Smiles & Faces Orthodontics

Here, both Dr Andrew Chang and pediatric dentist, Dr Diane Tay talk about the current issues that affect the dental world and what are the treatments for such issues.

POD-CAST TRANSCRIPT After braces are removed, removable clear plastic retainers are issued as part of your treatment to help keep the teeth straight. In some instances, a Retainer Splint may be recommended by Dr. Chang. This is ideal particularly for patients who grind or clench their teeth. Some signs and symptoms of grinding or clenching include making teeth noises at night, waking up with tender jaw muscles or headache in the morning and worn down teeth. Teeth that continue to wear down from the force of grinding and clenching are at risk of becoming sensitive overtime, and may be prone to fracture. Jaw joint problems may also develop from grinding and clenching. The Retainer Splint is made of a durable acrylic material and is ideal for long term use to protect teeth from wearing down from grinding and clenching. It also helps to keep the teeth straight. Dr. Chang will advise you if this is suitable for you or your child. If you are concerned about grinding or clenching or experience any jaw pain or

 My name is Iza and I am one of the Oral Health Therapist here at Smiles & Faces Orthodontics. In this podcast. I will talk about a bit of myself and what I do in the practice . To become an Oral Health Therapist I studied a 3 year Bachelor’s Degree in Oral Health at the University of Sydney and graduated in 2012. So this is now my 4th year in the industry. Before this I also completed a 3 yr Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Science at Sydney University and was working as a dental assistant. I absolutely love the dental industry knowing that we can make a difference to our patient’s smiles. As an Oral health therapist, I am trained to work along side an orthodontist, so I work with Dr Chang and do a variety of procedures from taking impressions, preparing for putting on braces and taking them off, helping out with braces or plates adjustments, Invisalign procedures as well as giving oral health and dietary instructions to mention a few.  As an Oral Health Therapist,I am also a dual qualified dental hygienist

This podcasts is for patients who are currently in active orthodontic treatment, with braces, Invisalign, orthodontic plates or retainers. Most orthodontic breakages are not emergencies. In this podcast, I talk about some suggestions to make it more comfortable for you, the patient, if this happens and some self care tips you can do. There are also plenty of resources on our website at https://www.greatsydneysmiles.com.au/orthodontic-insights/smilesfacesblog  Disclaimer: Please note this is general advice and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Please consult a professional before doing these self care tips at home. If you like this, please go to iTunes and give us a rating on iTunes. Thank you.To your beautiful and healthy smiles, Yours Truly, Dr Andrew ChangPrincipal OrthodontistSmiles & Faces Orthodontics    

Have you completed or about to complete orthodontic treatment? Are you wearing orthodontic retainers. If so, you would find this short podcast by Dr Andrew Chang and his team at Smiles & Faces Orthodontics very useful. This is a short podcast of about 4 minutes.  Some highlights are: 1:27- Using a whitening mouthwash 3:02- How to avoid pets, particularly dogs, from chewing your retainers. Natalie offers her insights on this. 3:32- Why a clear mouthwash in better than a coloured one when cleaning your retainer Seeking more information or interested in a  complimentary orthodontic consultation on how to improve your smile? Visit our website at https://www.greatsydneysmiles.com.au      

If you are an adult or an older teenager with crooked teeth or are currently in braces or Invisalign and about to finish treatment, you would find this podcast packed with helpful tips. Dr Andrew Chang answers FAQ’s. Highlights are: 3:00- Advice to patients who have had braces before when in their childhood, but teeth have shifted. 3:43- The options available for you. Note: braces is not necessarily the only option to restraighten teeth. 5:21- What you should ask your orthodontist before you have your teeth straightened, and the main cause of teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment. 6:06- Solutions for patients to minimize teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment. 6:36- How long does a fixed orthodontic retainer stay in place. 7:11- You commitment to maintaining fixed orthodontic retainers (if you have one) 9:41- My top teeth are pretty straight, but my lower teeth are crowded. What options are available for me?

In this podcast, I interview A/Prof McIntosh, a Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat(ENT) Specialist in Queensland Australia, on the effects of blockages of the upper airways in growing children. While this interview is more suited for dentists,members of the public may find the section on costs, and the Medicare and private health insurance rebates with an ENT consultation and ENT procedures useful (at 15:30). It has certainly impressed upon me the role of many different factors in the causes of crooked teeth, of which one of them is the airways & breathing and their influence. Some other highlights are: 3:10- When would a child benefit from seeing an ENT specialist? 3:50- What are some signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea in a child? Teeth grinding on the molar teeth is a common sign. 7:10- Options for managing upper airway blockages in children. 10:03- Why to reverse the neurological effects of sleep apnoea in children (improved mental concentration, memory and behaviour), early referral to an ENT specialist i

Dr Andrew Chang of  interviews 2 experienced speech therapists, Julie and Celine of Western Sydney Speech Pathology and they share their insights. Some highlights are: 1:18- Effect of orthodontic appliances on speech therapy exercises. Are there any? 4:17- Benefits of seeing a speech therapist (asides from speech pronunciation) and why listening plays an important role in the correction of stuttering. 6:58- How speech exercises work and why tongue retraining exercises after the age of 5 are important for certain open bite corrections. 8:38- How to motivate older kids to complete speech therapy exercises (if they are currently in this treatment) 9:33- Speech therapy is more successful in younger children than in older children as breaking previously acquired habits is easier. 10:31- Duration of speech therapy exercises- 10 mins a day is often satisfactory 15:08- The end goal for speech pathology exercises are why setting microgoals are much more successful. 16:08- Effects of dummy and finger sucking on speech

Join orthodontist, Dr Andrew Chang, of Smiles & Faces Orthodontic Blacktown as he shares with you 4 essential tips to completing orthodontic treatment on time or earlier. Some highlights are  0:00- 1st tip: Role of diet 2:45- Can chewing gum be eaten during braces? Which type of chewing gum is most suitable? 3:15- Which chewing gum can be helpful during braces treatment. 4:45: 2nd tip: Identifying loose braces- when is the best time for this? 5:45: 3rd tip: Good teeth cleaning habits 6:45: How to consume fruit juices/ energy drinks/ soft drinks in a teeth safe manner 8:25: 4th tip: Importance of good elastic wear (when required) If you are considering having a beautiful and healthy smile, with you own natural teeth and  are yet to start orthodontic treatment, please call us on 02-8814-9941 or visit us on  to schedule a complimentary obligation free initial orthodontic consultation.