucking
- Dental disease such as decay or gum disease
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Accidents or trauma.
Teen Orthodontics at Seapoint Clinic
On average, the most common time for orthodontic treatment is around your teenage years, especially between the age of 11-15. The reason being is that by age 11, the vast majority of people will already have most of their permanent teeth. It's also easier to detect possible issues such as crooked teeth, bad bites or potential gaps at this young age.
Another benefit of teenage orthodontics is that your body is growing at a rapid pace, meaning an orthodontist has a better chance of taking advantage of these growth spurts in order to help improve your overall bite. Your increased metabolism during this age also means that treatment time is far shorter than what it is as an adult as well as decreasing any sensation of discomfort. We have a wide range of orthodontic treatment available to your teenager - including traditional braces, see-through braces and Invisalign.
I just can’t stop looking at them in the mirror!
Shannon Hanley, Wicklow
Invisible Braces - Dr Altona Myers
Meet Our Orthodontist Dr Jim Griffin & Dr Alessandra Barbedo
Our orthodontic team are in the top 1% Invisalign providers worldwide & have Diamond status by Invisalign in recognition of their vast clinical experience. Their passion for dentistry has helped establish Seapoint Clinic as a European leader in patient care. Dr. Griffin is among Ireland's top orthodontists, and uses the latest in modern technology to move your teeth into the correct position. Dr Barbedo is excellent with children and adults alike and works with invisalign & traditional braces. Read more about Dr Griffin here and Dr Barbedo here
They have a great orthodontist here. His manner with children is absolutely fantastic. It was an absolute no brainer.
Shane Byrne (Ex Irish International Rugby Player), Wicklow
Braces for his daughter Alex
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a set of clear, custom-made aligners which enable you to brush and eat as normal throughout your treatment. On average, treatment takes about a year to complete but can go faster where fewer movements are required. It's the ideal treatment for people who may have previously worn braces as a child and suffered some form of orthodontic relapse since. With Invisalign, you can re-position your teeth into their ideal area without anyone even knowing you're having treatment.
Invisalign may not be suitable for everyone, in which case we recommend 6 Month Braces which are also extremely popular.
The convenience and ease of use of the invisible braces have made it the choice for hundreds of thousands of people and teenagers alike. Being able to take the aligners out so you can eat ANY foods and you can brush your teeth as normal is a huge plus. But the key difference is being able to straighten your teeth without people knowing you are wearing braces.
I'm thrilled with how amazing my teeth look and my Invisalign treatment only took 4 months.
Chloe Eggers, Glenageary
Invisalign Braces - Dr Sarah Flannery
Fixed Braces
These are the most common type of orthodontic braces. They are often known as ‘train tracks’. The advantages are that they are able to fine-tune the position of the teeth reliably and with modern sophisticated designs they are smaller and relatively fast acting to reduce treatment time. This will enable you to achieve that great smile in a shorter space of time. You can opt for clear ceramic brackets for a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Is there an age requirement for orthodontic treatment?
An ideal time for orthodontic treatment is for anyone above the age of 11, although braces can be placed any time after permanent teeth have fully grown in.
Teenagers experience a golden time when all of their adult teeth have erupted, but they are still undergoing rapid facial growth. This can be the best opportunity to undertake orthodontic treatment to shape the appearance and function of their smile and support the future of their overall health.
Crooked teeth can have profound effects on a teenager’s self-esteem and social skills. If your parents had braces, you may have seen pictures of them with their mouths full of metal. Today, braces are much less noticeable. Metal braces are still used, but you also have the option of clear braces.
It was the best decision I've ever made. I just can't believe it took me til this stage of my life to finally straighten my teeth.
David O Brien, Blackrock, Dublin
Six Month Braces
Can adults have orthodontic treatment?
The answer is yes! Teeth can shift at any age. Maybe due to an injury, a health condition, or simply natural growth. Perhaps you had straight teeth in the past, but are now facing a crooked and overcrowded smile.
Even if you had braces in the past, you may need them again. Some people who had braces as a child or a teenager need them for a second time when they get older. Why? Some people forget to wear their retainer as much as they should. Other people have mouths that change naturally as they age.
Happily ,if you had braces perviously your teeth usually move more quickly back into a good position than if you never had braces done.
3D iTero and Cerec Scanning at Seapoint Clinic
Here at Seapoint Clinic, we provide our patients with state-of-the-art technology and treatment, making a great and comfortable first orthodontic appointment.
Our dentists use a specialised 3D Digital scanner which allows a digital impression and a 3D image of your tooth surfaces to be taken. Not only is it more comfortable, but taking a digital scan for your Invisalign aligners is quick and pain free, which allows you to spend less time in the dentist’s chair and more time enjoying your new smile!
Family Discounts Available
We know that teenage years can be an expensive time for most parents so we offer a 10% discount for your second child in treatment and 15% for your third child!