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Keith Nelson Family Dentist Orthodontics

Orthodontics / Braces

Keith Nelson Family Dentist Orthodontics

At Keith Nelson Associates, we believe that everyone deserves their own perfect smile, and we are here to provide the necessary assistance. When it comes to transforming smiles, our expertise in orthodontics sets us apart. With over 40 years of experience, we have been helping patients achieve beautiful, straight teeth and boosting their confidence along the way.

As one of the best orthodontic providers in Auckland, we are committed to delivering exceptional results. We take pride in witnessing the transformative power of a confident smile for each and every patient we treat.

Our comprehensive range of orthodontic options caters to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the discreetness of our new range of incredibly discreet metal braces, the colorful and expressive nature of colored braces, the subtle appearance of clear braces, or the virtually invisible Clear Correct system, we have the perfect solution for you.

With our expert orthodontic treatments, we can correct misaligned teeth, close gaps, and improve your bite for optimal oral health and aesthetics. We understand that a beautiful smile goes beyond appearance—it impacts your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Discover the difference our orthodontic solutions can make in your life. Contact Keith Nelson Associates today to schedule a consultation and explore the various options available. Let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Orthodontics / Braces

Our Orthodontic Services include removable appliances, myofunctional therapy, full fixed braces and clear aligners (Clear Correct).

Malocclusion will help to determine which type of appliance is best for each orthodontic patient. Malocclusion, is the way that teeth fit into the mouth, which is broken into malocclusion classes which are the different types of that problem:
Class I, Class II, Division 1, Class II Division 2 and Class III.

We can provide Orthodontic services which were previously only available at a specialist orthodontist. Dr Vikki Nelson and Dr Sophia Mahendran are not specialist orthodontists but have both completed many post graduate courses in this field of Orthodontics including a 2 year diploma in Progressive Orthodontics.

In our practice we work with many specialists – Orthodontists, Dental Hygienists, Periodontists, and Oral & ENT surgeons to give you the best possible treatment outcome.

Removable Appliances

Keith Nelson Family Dentist Orthodontics Auckland Removable plate
Plates used to develop the jaws and aid to correct jaw alignment.

Myofunctional Appliances

Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, incorrect swallowing, thumb sucking and other myofunctional habits can cause bedwetting, malocclusion, poor facial development and relapse. With early diagnosis simple techniques including removable Orthodontic trainers or plates can be used to alleviate existing problems. Myobrace website

Fixed Braces

Keith Nelson Family Dentist Orthodontics Ponsonby Fixed Braces
Progressive full term braces . Using the advanced Progressive IP Orthodontics Programme, our practice now offers one of the latest and leading Orthodontic tools. The progressive system provides a fully customised treatment plan tailored to each individual patient. Braces can be the metal or the more cosmetic ceramic braces.

Clear Correct Aligners

Keith Nelson Family Dentist Orthodontics Ponsonby
ClearCorrect are the clear and simple alternative to braces. Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is an option to correct the position of the teeth in indicated cases. It’s a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them. Each aligner moving your teeth just a little bit at a time.

First, an orthodontic evaluation is carried out with each patient. Records are taken which includes, intraoral and extraoral photographs, radiographs and a digital scan of the patient’s mouth.

Next, the treatment plan is generated using a software simulating the movements to be carried out and visualizing the final position. Subsequently, the different types of clear aligners to be used are designed which will be changed according to what tooth movements are required. These clear aligners make the teeth gradually move into the planned position.

They’re practically invisible, so most people won’t even know you’re in treatment. They fit you perfectly, so they’re more comfortable than regular braces and they’re removable so you can eat whatever you like and clean your teeth normally.

Ask us for more information about Clear Correct and what it can do for you.

When is the Best Time to Start Orthodontics?

As soon as problems can be identified a plan should be formulated for the eventual correction. Each problem has a “best” time to make the correction. Many problems can be identified as early as 6-8 years of age. Some problems are best left to a later age to correct but other problems are best corrected at a young age. Problems to look out for are thumb/finger sucking, mouth breathing, crossbites and crowded teeth so early assessment is a good idea.

Early Orthodontic Intervention – Mid to Late Mixed Dentition

Early treatment is designed to intercept or prevent a developing bite problem that if left untreated, would ultimately result in the child having a more difficult problem or a compromised result in the future.

