Dental braces are more than just a treatment; they pave the way to a healthy, confident smile. Braces can correct various issues, from crooked and crowded teeth to jaw alignment and bite problems. The advantages go beyond aesthetics, including enhancing oral hygiene, improving speech, and making eating more comfortable.
Modern technology has improved braces, offering better comfort, aesthetic appeal, and shorter treatment durations.
Do You Need Braces?
The first step towards a healthier, more attractive smile is recognizing the need for orthodontic care. You may consider an orthodontic consultation if you experience any of the following :
- Visibly crooked or crowded teeth.
- Difficulty in flossing and brushing effectively.
- Frequent biting of the tongue or inside of the cheek.
- Jaw discomfort or a clicking sound when chewing or upon waking.
- Early loss of baby teeth in childhood.
- Delayed or late eruption of permanent teeth.
- Problems in chewing food efficiently.
- The presence of an underbite or overbite, teeth come together in an irregular manner.
- Missing or supernumerary (extra) teeth.
- Habit like them thumb sucking, mouth breathing
Benefits Of Early Treatment
Braces align the teeth and jaw so the way we chew, breathe, and speak comfortably. Orthodontists are able to predict these kinds of problems early on in a child’s life based on how the teeth and jaw are developing. Starting treatment at an early age has shown much quicker and more effective results rather than starting in later years.
When you bring your child in for their first appointment, one of our orthodontists will conduct an oral examination and take X-rays of the maxillofacial area.
This will help us see if your child is likely to experience overcrowding or bite misalignment as their teeth and jaw continue to grow. If our orthodontist sees any potential problems, they will be able to explain your options moving forward and allow time to answer all of your questions.We may suggest Interceptive orthodontics if required.
Alternatively, if your child does not require any intervention at this time, your orthodontist may ask you to return for periodic check-ups to monitor tooth development only and orthodontic treatment at a later date.
Treatment Timeline : What to Expect
Before you begin your orthodontic journey, preparing your mouth for treatment is essential. We advise a comprehensive dental check up ,cleaning, and cavity treatment. Starting with a healthy oral environment optimizes treatment effectiveness, comfort, and efficiency.
Knowing the approximate duration of your treatment can help you plan better. Here’s a general outline :
- Consultation and Diagnosis : 1-2 visits : The first stage of any treatment is to assess the current position of your teeth and how they’re likely to change over time. This often involves taking X-rays, making Digital scan, and taking photographs of your teeth. You will then be given a treatment plan. Discuss with our orthodontist’s about the various treatment options.
- Brace Fitting/Placement : 1 visit
- Follow-up : Regular monthly follow up.
- Treatment Duration : Varies between individuals but generally ranges from 12 to 24 months.
- Retention Phase : Wearing a retainer for a certain period post-treatment.
Remember, each treatment plan is unique, and timelines can vary based on individual needs and complexities.
How Do traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces straighten teeth using a combination of brackets and wires affixed to your teeth.
Your orthodontist may add elastic bands for additional force to assist in moving the teeth and correcting your bite. Tooth-colored ceramic brackets and advanced self-ligating brackets provide alternative options with unique benefits.
How is invisalign treatment different than other teeth straightening options?
Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss and, you can continue to eat all your favourite foods
With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.