Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

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Are you an adult considering orthodontic treatment? At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we understand the unique needs and concerns of adults seeking to improve their smiles and oral health. Orthodontic treatment for adults has become increasingly popular, offering various options to suit different lifestyles and dental needs. Feeling self-conscious about your smile can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life. Many adults with crooked or misaligned teeth long for a straighter, more attractive smile but hesitate to pursue treatment due to concerns about visibility, discomfort, and time commitment. 

We understand these worries and offer a solution that is not only effective but also faster and more discreet: clear aligners. Our advanced digital smile design process allows you to preview your new smile before treatment begins, ensuring you are fully satisfied with the expected results.

Adult orthodontic treatment with clear aligners at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Adult orthodontic treatment with clear aligners at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Why Orthodontic Treatment for Adults?

Adult orthodontic treatment addresses a variety of dental issues that can impact overall oral health and self-confidence. Here are some reasons why adults may seek orthodontic care:

  • Misaligned teeth: Crooked or crowded teeth can lead to difficulties in cleaning, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Bite problems: Issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can cause discomfort and affect chewing and speaking.
  • Jaw pain: Misalignment can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing chronic jaw pain and headaches.
  • Aesthetic concerns: A straight, well-aligned smile enhances appearance and boosts self-esteem.

Clear Aligners: A Modern Solution for Adults

Clear aligners have revolutionised orthodontic treatment for adults, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we are proud to offer this innovative solution to our patients.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

  • Invisibility: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them an ideal choice for adults concerned about the appearance of braces.
  • Comfort: Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, clear aligners are comfortable to wear and less likely to irritate gums and cheeks.
  • Removability: Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, promoting better oral hygiene and allowing more dietary freedom.
  • Customisation: Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring effective and precise alignment.

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligners gradually move teeth into their desired positions using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Digital smile design: We begin with a comprehensive digital smile design process, allowing you to see a preview of your new smile before treatment commences.
  2. 3D printed models: Once you approve the digital design, our onsite lab digitally creates 3D printed models that serve as precise templates for crafting your clear aligner trays.
  3. Aligner treatment: You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, gradually moving your teeth until they reach the desired alignment.
  4. Retention phase: After treatment, we provide either a custom clear retainer or wire retainer to maintain your new smile’s alignment based on your lifestyle and dental needs.

Treatment Duration and Retention

Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of your case, typically ranging from 6 to 18 months. Following treatment, our retention options ensure your teeth remain optimally positioned:

  • Clear retainers: Worn nightly, these removable retainers maintain your teeth alignment discreetly.
  • Wire retainers: Fixed in place, wire retainers provide continuous support and are ideal for long-term retention.

The Advantage of Our Onsite Lab

One of the unique benefits of choosing Silver Oaks Dental Clinic is our state-of-the-art onsite lab. This facility allows us to expedite the production of your custom aligners and other orthodontic appliances, reducing waiting times and accelerating your treatment process.

Faster Treatment Times

  • Quick turnaround: With our onsite lab, we can create and adjust aligners more quickly than clinics that outsource this work, meaning you get started on your treatment sooner.
  • Immediate adjustments: Any necessary adjustments to your aligners can be made on the spot, minimising delays and ensuring continuous progress.

Traditional Braces for Complex Cases

While we specialise in clear aligners, it’s important to acknowledge that traditional braces are another effective option for complex alignment issues. Braces can be highly effective for severe misalignments and bite issues, but they come with their own set of challenges such as visibility and comfort.

Advantages of Clear Aligners Over Traditional Braces

  • Discreet appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, while traditional braces are more noticeable.
  • Enhanced comfort: Aligners are generally more comfortable than braces, which can cause irritation and require periodic tightening.
  • Improved oral hygiene: Aligners can be removed for cleaning, whereas braces require careful brushing and flossing around brackets and wires.
  • Flexible treatment: The ability to remove aligners for special occasions or important meetings adds convenience to daily life.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment for adults offer effective solutions for correcting complex alignment issues, improving both oral health and aesthetics. At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we provide advanced options like clear aligners, supported by our efficient onsite lab to ensure faster, more convenient treatment. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are clear aligners suitable for all adults?

A: Clear aligners are suitable for many adults but may not be ideal for severe cases. A consultation with our dentist will determine the best option for you.

Q: How long does treatment with clear aligners take?

A: Treatment duration varies based on individual needs but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.

Q: Can I switch from braces to clear aligners during treatment?

A: In some cases, switching is possible. Consult with your dentist to discuss your specific situation.

Q: How often do I need to visit the clinic during treatment?

A: Regular check-ups are scheduled every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Q: Will orthodontic treatment affect my speech?

