ORTHODONTICS has come along way in the 21st century, say orthodontists Dr Spiro Pazios and Dr Ray Te Moananui, of Manuka Smiles.

One of the biggest changes is that most adults with tooth alignment problems – and a growing number of teens – can now have their teeth straightened without having to wear unattractive conventional braces, using the Invisalign system.

“Instead of brackets and wires, we can use clear aligners over a period of up to 12 months, which move the teeth into the correct position,” says Ray.

“For adults looking for a cosmetic approach to straightening their teeth, where no-one knows they have them on, it’s an invisible option.”

They say that there are many reasons for Canberrans to straighten their teeth in adulthood.

Spiro says that straight teeth are increasingly associated with success and afß uence – and that along with other cosmetic procedures such as Botox, enhancing our smiles has become a common way to improve our appearance.

But there are also oral health and hygiene issues with imperfectly aligned teeth, says Ray.

“Appearance is a big factor, but so is function: If the teeth aren’t biting correctly together, it can wear them down.

“There are also plaque control issues when teeth are crowded or out of place; and correcting the alignment can help reduce things like gum disease and the bone loss that can go with that.”

As Australians retain their teeth for longer, the scope for improving smiles is widened: Ray and Spiro have both successfully treated patients in their 60s.

“Our current generation will be the Þ rst generation that will go through life with full dentition, that is, all their teeth,” Spiro says – so it’s important that they not only look good, but are easy to look after.

Invisalign works using a series of fully removable aligners. Patients visit their orthodontist every six weeks or so to have their progress monitored, and replace their aligners approximately every two weeks.

This avoids not only the pain of having braces tightened and the irritation of wires in the mouth, but also allows patients to remove the aligner while brushing and ß ossing, improving oral hygiene.

“This makes a huge difference,” says Ray. “When you Þ rst have braces put on, it can be quite uncomfortable and there may be ulceration and irritation in the mouth, especially after adjustment.”

Invisalign is much gentler, and usually offers greatly reduced discomfort.

“Adults also tend to enjoy the fact that nobody notices they’re having treatment,” says Ray. “Sometimes a friend will pick it, usually towards the end of the treatment because the patient’s smile is different, but otherwise it’s not apparent.”

And it’s not only adults who can beneÞ t – Invisalign recently introduced Invisalign Teen, speciÞ cally designed for younger mouths.

“About 80 per cent of conventional orthodontic treatments can be done with Invisalign,” says Spiro.

Invisalign is working with its very top suppliers in major cities – Smile- Stylers, including Manuka Smiles and the Belconnen Orthodontic Centre, is the only Platinum Premier Provider in Canberra – to give the public a closer introduction to its orthodontic system.

Manuka Smiles will host an open night on Wednesday, September 30 to introduce Invisalign. For more information, visit www.smilestylers. com.au or call 6295 7700.