Dr Gullotta doesn’t just focus on making teeth straight, treating overcrowding issues, and fixing bad bites. He believes in the importance of managing and enhancing a person’s facial appearance and profile. Our aim is to help patients to achieve the most attractive smile and facial profile possible after treatment, taking into account the growth and ageing changes that occur over a person’s lifetime.
Soon after completing his undergraduate dentistry degree at the University of Queensland in Brisbane in 1979, Dr Gullotta began working as a dentist at Brisbane Children’s Dental Hospital. During his four years at the Children’s dental hospital he was involved in the dental and orthodontic treatment of many children with cleft palate and other cranio-facial problems.
It was this experience that led to his passion for orthodontics and in 1984 he moved to Melbourne to commence his Masters in Orthodontics at Melbourne University, Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
After his Masters training, Dr Gullotta entered private practice as an orthodontist in Southport, on the Gold Coast. That’s where he has remained and loved creating awesome smiles over the past 30 years.
A highly skilled orthodontist, like Dr Gullotta, can correct crooked teeth, gappy teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites and other orthodontic issues very subtly and the result can actually improve facial appearance.
In many cases, these facial enhancements are simply one of the side benefits of having the teeth and the bite realigned. However, in some cases, facial profile enhancements are actually part of the treatment objectives and can often be predicted by Dr Gullotta during your initial consultation.
Early treatment for children
It is important to identify orthodontic issues early and, if indicated, treat early – especially if there is a jaw growth problem. We recommend assessment by an orthodontist at the age 8-10 years old. Early orthodontic treatment happens while a child’s jaw bones are still soft. The jaw bones harden in their late teens. Soft bones in a young child are still easily moved, so corrective procedures will generally work quicker and more effectively than it will for teens and adults. Appropriate early treatment can be an effective interception measure that lays the foundation for a healthy and well-functioning mouth in adulthood.
Habit elimination to stop thumb sucking is very important at this age, as thumb and finger sucking can push the teeth forward and drastically change the shape of the developing jaw. Chronic mouth breathing and snoring/sleep apnoea can also impact on developing teeth and jaws, and are often signs that the child would benefit from an early orthodontic assessment.
While Dr Gullotta will always do his best to enhance a child’s face and jaw growth, he will also ensure parents are given realistic expectations as to what can be achieved in this early stage of treatment.
Adolescent treatment
Once teenagers have most of their adult teeth, treatment options such as braces (clear, Lightforce or metal) and Invisalign can be considered when necessary. Dr Gullotta will recommend the type of orthodontic treatment required to achieve ideal dental alignment and facial balance.
Adolescents who have protruding, crooked, crowded or gap teeth are great candidates for Invisalign, which can bring about very subtle changes in the facial profile and restore symmetry whilst simultaneously creating a beautiful smile, without anyone noticing.
Adult treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an option for most adults with crooked teeth or uneven bites, just as it is for children and teenagers.
Most adults have work commitments and can find it difficult to fit orthodontic appointments into their busy schedules. To reduce the number of appointments, Dr Gullotta utilises new technologies like Dental Monitoring (DM), The patient simply uses the Dental Monitoring app on his smart phone to take weekly photos on his/ her smart phone which are automatically send to Dr Gullotta and his team so that they can keep a close eye on treatment progress – this means fewer visits to our office are required. DM is a huge time saver especially for Invisalign treatments.
For severe jaw and facial imbalances, some form of jaw surgery may be required to achieve ideal facial profile balance. In these cases Dr Gullotta will work with other specialists (such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons) and develop a customized combined orthodontics and surgery plan to achieve the best cosmetic and functional improvements
In all cases, Dr Gullotta will always try to recommend treatments that will enhance a patient’s smile and face appearance. The need for any dental extractions or jaw surgery are always carefully considered.
If you are considering treatment for yourself to improve your facial shape, please contact us at (07) 5532 3433, email us, [email protected] or book a free consultant directly. Dr Gullotta and his team will be looking forward to changing your facial shape and smile.
You’ve probably seen them.
All the anti-sugar campaigns and cook books springing up. It’s a trend, isn’t it?