A: There may be a short adjustment period, but most patients adapt quickly and experience no long-term impact on speech.

 

Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners

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People often get confused when choosing between traditional braces and aligners. As much as this can be a personal choice- it can also be case dependent. Here are a few Pro’s and Con’s you should be aware of when choosing between the two.

Traditional Braces

– Pros

  • Can correct any misalignment.
  • It can’t be removed therefore you can’t neglect its usage.

– Cons

  • Uncomfortable/painful.
  • Food/Drink restrictions.
  • Regular dental visits.
  • Difficult to clean.

Clear Aligners

– Pros

  • Your final results are predicted prior to the treatment.
  • Less dentist check-ups.
  • They are almost Invisible.
  • Can be removed.
  • Can be easily cleaned and you can maintain optimal oral care.
  • Pain subsides shortly after fitting every new step.
  • Comfortable to use.
  • No food/drink restrictions- you can take them off and enjoy your meal!
  • It is very often much faster than metal braces when correcting cosmetic alignment of teeth (usually between 3 to 9 months)

– Cons

  • Not all cases are suitable. It cannot correct major overbites/underbites and excessive crowding.
  • It needs to be worn for at least 22 hours a day.
  • Having the freedom to remove it may lead you to not wearing it as often as you should.

Both Traditional Braces and Aligners are effective treatments when it comes to realigning your teeth. A proper assessment with a dentist is the best way to find out which is more suitable for you.

Check out our website to find out more about our Clear Aligners and Adult Orthodontics.

Digital VS Traditional Impressions

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In the 21st century with so many new advancements in dental technology, we can truly say that digitally taken impressions have made the biggest difference for many dentists and dental practices. This gives patients a more relaxed and less time consuming treatment at the dentist.

 

The traditional approach

For many patients having dental impressions done can be very unpleasant. Patients with a strong gag reflex struggle with the entire procedure. There’s nothing worse than those three to six painful minutes waiting for the “alginate rubber material” (gooey substances) to set. For many decades traditional impressions were needed for crowns, bridges, veneers, bleaching trays, and not forgetting night guards.traditional impression

Digital impressions using an IOS scanner

Digital impressions are taken with an intraoral scanner (IOS) using optical light technology as its source to scan the soft and hard tissue within the mouth.  The IOS scanner digitally captures clear and highly accurate impressions within seconds. With a digital scanner, patients will not feel uncomfortable and have a gagging reflex or throw up when impressions are being taken.

digital impressions

Benefits of digital impressions

  • Digital impressions avoid the discomfort these traditional impression materials can cause patients, such has gagging or even throwing up.
  • No more awful taste left in your mouth after having impressions taken.
  • Patients save time in chair with their dentist as they do not need to wait for the alginate substance to take form or set.
  • While scanning we can immediately find errors or missed areas.
  • Digital impressions can be stored electronically which contributes to our recordkeeping and the POPI act.
  • Much more accurate than conventional impressions
  • Easy to send to dentists (Specialists around the world)
  • Forms part of a fully digitally integrated dental clinic such as Silver Oaks Dental
  • Integrates fully and immediately into the DSD protocol.

Dental loans by MediFin

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In South Africa, many individuals cannot afford private healthcare treatments. Be it a lifesaving operation that is needed or a long-awaited cosmetic procedure, private healthcare is not affordable for everyone.

Paying for healthcare is not easy, especially to low or average-income households. The good news is that Medifin offers medical finance options to patients who require financial aid. Some patients are not able to pay for their treatment due to financial constraints and/or medical aid not covering some of their required and desired cosmetic treatments. MediFin finance offers affordable loans with easy repayment options that are suitable for you as an individual.

How do I apply?

  • Patients will be required to attend an initial consult with a dentist that is accredited to MediFin. This consult will have to be paid by the patient to the dental practice.
  • The dentist will provide you with a quotation for your treatment plan.
  • You, as the patient, are required to submit your quote to Medi fin online https://medifin.co.za/apply-now/ or call them on 086 100 0808 for further assistance.
  • The patient will have to wait for the approval of your loan. Once your application has been accepted by MediFin, they will make payment directly to your dentist within 24 hours.
  • Once payment has been made; your dentists’ dental team will contact you to set up your appointments.

What treatments are covered:

Requirements:

  • A Copy of Your ID
  • Proof of Income
  • 3 Months Bank Statement
  • Proof of Residence
  • A Treatment Quotation from Your Dentist

contact us on 031 202 6584 | silveroaksdentalclinic@gmail.com to book you consult with us and we can assist you with getting MediFin finance to assist with your dental treatment payment.

