Treatments

Ceramic Braces

Made of a translucent (clear) material, ceramic braces have become very popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal low-visibility appearance. The only drawback to ceramic braces is that they’re slightly more fragile than metal braces, and the elastic ties can discolor between visits – particularly for coffee drinkers.

Invisalign (Clear Aligners)

Invisalign is a revolutionary new treatment that does away with metal brackets and wires entirely. Instead, it uses a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are virtually invisible and completely removable, meaning almost no one will know you’re having your teeth straightened and you’ll have none of the dietary restrictions of braces!

The Damon Q System

Invented by Dr. Dwight Damon, Damon braces use a special technology known as “self-ligation” that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket, so they require no elastic or steel ties. This creates less friction, resulting in more comfortable treatment in less time with fewer orthodontic visits.

Lingual Braces

Incognito braces are truly invisible. They use the same time-tested technology as traditional braces, but instead of being placed on the outside of the teeth, lingual braces are bonded to the inside (tongue-side) surface – making them invisible from the outside. They’re completely customizable to the shape of your teeth, are created using state-of-the-art technology, and provide efficient, effective tooth movement with almost no aesthetic impact.

Herbst

One of the most common conditions we see at our office is upper front teeth protrusion – when the upper jaw extends too far past the lower. But contrary to first appearances, more often than not, the problem isn’t the upper jaw being too large – it’s the lower jaw is too small and far back.

A Herbst appliance fixes overbite by attacking the root of the problem – the lower jaw. A Herbst appliance gradually changes the positioning of the lower jaw, helping to correct overbite and create a more natural, functional smile and bite. Unlike many other jaw positioning appliances, patients using the Herbst system can still easily open and close their jaws and have no trouble learning to chew food with their lower jaw in this new position.

TADs (miniscrews)

TADs, or temporary anchorage devices, are one of the most important advances in recent orthodontic history. Made of bio-compatible titanium alloy, TADs are miniscrew anchor points that can be placed at specific points in the mouth, providing a sturdy anchor by which to move teeth. TADs allow orthodontists to move some teeth while keeping others still, opening up new opportunities for tooth movement without the use of unsightly headgear.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is a more extensive treatment that’s used to correct abnormalities in the facial bones, particularly those of the jaws and teeth. Often, these abnormalities can make it difficult to chew, speak, sleep, breath, or perform any other routine activity. Through jaw surgery, we can correct these problems while also improving overall facial symmetry and appearance.

We’ll start by using advanced digital imaging technology to visualize the structure of the face, the abnormalities, and how jaw surgery would help correct them. Through computer-aided treatment, we’re able to provide the highest quality treatment while also minimising recovery times and ensuring the highest efficacy. We use state-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws to provide effective treatment as reliably, safely, and conveniently as possible.

Where possible, we’ll always opt for traditional orthodontic treatment over surgery. In fact, surgery is generally a last resort treatment – we only use it where other methods won’t work. Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, we can usually avoid surgery, but where it is necessary, Dr. Tepper-Adler has a longstanding relationship with some of Melbourne’s most prominent maxillofacial surgeons and will work closely with them to ensure you get the best treatment possible.