ABOUT
Dr Bertus Van Niekerk is a specialist orthodontist who practises from his private rooms based in Pretoria and has alternative satellite offices in Witbank. The doctor uses his extensive knowledge of teeth alignment to achieve the perfect smile for all patients who visit his practice. With years of expertise in his field of orthodontics, Dr Bertus Van Niekerk offers expert advice during consultations with his patients. The doctor specialises in minimally invasive mini-implant corrective jaw procedures, the placement of aligners, braces and orthodontic retainers. Before Dr Bertus Van Niekerk decides on a suitable treatment or surgical plan, he evaluates the patient’s gum and oral health.
Services includes :
- Orthodontics consultations
During all orthodontics consultations, Dr Van Niekerk addresses the patient's concerns. Malocclusion or what's referred to as a "bad bite" and general aesthetics are a concern for most patients. A comprehensive medical history and previous orthodontic or dentistry work form part of the doctor's diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions and dental irregularities. The doctor goes through previous orthodontic records before he decides to carry out a clinical examination of the patient’s teeth and soft tissues of his or her mouth. During the first consultation, Dr Van Niekerk takes panoramic x-rays, oral scans and clinical photographs of the patient’s teeth before he decides on a suitable treatment plan. - Pre-adolescent/paediatric orthodontics
Paediatric orthodontics exists to correct malformed or crowding teeth in children. An expert paediatric orthodontist repairs problematic jaws and corrects dental crowding as well as misaligned incisor teeth. Once teeth are repaired, bad habits of thumb sucking and tongue thrusting begin to diminish. A fixed appliance like a brace is either metallic or ceramic. A ceramic brace blends in with the natural colour of teeth. Each brace has brackets that hook onto teeth. Of course, there is an alternative removable option of adjustable appliances. Removable appliances comprise of acrylic and are used to fix palate or bite issues. Plastic aligners cover and protect the teeth. These orthodontic retainers are removable, which makes flossing and brushing easier. - Adolescent (teenage) Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is ideal at the age of twelve as most children at this age don’t have all of their permanent teeth yet. At this stage, Dr Van Niekerk corrects misaligned teeth, jaw discrepancies like an overbite, underbite or open bite. The doctor also fixes displeasing spaces between incisor teeth. Dr Van Niekerk commences treatment to prevent harmful oral habits, promote healthy jaw development, create more room for emerging permanent teeth and prevent future extractions. Traditional and clear braces, function appliances and clear aligners form part of the doctor's treatment for his young patients. Practising good oral hygiene and using electric toothbrushes also helps in preventing tooth extractions. - Adult orthodontics
Adults seek out orthodontic treatment for functional and aesthetic purposes. A modern-day diet contributes to enamel erosion and overall oral health decline. A poor diet that lacks essential vitamins increases a person's risk of gum disease. At this stage, the doctor focuses on good oral health and the prevention of oral diseases. Dr Van Niekerk also creates a functional bite and improves the appearance of teeth. Adults are prone to gum disease, gingivitis, bone loss and other biomechanical limitations. Existing teeth tend to shift into open, previous extracted sites, and it's for this reason, prosthetic bones are used to close the gaps. But sealing the openings is challenging because an adult bone stops growing. There are various adult orthodontic treatment options like clear aligners, braces and lingual appliances. - Orthodontic treatment options
Dr Van Niekerk decides on a suitable treatment plan based on a concise clinical examination. Dental braces realign and straighten teeth. These types of fixed dental appliances improve the appearance of teeth and strengthen gum and oral health. Braces exert pressure on teeth and shift them in the correct position. Although braces are ideal for children, more adults are considering this type of orthodontic treatment. Braces correct crooked teeth, improve spacing between teeth and the appearance of one's smile. Clear aligners, also called "invisible aligners," are alternative orthodontic treatments to braces. These dental aligners are removable and tailor-made for patients—clear aligners correct jaw discrepancies, malocclusions and diastemas. - Orthodontic retainers
Orthodontic retainers are either fixed or moveable. A retainer is an additional orthodontic treatment after the use of a brace. These types of dental appliances straighten teeth, and it takes approximately six months for teeth to move in its correct place. After the use of a brace, teeth can, however, relapse and move back into its original position but a retainer helps prevent this from happening. Clear plastic orthodontic retainers are moulded to the teeth and made from fine plastic called “polyurethane,” that’s heated and bonded to the mould. Although retainers correct misaligned teeth, chewing can cause the teeth to shift back in its place. To prevent relapse, the orthodontist may suggest the patient wears the retainer for the rest of his or her life. - Practice specialities
At Dr Van Niekerk’s private practice, his team of medical experts use mini implants to correct jaw discrepancies. The doctor does his best to solve jaw-related problems before surgical intervention is needed. But if surgery is the only way to fix the problem, Dr Van Niekerk carries out a state-of-the-art, less invasive orthodontic procedure. The doctor’s simple surgical approach prevents future tooth extractions and shifting teeth. Through a specialised surgical procedure, Dr Van Niekerk creates more room in the mouth. Early orthodontic treatment prevents surgical intervention at a later stage. The doctor first discusses treatment options with his patients before he commences surgery.
