The Australian Dental Association has some great introductory information on teeth straightening.

Treatment usually starts for most people around the age of 12 when baby teeth are replaced with a full adult set, however it is becoming more and more popular to consider straightening in adult years.

If you have crooked teeth there are a number of benefits to getting your teeth straightened.

• It is easier to keep your teeth and gums clean
• You’ll have less wear and tear on your teeth from clenching and grinding
• You’ve got less chance of damaging your gums
• There’s less stress on the jaw joint from bad biting patterns

While there is no guarantee that teeth straightening will conclusively fix your dental problems, it can make a significant difference to problems caused by ‘malocclusion’, more commonly referred to as misaligned teeth.

ADA NSW promotes the use of mouthguards every year at the beginning of the summer and winter sporting seasons. The provision of custom-fitted mouthguards for all children and adults involved in team sports and at-risk recreational activities prevents many cases of dental trauma each year. We continue to advocate and raise awareness with the general public through media and social media campaigns. With only about a third of Australians wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sport, you can help us spread the word. 

Key messages for patients:

• Sports-related injuries account for nearly 40% of dental injuries, yet only 36% of Australians wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport, and even fewer wear a mouthguard during training.
• A single case of dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of treatment.
• Dental trauma from sporting injury can result in damage to the tooth nerve, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, damage to the tongue and cut lips.

Benefits of a custom-fitted mouthguard:

• Minimises risk of injury to teeth, gums and jaw
• Makes breathing and speaking a lot easier
• A lot more comfortable than 'boil and bite' mouthguards
• Expert fitting from qualified professionals
• Long lasting, durable and available in a variety of designs.

Click here for more information. 

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare funded program providing up to $1000 worth of dental treatment for eligible children aged 2-17 over two calendar years.

If you are a family who holds a Health Care Card, receives a Centrelink payment or Family Tax Benefit A, your child(ren) may be eligible for the CDBS.

If you are unsure, it’s quick and easy to check your eligibility. Simply ask at the reception of your dental clinic. Alternatively you can call Medicare on 132 011 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) or visit www.humanservices.gov.au.

If your eligibility is confirmed, make an appointment with a dentist of your choice. Find out more.