Services

Orthodontic Treatment/Braces

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braces for kids
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Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome, neck, shoulder, and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one’s appearance. Orthodontic treatment is a way of moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. It can also help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.

The American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child have an orthodontic examination by age 7. This enables us to tell if your child may actually have an orthodontic problem or if it’s just a normal developmental variation. Also, many conditions are far easier to treat if they’re caught at an early stage, when children’s natural growth processes are in full swing.

But keep in mind that early screening doesn’t mean treatment has to start right away. In fact, most kids don’t begin active orthodontic treatment until they’re 9–14 years old. This should not make you think that orthodontics is just for kids. In fact, around one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age — and in older patients, compliance isn’t usually an issue.  Plus, with the growing availability of clear aligners, translucent ceramic brackets, and lingual braces, it’s getting harder to tell whether or not you’re wearing orthodontic appliances. So if you worry that metal braces might clash with your professional image, be sure to ask about less-visible alternatives.

Orthodontic Dentistry (Braces)
WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT ?

Orthodontic treatment is a way of moving or straightening teeth so as to improve one’s appearance as well as the functioning of the teeth. It also helps to take care of the long-term health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

When teeth don’t meet correctly, they put strain on the jaw muscles, causing jaw and joint problems and sometimes even headaches. Orthodontic treatment moves the teeth into a better position to help you bite more evenly. This reduces any undue extra forces by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth. It also aligns the teeth well making them easier to clean. Needless to say, orthodontic treatment can also improve one’s appearance for that perfect smile!

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I HAVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This provides early detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early interceptive treatment is performed between the ages of 7 and 10, before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.

Ideal timing for orthodontic treatment ranges between the ages of 12 and 16, once most of their permanent teeth have erupted. This positions all the permanent teeth in such a way as to maximize their appearance and function.

Orthodontic treatment during adulthood can dramatically improve your personal appearance and confidence, along with providing better-positioned teeth. We, at AIMIL Junior Smiles, offer several treatment options for adults, including discrete braces.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

A full mouth examination is important before we can start executing the treatment. This usually includes looking at your teeth, taking dental x-rays, and making models of your teeth and their analysis. We will then discuss all the treatment options available as per the child’s needs.

WILL I NEED TO HAVE TEETH TAKEN OUT?

There may not be adequate space available in your jaws to accommodate all your permanent teeth. If so, we may need to take some teeth out to make space. We will tell you beforehand whether or not this is required. Sometimes space can be made using other forms of treatment as well.

WHAT IS A REMOVABLE BRACE?

Sometimes, orthodontic treatment may be carried out using a removable plate that can be taken out and placed back into the mouth by the patient. A thorough examination and investigation can determine if teeth can be moved into better positions by a removable brace. A removable brace makes fixed orthodontic correction easier.

WHAT IS A FIXED BRACE?

These are the most common type of braces used, and they’re called that because you can’t take them out yourself. A fixed brace can guide teeth more accurately than a removable brace. It consists of bands and brackets that are temporarily pasted to the teeth.

WHAT ARE THE BRACKETS MADE OF?

The brackets may be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Metal braces are the most common, and most people would picture these when they hear the word “braces.” They are made of stainless steel.

Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they are tooth-colored. This makes them esthetically more pleasing.

Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners, which are almost invisible. The aligners are removable and are replaced every few weeks. They can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and cleaning.

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inner surface of teeth and are invisible from the outside.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

It may take from a few months to two and a half years, depending upon various factors like the severity of the condition, the general health of the teeth, age, etc. Most cases can be treated in one to two years.

WHAT ARE RETAINERS?

Retainers are worn as the final phase of orthodontic treatment. These can be removable appliances or ones that are fixed to the teeth. These help hold the teeth in their new position until the surrounding bone hardens. Your teeth will shift from these newly achieved positions if a retainer is not worn. The orthodontist can tell you how long you need to wear your retainer. Mostly, it is recommended to wear your retainer for 22 hours per day during the first 4-6 months, following which nighttime wear is advised.

WILL IT HURT?

All appliances may feel strange at first and can cause some discomfort. Nonetheless, this feeling settles soon as one gets adapted to the pressure of the wires and the elastics. The initial discomfort is manageable and we may prescribe some medicines for the same. Diet modification is also recommended in the beginning as it may be more comfortable for you to have softer foods during the first few days.

HOW MANY VISITS WILL IT TAKE?

Adjustments usually need to be made every 6 to 10 weeks. Your progress, oral hygiene maintenance, etc. are also determined during these visits.

HOW SUCCESSFUL WILL MY TREATMENT BE?

The success of your orthodontic treatment depends not only on the skills of your orthodontist but also on the patient’s and parents’ cooperation and commitment. It is important that you follow all the instructions given by the orthodontist and be regular with your appointments. For a better outcome, it is important that the patient be as enthusiastic about and willing to accept the treatment as the parent.

CAN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT DAMAGE MY TEETH?

Your teeth need extra care during orthodontic treatment. Braces themselves do not cause damage, but they may cause more plaque buildup than usual due to poor cleaning at the retentive sites of braces. Oral hygiene maintenance thus plays a crucial role.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

The first thing to do is to visit your dentist and get their advice. Your dentist will examine your teeth, let you know whether or not you need treatment, and guide you accordingly.

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