Braces Treatment (Orthodontia)

What is Orthodontics ?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of improper bites, tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships.

Why Orthodontics ?

To Improve and Enhance Facial Appearance and Smile. A pleasing appearance and radiant smile is a vital asset to one's self confidence, career success and general attitude towards life.

Orthodontic treatment is about making the best of your teeth. Once you can bite together correctly, you can eat more comfortably.

Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to clean and maintain.

Allied Problems

Difficulty in cleaning of crowded teeth contribute to conditions which cause not only tooth decay but gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

Severely proclined teeth are at the risk of injuries and fracture.

Many malocclusions lead to abnormality of oral functions e.g. speech defect, respiratory defect. Malocclusions that adversely affect the appearance of a person leads to psychological disturbances.

Will I /My Child require Orthodontic Treatment ? How do I know ?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist at age 7. This pre-screening will give the orthodontist the opportunity to use preventive measures to possibly correct situations that may lead to braces in future.

The wake-up call...Things that alert you to go to the Orthodontics

• CROSS BITE - Lower teeth are ahead of the upper teeth
• OPEN BITE - A space exists between the upper and the lower teeth
• DEEP BITE - Upper teeth cover too much ofthe lower teeth
• Delay in emergence of the teeth
• Continued presence of finger sucking habit
• Difficulty in pronunciation of certain words
• Children who breathe through the mouth

Orthodontics for Children

Prevention is not only better than cure but more stable and cheaper as well. It prevents or reduces the severity of a developing malocclusion.

Early treatment gives your orthodontist the chance to:

• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Guide permanent teeth into a more favourate position
• Hold space for the permanent teeth after early loss of baby teeth

Orthodontics for Teenagers

Because teenagers are still growing, the teen years between ages 9 and 16, are often the optimal time to correct orthodontic problems and achieve excellent results.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include the following:

• Improving smile
• Improving facial aesthetics
• Correction of Crowding
• Correction ofjaw-growth problems
• Accommodating unerupted or displaced teeth

Orthodontics for Adults

Adults can undergo treatment provided bone support to the teeth and gum health is fairly good. However, most adults do not like the show of metal while smiling. Fortunately, cosmetic options such as ceramic or "tooth-colored" braces; lingual braces(Invisible braces) that fit behind the teeth are available. Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone but with a combined approach of surgery and orthodontics.

Types of Braces :

• Invisalign
• Self Ligating
• Metal Braces
• Lingual Braces
• Ceramic Braces

What are Transparent Braces ?

The Transparent braces are far more attractive. They are made up of the highest quality ceramic material and do not discolour. These braces are just as effective as metal braces, but they are bit more fragile than the metal braces. There is an additional charge for these ceramic braces.

What are Invisible Braces ?

Invisible Braces are placed on backside of the teeth and not visible from front. This is the latest technique requiring superior skills and longer chairside time. Your orthodontist will advise you if it is prudent to go for invisible braces after carefully analysing all your record.

Can my treatment be done with Removable Plates ?

Removable plate is a simple appliance with very limited potential. It is used to correct minor irregularities of teeth or in young kids who cannot take care of fixed braces. Using removable plates to correct complex problems is wastage of time and money.

Will it be necessary to remove any of the Teeth ? Does it hurt ?

No, not all cases require extraction of teeth. However, if teeth are protruding too far or if they are very crooked, then treatment done by removal of teeth gives excellent results. The space thus obtained is used to push front teeth back and align them. The gap is fully closed during the process and hence replacement of these teeth is not required. Teeth removal is done under complete local anaesthesia hence discomfort is minimal.

How long does the braces treatment run ?

Orthodontic treatment time varies from 6 months to 2 years depending upon the complexity of the problem as well as the level of patient cooperation during their treatment. Each case is different and a consultation is necessary to determine the approximate treatment time.

How often do i have to visit the clinic ?

Once in a month visit is required for adjustments or simply for check up. If you are going for a long holiday, there is no need to remove the braces but, a prior idea should be given to the doctor so that necessary planning can be done.

Is Braces Treatment painfull ?

Treatment is certainly not a painless one. There is some discomfort for initial 1 week after which patient gets used to the braces. It is not so much as to have an effect on your day to day activities, study or a job.

Is there any medication during treatment ?

The discomfort which is felt during first week and after tightening at subsequent appointments can be easily controlled with painkillers. Mouth paint can be applied in case of soreness in mouth. Apart from that, No medication will be prescribed !

Is this treatment against the nature ?

Many a times normal development of jaws/ teeth cannot take place due to various reasons. Developmental process can be regularized by removing those hindrances if treatment is started at right age. Correction of a disturbed growth is not against nature!

What is the cost of Orthodontic Treatment ?

Cost usually depends upon the Severity of the malocclusion and the type of appliance selected by patient. Convenient payment schedule with an initial down payment and monthly installments can usually be worked out.

what happens if i wait ?

You can get braces at any age so if you are too afraid; you can wait a couple of years. But, When you are in your teens, your permanent teeth have just come in. They are not attached very strongly in your bone so they are easy to move. As you get older, your bone gets harder, so it is more painful to move your teeth. It just gets more uncomfortable as you get older.

Do Teeth with Braces need a special care ?

Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky food.

Food to be avoided

Food which is allowed

• Chapatti, roti, bread, Rice, all vegetables
• Cake, dairy milk chocolates
• Fruit salads Dosa, idli, Medu vada, batata vada
• Maggi noodles, Boneless chicken, fish
• Fruits like chikkoo, grapes mango, oranges....
• Ice creams, cold drinks, fruit juices

BRUSHING...

Extra efforts must be taken to Keep the teeth and braces clean. Brushing after every meal is mandatory, 5-6 times a day if necessary. Carry your brush with you. No need to use toothpaste every time, just wet the brush and dogentle cleaning. Clean, healthy teeth move more quickly.

ORHTODONTIST WILL DEMONSTRATE YOU SPECIAL METHOD OF BRUSHING.

Are there any other activities that i should avoid when i have braces ?

Sports like karate should be avoided. Fighting should also be avoided. Be careful in the crowd to avoid any blow on your face, especially while boarding in Local Trains and Buses. You should wear an orthodontic mouthguard whenever you participate in any sport.