The Cost of Clear Aligners in South Africa

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The cost of Clear Aligners is surprisingly affordable in South Africa. There are many adults who are just not keen on wearing traditional wired braces. Clear aligners are a great alternative as it is a clear and comfortable option for realigning your teeth.

Here are a few benefits:

  • Aligners are practically invisible.
  • Smooth surfaces (no painful metal brackets and wires)
  • Can be removed before eating and brushing teeth.
  • No long or painful dental appointments.
  • Fast and efficient (usage varies between 2 months to 9 months)
  • Before and after teeth movements are digitally simulated. This will allow the orthodontist to show you the transitions from the current state of your teeth to the expected outcome results.
  • The perfect option to “realign” your teeth again if they have gone crooked years after having traditional braces.

clear aligners

Factors that contribute to the price you pay for aligners:

  • The complexity of your case.
  • A Single jaw treatment or both jaws.
  • A refinement stage if you do not wear your aligners correctly.

How much will these clear aligners cost?

The cost of aligners are determined by the complexity of your case. The average cost for clear aligners starts from around R20 000 per jaw and around R45 000 for both jaws. Complex cases are more costly as they may require a refinement phase. Only an orthodontic assessment can determine the cost estimate as well as if you will be eligible for clear aligners.

clear aligner

You can now book an appointment with our experienced team by calling us on 031 202 6584 or emailing us at silveroaksdentalclinic@gmail.com. The Silver Oaks team looks forward to meeting you!

How To Fix The Gaps Between Your Teeth

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We get asked this question often at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic ‘How to fix the gaps between my teeth’.

If the gaps between your teeth are making you feel self-conscious then you might want to try and find ways to fix them. Some procedures are cost effective and less time consuming. We discuss them in this article.

Before we get into the details it is important to understand what causes the gaps between your teeth.

gaps between teeth

Gapped teeth which are also called Diastemas are one of the most common dental issues and can result from several issues.

Disproportionality sized teeth – gaps occur when your teeth are smaller than the size of your jawbone.
Oversized tissue between your front teeth called the Labial Frenum prevents your gap from closing. The tissue gets in between your front teeth and prevents your teeth from fusing together.
Thumb sucking – the sucking motion can force your teeth forward creating a gap.
Gum disease – Gapped teeth can also be caused by gum disease. The infection can cause gums and soft tissues supporting your teeth to become damaged.

How do i fix the gaps between my teeth Doctor?

You will need a thorough analysis by your dentist. He/she will need to take an x-ray and analyse your teeth. Your dentist will then come up with the best solution according to your individual needs.

The three options that are available in order to fix the gap between your teeth are, orthodontic braces, dental veneers and dental implants.

Orthodontic braces might be an option depending on the size of the gap. Many people do not like the look of metal braces and the fact that you must wear them for 2-3 years.

There are two other options that you can discuss with your dentist that is a great alternative to metal braces.

Dental veneers are usually the best option. It is a quick procedure usually 2-3 appointments.
Dental veneers are thin, tooth coloured shells that are attached to the front surface of the teeth to improve the appearance. Porcelain veneers are usually the best quality as they look and feel just like your natural teeth.

If you have exceptionally large gaps, then dental implants could be another option. Chat to your dentist and he will be able to offer the best advice.

gaps between teeth

How To Fix The Gaps Between Your Teeth 2fixing the gaps between your teeth 3A recent patient (above) at Silver Oaks Dental wanted to fix the gaps between her teeth. Her main complaint was that she had gaps, chips and some worn down teeth. They were also stained and discolored.

Patient’s front teeth had a gap in between and made her very shy to smile

She came to us with the hope that Dr Huson could help her regain that confidence she had almost lost growing up.

Veneers came to be the best option to fix Keisha’s smile. Not only did veneers close her gaps but it also straightened and whitened her teeth in few easy steps! Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining and mainly used by Dr Huson because of its high durability.

After a hygienist’s cleaning, we made bleaching trays for her upper and lower jaw to whiten it to her desired shade. She wore this for 14 days at home and came in for an hour laser to enhance and brighten her teeth before we started with the designing.

We used the latest in digital technology to design her teeth called Digital Smile Design

Dr Roy -Richard Huson examined her mouth and face and to determine the right fit size and shape of her veneers. We used Digital Smile Designing (DSD) technology and photographs to design the perfect smile for her. Computer imaging and photographic technology will allowed her to visualise her smile before it is even finished!

We made four upper veneers which closed the gaps instantly. She came in to try on her veneers first so that her friends and family could approve and for her to feel and experience the look before we do the finals.

