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Services
(Orthodontic
Treatment) |
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What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that deals with
the diagnosis, prevention and correction of dental and facial
irregularities occurring as a result of:
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A bad bite or malocclusion
Missing or extra teeth
Misaligned teeth
Crooked teeth
Crowed teeth
An overbite
An underbite
Misaligned jaw position
A disorder of the jaw joint
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Orthodontic irregularities are generally treated with braces.
Braces are usually made from wires and springs attached to tiny
metal plates or a plastic mould. Braces apply gentle forces to
teeth and encourage them to to move slowly to adopt a different
alignment. The best orthodontic results are achieved with
children when their teeth are still growing; many adults have
orthodontic treatment, but the process takes much longer.
The orthodontist will assess the teeth that need to be aligned
and create either a fixed or removable brace, which can be
adjusted during the course of the treatment to achieve the
desired effect. The fixed braces, as their name implies, are
permanent fixtures and are removed at the end of the treatment
period, whereas removable braces can be taken off for eating and
cleaning but are generally worn at all other times. Braces will
improve the function of the teeth and the general appearance of
the person. |
What is a bad bite or malocclusion and what
causes it?
A bad bite is the misalignment of teeth, jaws or the
tempromandibular joint (TMJ), which causes functional problems
such as difficulty in chewing and talking, and may well affect
the appearance of a person. It may occur genetically or as a
result of the following conditions:
Trauma fractured or knocked-out teeth in a growing child that, on
replacement, fuses with the bone that surrounds them, resulting
in an improper line up in the jaw.
Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can result in pronounced
protrusion of upper teeth over the lower teeth.
Tongue-thrusting while swallowing can result in pronounced protrusion of
upper teeth over the lower teeth.
Premature loss of baby teeth causing:
The permanent tooth to erupt incorrectly, resulting in crowded or
partially erupted teeth.
The teeth next to the primary tooth to move into the vacant
space and prevent the eruption of permanent tooth. |
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Why is orthodontic treatment crucial?
Beneficial in long-term dental health :
Properly aligned teeth are easier to maintain with proper oral hygiene.
Reduces the risk of tooth decay.
Improves chewing and digestion:
Since people with bad bites chew less efficiently, it can, in
severe cases, result in nutritional deficiencies.
Improves speech:
Misaligned upper and lower teeth can cause speaking
difficulties.
Prevents premature wearing of back-tooth surfaces:
Since the teeth withstand a tremendous amount of force when one
bites down, in the case of people with improper bites, the back
teeth are likely to wear out more quickly. |
At what age can one start orthodontic screening and treatment?
Early childhood: you can have an orthodontic screening from the
age of 7, by which time enough of the permanent teeth would have
emerged, helping to identify potential problems. Do not wait for
all the permanent teeth erupt in the mouth, as the earlier you
start, the more the advantages.
During adolescent and teenage years all permanent teeth would
have come in by now, and treatment is most effective at this age
At adulthood more complicated and often requires more than one
dental professional to fully correct a problem. |
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What does orthodontic treatment involve?
There are two stages in orthodontic treatment
The active phase which involves the use of braces or other
appliances to correct the alignment and bite.
The retention phase use of a retainer to hold the teeth that
have been brought into their new position and ensure long-term
results.
Invisalign or invisible braces
Some cosmetic dentists/orthodontists offer Invisalign, which
uses a series of virtually invisible aligners custom-moulded to
your teeth to help reposition them over time. The advantages of
Invisalign are that the aligners can be removed when eating and
cleaning, and it's not obvious to others that you are having
treatment or wearing braces. Another form of invisible braces
are Lingual braces, which, although made from metal brackets and
wires, are placed at the back of the teeth and are invisible
when you smile. |
Inman Aligners
Inman Aligners are an alternative to Invisalign treatment for
simple orthodontic cases that require movements of the front
teeth only. This removable appliance achieves complete movement
in about six to eight weeks in some cases; however, it is not
suitable for all and it's best to seek advice through an
orthodontic consultation before choosing the treatment for your
problem.
Six-Month Smiles
By using tooth-coloured wires and brackets, the six-month braces
system relies on moving the teeth that show when you smile to
give you a straight smile in a fraction of the time that other
orthodontic treatments take (two to three years) to achieve the
same aesthetic result. |
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Low-Friction Damon Braces
As orthodontic technology has improved over time, there are a
wide variety of braces available for straightening and moving
teeth. Friction-free braces, such as the Damon braces system,
provide a faster and more comfortable alternative to
conventional fixed orthodontic braces.
Simpli 5 clear aligner
The Simpli 5 system of clear aligners uses a maximum of 5
removable clear aligners to treat mild
orthodontic cases. It is ideal for orthodontic relapse or minor
tooth movement or small gaps. |
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