But is there anything substantial behind the trend? With Easter rapidly approaching we thought we should investigate it a little more
So, what is all the hype about?
I mean, sugar has been part of our diet since the dawn of time. Okay, we’ve increased the sugar in our diet over the last century or so but is there anything we really need to be concerned about?
We know it’s not great for our teeth, but it turns out if affects our body in all sorts of ways too. And not in good ways.
Here’s what you need to know
If you’re having your teeth straightened, it’s important that you keep them clean. Whether you’re using Invisalign aligners or braces, oral hygiene is critical during your treatment.
But it’s also critical afterwards. You have beautifully straight teeth that are easier to keep clean, but you want to make sure you keep them that way.
Sugar isn’t great for your teeth but it’s also bad for your health, so we recommend keeping it a minimum. No on is perfect, but ‘sometimes food’ shouldn’t be eaten too often.
You already knew that, right? But now you have even more of the information you need to make healthy choices for yourself and your body.
When you have braces, certain foods can cause problems.
Although traditional braces are made from metal, the brackets are thin and the wires are fine. Neither holds up well to extreme stress and they can break, causing inconvenience and discomfort.
No one wants that!
Braces are also full of nooks and crannies that provide a place for food particles to collect so cleaning your teeth and preventing cavities is more challenging.
Sugar and lollies are the obvious concerns, and sugar can be disguised in many prepared foods where you wouldn’t expect it (so always read labels with care). Soft drinks are a double whammy because they contain sugar and acids that damage tooth enamel.
But there are a few other foods that can cause problems when you’re sporting braces. Check out our infographic of foods to avoid when you’re wearing either clear braces or traditional metal braces.
Our top tip is to cut corn off the cob before eating. You can’t eat it off the cob no matter how hard you try. Seriously.
Your teeth can’t get close enough to bite off the corn. Anyone who’s tried this knows that your braces act like a grater and you end up with a lot of corn in your braces, but nothing in your mouth!
The key to keeping healthy with braces is good oral hygiene. You can make this easier by paying proper attention to your diet so you prevent problems with braces.
Even if you choose removable aligners like Invisalign, you should still eat properly for your oral and overall health. Please contact us for questions or to arrange a free consultation.
Like a little brain teaser?
What you know (or think you know) can make a difference when you’re making a decision about braces. Misconceptions about braces or dentistry can affect your health.
Try our quiz, to test your knowledge of orthodontics.
False: While it’s true that people vary when it comes to their teeth, no one is born with perfectly straight teeth.
Even if you are born with reasonably straight teeth, you could still have an overbite or underbite. And an orthodontist can correct that.
False: While it’s ideal to have braces to correct your bite or straighten your teeth at a young age, it’s not mandatory.
Many Australian orthodontists report that 25 to 30 percent of their patients are adults. Some are even going back for braces a second time after having them as a child.
False: There is evidence of braces in ancient Egypt. Archeologists have found mummies with metal bands and braces that are roughly similar to what we use.
True orthodontics began in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1728 a French dentist by the name of Pierre Fauchard used a metal device to expand the arch of his patients.
False: Braces do have a cost. Luckily, most orthodontists offer payment plans and some costs may be covered by insurance.
You can also save up ahead of time. In fact, forgoing braces may mean much more expensive dental work in later years because the straighter your teeth, the easier they are to clean.
False: Some of the DIY methods going around might straighten teeth. However, they won’t correct an overbite or underbite.
What’s more, you run the risk of damaging your teeth and gums.
False: When your braces come off, your teeth are in alignment with your mouth.
However, it takes time for them to stabilise and they will start to shift again once they speciality in position by braces. You need to wear a retainer for an absolute minimum of one year or as long as your orthodontist recommends.
False: Of all the items on this list, this one may be the most important misconception.
Braces improve the health of your teeth and jaw. Orthodontists decrease the risk of tooth decay, receding gums, uneven wear and jaw pain.
If you or your child need braces, you should find a qualified orthodontist – it’s a dental specialty. Please contact us for an appointment and assessment.
Don’t let misconceptions stop you from improving your oral health and appearance.