Once she was happy with it, she came in to cement the finals. Her smile is straight without any gaps, brighter and all the chips and cracks restored.

It did not take Kershia long to get used to her new smile because she instantly loved it! She is incredibly happy with the outcome of her veneers. She feels more confident with her fuller teeth and her friends and family love her new look.

We are very thankful we had the opportunity to make a difference in Kershia’s life.

Call us to improve your smile!

Is It Time To Straighten Your Teeth?

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Is it time to straighten your teeth? There are lots of reasons to straighten your teeth and many ways to do it. The dentist is the best person to offer you advice on the available options and tailor a customised procedure for you after he has taken x-rays and analysed your teeth.

You may want to straighten your teeth to have a more attractive, confident smile due to a big event such as your wedding day, graduation day, start of your career or to celebrate a health obstacle such as weight loss.

The number one reason people straighten their teeth is for appearance.

Smiling is contagious. If you picture a room full of smiling people you will be smiling too. Smiling also decreases depression.

Whatever it is straightening your teeth has several huge benefits in the long term.

Now maybe the best time to straighten your teeth.

is it time to straighten your teeth

 Functional straightening of your teeth

Your teeth can be straightened to improve the functionality of your smile.

  1. Sometimes teeth straightening is done before major cosmetic dental work.
  2. Straighter teeth are cleaner teeth. Straightening your teeth can help prevent decay. Crooked teeth can make it harder for you to clean thereby having a troubling build-up of plaque and decay. In addition it will give you chronic bad breath or gum disease.
  3. Crooked teeth affect jaw alignment – Sleep Apnea and allergies is another reason to straighten your teeth. Improving the shape of your mouth and jaw can help improve these conditions.

The following are teeth straightening options:

The first two which is the clear aligner and dental veneers allow you to straighten your teeth without braces.

Clear aligner – This option can straighten your teeth within 11-16 weeks. Your dentist will need to analyse your teeth and depending on your individual case recommend the number of weeks that you need to keep it on for.

Click here to learn more about clear aligner therapy

Dental veneers are another quick and easy alternative that can take 2-3 appointments to complete. Click here to learn more about dental veneers

Traditional braces are another option and a dentist will need to analyse your teeth  in order to check your bite. Traditional braces might be the right option if you have a strong overbite. Chat to your dentist about this option.

Straighten Teeth Without Braces

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Due to the recent technological advancements,  you can now straighten your teeth without braces.

You can now straighten your teeth without braces in less than 4 months on average. It is more cost effective than braces and saves one the hassle and embarrassment of the metal braces showing in your mouth.

We have the latest technology in Cosmetic Dentistry

We use the latest technology called Digital Smile Design.

Dr Huson spends a lot of his time updating his qualifications and going on several courses on Digital Dentistry regularly. 

Dr Huson has worked in the Harley Street Region of London in the UK where he dealt with many international clientele and perfected the art of shaping and making teeth look as natural and straight as possible.

We also have an in house lab that helps with designing your teeth so that you can straighten your teeth without braces quickly.

straighten teeth without braces 1

straighten teeth without braces 2

There are three methods in order to straighten your teeth without braces

The first method is Dental veneers

This is the quickest method as it can take less than 3 weeks to get done. So if you have less time on your hands and would like to straighten your teeth quickly then veneers is the way to go.

The second method is clear braces (Inman Aligner or Invisalign)

This might take around 9 to 12 weeks or more for normal procedures and visits every 2 weeks to the dentist to tighten the mouth guard.

This is also a quicker solution to straighten your teeth rather than traditional braces. Although the disadvantage is that it takes longer than dental veneers to get your teeth straightened. It is also more time consuming with additional visits to the dentist.

When the dentist analyses your teeth he needs to see if this procedure can be done on your teeth. This procedure can only straighten your teeth and not correct a strong overbite.

The third method is traditional braces

This method is the most costly method and you will most probably need to wear braces for over 2 years in order to get your teeth straightened. The look with metal braces in your mouth is also NOT aesthetically pleasing. You will need traditional braces if you have a strong overbite. You will need a dentist to analyse your teeth and give you the best recommendation.

The fastest and most cost effective method  to straighten your teeth without braces is Dental Veneers.

However, you still need to chat to your dentist and see if this solution will work for you.

straighten teeth 2

Below is a method of both dental veneers and the clear aligner that was used on a recent patient @silveroaksdentalclinic.

When Sinothando came to us she wanted a quick solution to her long term problem . She wanted to reduce the gaps between her teeth and get them straightened without any long procedures such as braces.

She also had peg laterals. In dentistry this refers to an anomaly affecting her lateral teeth (Upper second Incisors) causing her teeth to look abnormally small and cone shaped compared to being rectangular in shape.

