Orthodontic Care Across the Yass Valley and Canberra Region
Orthodontics is an important part of the care we provide at Yass Valley Dental. From our practices in Yass and Murrumbateman, we see patients from across the Yass Valley, Canberra’s north and nearby communities who want to improve the way their teeth sit, meet and function.
In this article, we take a closer look at the orthodontic care available at Yass Valley Dental, including the treatments we provide, Dr Daniel Yang’s background in orthodontics and the technology we use to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Table of Contents
Orthodontic treatment available at Yass Valley Dental
Orthodontic care at Yass Valley Dental is not limited to Invisalign or one type of braces. We provide several forms of treatment, from appliances used while children are still growing through to adult orthodontics, retreatment and long-term retention.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces remain one of the most versatile ways to move teeth and correct the bite. They can be used for crowding, spacing, rotated teeth and more complex bite problems, particularly where precise control over tooth movement is needed.
Because the brackets remain attached throughout treatment, the teeth can be moved gradually and adjusted at regular review appointments as treatment progresses.
Invisalign clear aligners
For patients who would prefer a removable option, we also offer Invisalign.
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to move the teeth gradually. The aligners are worn throughout the day and changed as treatment progresses, while being removable for meals, brushing and flossing.
Invisalign can be used for a range of alignment and bite problems, from relatively minor tooth movement to more involved orthodontic correction. Whether it is suitable depends on the type of movement required and how much control is needed over the teeth and bite.
Read more about Invisalign at Yass Valley Dental.
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Early orthodontic treatment
Some orthodontic problems become apparent while a child is still growing, before all of the permanent teeth have come through.
Early orthodontic treatment can be used when there is an advantage to addressing the developing bite sooner rather than waiting until adolescence. This may involve creating more room for permanent teeth, widening a narrow upper arch or improving the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Not every child needs treatment at this stage. In many cases, development can simply be monitored until the timing is more appropriate.
Palatal expansion
When the upper jaw or dental arch is too narrow, an expansion appliance can be used to gradually create more width.
This can provide additional room for developing teeth and may also improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. Depending on the patient’s age and the amount of expansion required, different types of expanders can be used.
Functional appliances
Functional appliances are used when growth of the jaws forms part of the orthodontic problem.
One appliance used at Yass Valley Dental is the Twin Block, which consists of separate upper and lower removable appliances that work together to guide the lower jaw into a different position while the patient is still growing.
Once this stage is complete, further orthodontic treatment may be used if the teeth themselves still need to be aligned.
Read more about Twin Block treatment at Yass Valley Dental.
Space and habit appliances
Early orthodontic care can also involve more targeted appliances.
If a baby tooth is lost too soon, a space maintainer can help prevent neighbouring teeth from moving into the gap before the permanent tooth erupts. Appliances may also be used when habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or tongue pressure are affecting the way the teeth and bite are developing.
Adult orthodontics
Adults come to Yass Valley Dental for many of the same reasons as younger patients, including crowding, spacing and bite problems, but treatment often has to take a longer dental history into account.
Depending on what needs to be changed, adult orthodontic treatment may involve fixed braces, Invisalign or a more limited course of tooth movement.
Limited orthodontic treatment and retreatment
Not every orthodontic concern requires a full course of treatment.
A small number of teeth may need to be moved, a gap may have reopened or a front tooth may have shifted out of position. Limited orthodontic treatment can focus on that particular area without unnecessarily treating the rest of the mouth.
This also includes patients whose teeth have moved after previous braces or clear aligner treatment. The next step may be as simple as replacing a retainer, or it may involve a shorter course of aligners or fixed treatment if more movement has occurred.
Read more about orthodontic treatment after previous braces.
Orthodontics before implants, crowns and bridges
Orthodontic treatment can also be used to prepare the teeth for other dental work.
If a tooth has been missing for some time, neighbouring teeth may have moved into the space. Repositioning them first can create the room needed for an implant or improve the conditions for a crown or bridge.
Because Yass Valley Dental also provides implant and restorative dentistry, these parts of treatment can be planned together when required.
Read more about adult orthodontics with crowns, implants or missing teeth.
Impacted canine treatment
Permanent canine teeth do not always erupt into the correct position. Occasionally, a canine remains trapped beneath the gum or within the bone instead.
Orthodontic treatment can be used to create room for the tooth and guide it gradually into the dental arch. Where the canine needs to be surgically exposed first, the surgical and orthodontic stages can be coordinated as part of the treatment plan.
Retainers and long-term retention
Retention is the final part of orthodontic treatment and helps keep the teeth in their new positions once active movement has finished.
Depending on the treatment completed, this may involve a removable retainer, a fixed retainer behind the teeth or a combination of both.
YVD can also replace damaged or lost retainers and assess retainers that no longer fit properly, particularly if the teeth have already begun to move.
Orthodontic care with Dr Daniel Yang
Orthodontic care at Yass Valley Dental is provided by our Principal Dentist, Dr Daniel Yang. He has a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Orthodontics and has been providing orthodontic treatment as an established part of his clinical work for many years.