Treatment may involve a palatal expander, braces, or removable appliances designed to create room for erupting teeth, with the aim to prevent the need for tooth extraction, correct a bite problem, or help a child break a habit which may be moving teeth in an adverse manner (e.g. thumb-sucking or nail biting).

Early orthodontic problems are usually picked up during routine dental check-ups and the parents are then advised to contact a dental professional trained in orthodontic treatment.

Most children do not need early treatment, but when indicated, interceptive treatment is effective and often alleviating the need for future orthodontic treatment or at the very least making it easier and less time in fixed braces or aligners.

Adult Orthodontics

Crooked teeth prematurely age us but there’s more to straight teeth than just a beautiful smile. Straight teeth not only gives us confidence, they are better for your overall health.

Teeth in their correct position and jaws which are aligned to your facial profile are not only more aesthetically pleasing, they make chewing your food easier thus helping with the digestion of food, allowing easier extraction of the valuable vitamins and nutrients your body needs from your diet.

So, if you’ve been thinking of having orthodontic treatment but have always thought you don’t really need it, think again. Your overall health, physical and mental wellbeing plus your confidence will thank you for it. And so will your smile!

Options to straighten teeth in adulthood can be with either small conventional brackets with wires or virtually invisible clear aligners.

Benefits of Adult Treatment

Benefits of adult orthodontic treatment, including:

  • Being able to smile with confidence
  • Improved overall self-image
  • Better oral hygiene
  • Reduced risk of cavities and gum disease

Eating Recommendations For Orthodontic Patients

One of the questions we are often asked is about eating guidelines for braces. When you are wearing braces you can eat and enjoy most foods without damaging your appliances within reason.

However foods which we recommend you avoid to prevent de-bonding of the brackets whilst in fixed braces:

Avoid Hard Foods

  • Popcorn
  • Corn chips
  • Nuts
  • Hard lollies
  • Pizza crust
  • Corn-on-the-cob
  • Hard biscuits

Avoid Sticky Foods

  • Liquorice
  • Caramel
  • Chewing gum
  • Dried fruit
  • Chewy lollies
  • Sticky muesli bars

Sticky foods need to be avoided as much as possible as they can damage orthodontic appliances by bending wires and pulling brackets or bands loose.

Always Brush and Rinse After Eating

  • Lollies
  • Ice cream
  • Cakes and cupcakes
  • Soft drinks
  • Fruit juice
  • Sugary cereals
  • Milkshakes
  • Fruit

If you eat foods which are high in sugar, always brush your teeth afterwards. If you are unable to brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Brushing Recommendations for Braces

  • Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with an up-and-down motion.
  • Floss between all teeth once per day.
  • Start brushing your teeth on the upper right side using your electric toothbrush.
  • Brush above and below the braces, moving the brush head slowly.
  • Work your brush towards the front teeth and over to the left side.
  • Then brush the inside and biting surfaces.
  • Take your time.

How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces

Getting the hang of brushing with braces might seem like a bit of a task, but once it’s a routine, it gets easier. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Rinse First: Before you start brushing, give your mouth a quick rinse with water. This helps loosen up any food bits stuck around your braces.
  2. Brush at an Angle: Use a toothbrush made for braces and start brushing at a 45-degree angle along the gumline.
  3. Top of the Brackets: Place the toothbrush on top of the brackets, angling down to brush on each bracket. Make sure they cover all of them.
  4. Bottom of the Brackets: Reposition the toothbrush to slowly brush the bottom of the bracket and the wire, angling the brush upwards this time.
  5. Cover Every Tooth: Don’t forget to brush every tooth at the gumline and above and below the brackets. This helps get rid of plaque and any leftover food.

And hey, if they are still figuring it out, that’s totally okay! Some older kids might need a bit of help until they get the hang of angling the toothbrush just right. It’s all part of the process! If they keep practicing, they will become a braces-brushing pro.

How To Clean Between Your Teeth With Braces

Help your child keep their braces clean and healthy with some easy tips for flossing:

  • Use a Floss Threader: Make flossing with braces easier by using a special tool called a floss threader. It helps get the floss where it needs to go!
  • Try Water Irrigators: These are like tiny water hoses for your teeth. They can help wash away food bits from tricky spots around braces.
  • Mouthwash Magic: After brushing, use mouthwash to help keep away the germs and make your mouth feel fresh. It’s like a superpower against cavities!