The solution for sinothando was simple orthodontics to pull the two front teeth together thereby straightening them without braces.

Veneers were made to reshape the lateral teeth, again it was a solution to straighten teeth without braces.

She also had minimal surgery called a Frenectomy to relax the muscle in her upper lip which causes the formation of the huge gap in the middle of her teeth.

The biggest advantage of Sinothando’s procedure is that she didn’t lose any tooth structure. Sinothando loves her new teeth and loves to take photographs of herself showing of her new look. Her family say it has made her look more sophisticated and neat. We are very happy that we have helped her regain her confidence.

Call us now or click here to learn more about our dental veneers procedure.

How To Straighten Teeth Fast

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The best way to straighten teeth fast is via a cosmetic dental procedure called clear aligner therapy.

An example would be brand names such as the Invisalign or the Inman Aligner. Our offices create the Inman Aligner at our labs so the cost to you is decreased tremendously as compared to Invisalign and other brand names that are out there.

how to straighten teeth fast

how to straighten teeth fast 2

how to straighten teeth fast 3

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner is a perfect solution for overcrowding and crooked teeth. It is cheaper than the invisalign but straightens teeth in exactly the same manner. The Inman Aligner is another brand name for clear aligner therapy. It is a safe and cost efficient solution to straighten teeth in a short space of time. You only need to wear the Inman Aligner for 10 – 18 weeks in normal cases.

Your front teeth will be gently guided to an ideal position in a matter of weeks.

Another huge advantage of the Inman Aligner is that it is removable. So if you have an event to attend you can remove it. You can also wear it all day and nobody will notice that you have something in your mouth as it is clear.

The Inman Aligner has Nickel Titanium coil springs that power two aligner bows that gently oppose each other, guiding the teeth into their new position. These gentle forces are active over a very large range of movement, which is why the Inman Aligner works so quickly

Teeth Straightening

How long is the treatment with the Inman Aligner?

Most cases are completed within 6-18 weeks. Your Inman Aligner dentist will give you a realistic guide of what to expect. He will do this first by analysing your teeth and then sending of impressions to the orthodontic lab.

The lab will then give you a before and after scenario using prediction techniques on a computer. We will then show you the photos of what your potential treatment might look like with a quote. Once approved we can begin your treatment and set appointments up with Dr Richard Huson.

What’s involved in Treatment with the Inman Aligner?

• Impressions are needed so that the lab can fabricate your custom made Inman Aligner
• Initial fitting of the Aligner
• Wear the Aligner 16-20 hours a day
• Regular Inman checks every 2-3 weeks
• As with other orthodontic treatment, after treatment is completed with the Inman Aligner, retention is recommended or life to prevent relapse.

Call us now or click here to learn more about our orthodontic treatments

The Quickest Way To Straighten Your Teeth?

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What is the quickest way to straighten your teeth?

We at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic believe in the importance of  keeping up with the latest technology in the dental world. We always aim to exceed your expectations and bring to you the highest quality in dental treatments.

You can straighten your teeth quickly with our latest in clear aligner therapy i.e Inman Aligner. The Inman Aligner is a brand name for clear aligner therapy. Invisalign is also another brand name for clear aligner therapy.

The Inman Aligner is more cost effective than Invisalign and is equally competent.

The quickest way to straighten your teeth

The quickest way to straighten your teeth

Questions to ask yourself before choosing the Inman Aligner as an option:

Are your front teeth crowded? Do they stick out and do they have gaps between them? Are they tipped back or are they rotated and out of line with the rest of your teeth? With the Inman Aligner, you can straighten your front teeth in a matter of weeks!

Most cases complete in 6-18 weeks and because it’s removable you can take it out to fit with your lifestyle. There is no need for metal braces that look awful and are a struggle to clean.

Will the Inman Aligner work on everyone?

The Inman Aligner is not suited for people who have a strong overbite. Traditional braces would be a better option for a person with a strong overbite.

Straighten your teeth in a few weeks has never been easier

The Inman Aligner is new to South Africa and has been found to be very successful in the USA and UK. We are proud to be offering such an amazing product. We are very excited to be able to straighten your teeth with removable appliances in 10-12 weeks. The Inman aligner is created by our in-house lab saving you costs as compared to other clear aligner therapies on the market. Heads up for non-drilling dentistry with the Inman Aligner!

You are able to permanently straighten your teeth within a few short weeks.

Click here to learn more about adult orthodontics at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Prices start from R20 000 for the upper jaw and can go up to R50 000 depending on the number of weeks your treatment is required.