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Dental Information

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that treats malocclusions, or ‘bad bites’. A bad bite occurs when the lips and/or jaws don't line up the way they should, resulting in crooked teeth, a bite that doesn’t work properly and jaws that look unbalanced.

An orthodontist fixes a bad bite using braces and ‘appliances’. This correction of the teeth and their supportive structures makes for a healthy, attractive smile.

Causes of Orthodontic Problems

By and large, most orthodontic cases are hereditary. These genetic issues manifest in teeth that are naturally too crowded, spread out, or misaligned. Other factors that can cause orthodontic issues are thumb sucking, accident, loss of teeth etc.

Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment

When teeth are crooked and aligned incorrectly, it can be difficult to clean the mouth effectively. As food particles accumulate over time, decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss may occur.

A good bite cannot happen with irregular teeth alignment. In addition, misaligned teeth may cause - speech difficulty, stressful chewing, and erosion of the teeth enamel. This can result in lowered self-esteem due aesthetic issues, making a person feel isolated.

What is an appropriate age for a child's first orthodontic examination?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have an orthodontic examination when they turn seven. This early age enables the orthodontist to locate and fix any abnormalities before the child stops developing.

Is orthodontic treatment benefial to adults?

In as much as the success rate of orthodontic treatment is greater in younger people than in adults, about 20 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Anybody can use braces, and adults have become more receptive to the modern treatments that are available.

Braces and their types

The different types of braces are as follows:

a)     Metal Braces: Metal braces are the most affordable and visible braces. Made of  stainless steel, they are very durable. You may notice some irritation at the gums and cheeks when you first start using them, and you should avoid sticky, sugary, and hard foods that can easily damage the braces.

b)   Ceramic Braces: These cost more than metal braces and are less noticeable. Ceramics are more prone to breakage and require more maintenance.

c)     Invisalign Braces: These braces are the most technologically advanced and most often used in less complicated cases. Just like the name, Invisalign braces are truly invisible and require fewer dental appointments. You can take them out when you want to eat or clean your teeth. The material is clear plastic.

What is my role during orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment combined effort of dentist and patient. The patient needs to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, attend all orthodontic appointments and maintain an excellent oral hygiene regimen – this includes brushing at home and keeping regular checkups with your general dentist.

How long does an orthodontic treatment last?

Depending on the nature of the problem and the extensiveness of treatment, orthodontic treatments  generally take from 1 to 3 years to conclude.

What is the cost of an orthodontic treatment?

The 3 determinants of the cost of treatment are as followings.

1. The extensiveness of the dental abnormality.

2. The choice of brace used.

3. The period of treatment.

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