Dr Yang also has experience in implantology and oral surgery, which can be valuable when orthodontic treatment forms part of a broader dental plan. This may be relevant when a missing tooth will later be replaced with an implant, existing crowns or bridges need to be considered, or teeth need to be repositioned before other treatment can go ahead.
That broader experience allows Dr Yang to plan orthodontic treatment with any later restorative or surgical work in mind, so the different stages fit together from the start.
Meet Dr Daniel Yang and the Yass Valley Dental team.
Digital orthodontic planning and in-house technology
One of the advantages of having orthodontic treatment at Yass Valley Dental is that much of the assessment, imaging and treatment planning can be completed within the practice.
Both Yass and Murrumbateman have digital scanning and CBCT imaging available, while YVD also uses in-house 3D printing and other digital technology to support orthodontic treatment. This means the information needed to plan a case can be gathered and used directly by the team managing the treatment, rather than relying on multiple external providers.
Digital intraoral scanning
YVD uses intraoral scanners to create detailed 3D models of the teeth. In many cases, this replaces traditional impression trays and gives us a digital record that can be used for orthodontic planning, Invisalign treatment and comparison as the teeth move over time.
CBCT 3D imaging
Both our Yass and Murrumbateman practices have CBCT imaging available when a closer three-dimensional view is needed.
A CBCT scan can show the teeth, roots, bone and surrounding structures in much greater detail than a standard dental X-ray.
This scan is not required for every orthodontic patient, but it can be particularly useful when the position of unerupted teeth, the roots or the jaws needs to be assessed more closely.
In-house 3D printing
YVD also uses 3D printing within the practice to produce dental models and orthodontic appliances, as well as splints and surgical guides.
Having this capability in-house allows digital records to move more directly into appliance production and other stages of treatment, without every model or appliance needing to be sent to an external laboratory.
Orthodontic care in Yass and Murrumbateman
Orthodontic treatment usually involves regular review appointments over time, so having care available in a convenient location can make a real difference.
YVD provides orthodontic care from two practices, at 77 Lead Street in Yass and 40 Middle Street in Murrumbateman, with both locations open Monday to Saturday.
Together, the two practices serve patients from across the Yass Valley, Canberra’s north and surrounding communities. Murrumbateman is particularly convenient for people travelling from areas such as Gungahlin, Belconnen and Gundaroo, while the Yass practice also sees patients from across the valley and areas towards Boorowa, Harden and Goulburn.
Having two locations can make ongoing orthodontic treatment easier to manage, particularly when regular reviews and adjustments are needed over many months.
Talk to us about orthodontic treatment
If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, an assessment with Dr Daniel Yang is a good place to begin.
During the appointment, Dr Yang can examine the teeth and bite, review any records or imaging that may be needed and discuss what treatment could realistically achieve. He can then explain the options, expected timing and how treatment would fit with any other dental care that needs to be considered.
Appointments are available at Yass Valley Dental in Yass and Murrumbateman.
Frequently asked questions about orthodontic care across the Yass Valley and Canberra region
What orthodontic treatment does Yass Valley Dental provide?
Yass Valley Dental provides a broad range of orthodontic care, including fixed braces, Invisalign, early orthodontic treatment, functional appliances, palatal expansion, limited orthodontic treatment, retreatment and long-term retention. Treatment is available for children, teenagers and adults.
Who provides orthodontic treatment at Yass Valley Dental?
Orthodontic care at YVD is provided by Principal Dentist Dr Daniel Yang. He has a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Orthodontics and has been providing orthodontic treatment as an established part of his clinical work for many years.
Does Yass Valley Dental offer orthodontic treatment for children?
Yes. YVD provides early orthodontic care for children when treatment during growth may be helpful. Depending on the problem, this can include palatal expansion, functional appliances such as the Twin Block, and appliances used to manage space or developing habits that are affecting the bite.
Can YVD help if my teeth have moved after previous braces or Invisalign?
Yes. YVD can assess orthodontic relapse after previous treatment. Depending on how much the teeth or bite have changed, treatment may involve a new retainer, limited tooth movement, clear aligners or another course of fixed treatment.
Can orthodontic treatment at Yass Valley Dental be planned around implants, crowns or other dental work?
Yes. YVD also provides implant and restorative dentistry, so orthodontic treatment can be coordinated with other dental care where needed. This can be particularly relevant when teeth need to be repositioned before an implant, crown or bridge is completed.
What technology does YVD use for orthodontic treatment?
YVD uses digital intraoral scanning, CBCT 3D imaging and in-house 3D printing to support orthodontic assessment and treatment planning. Both the Yass and Murrumbateman practices have CBCT imaging available when a more detailed three-dimensional view is required.
Can I have orthodontic treatment at either Yass or Murrumbateman?
Yes. YVD provides orthodontic care from both its Yass and Murrumbateman practices. Together, the two locations serve patients from across the Yass Valley, Canberra’s north and surrounding communities.
