Orthodontics (Braces/Invisalign) Treatment at Meiplus Dentalcare
We understand the power of a confident smile. Our orthodontic treatment is designed to empower you, boosting your self-esteem and transforming not only your appearance but also your outlook on life.
What is
Teeth Alignment?
Teeth straightening refers to the process of aligning and moving teeth to their correct position using external force and pressure over time. This process corrects dental health problems such as crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, deep bites, open bites, crossbites, teeth gaps, and other flaws of the teeth and jaw. The benefits of straight teeth include improved gum health, better digestion, and an improved facial appearance.
Orthodontics(Braces and Invisalign) is a field of dentistry that treats various dental issues such as:
- Crooked or Crowded teeth
- Protruded Teeth
- Midline Discrepancy
- Deep Bite
- Reverse Bite
- Anterior Open Bite
- Cross Bite
Why teeth alignment is important?
Some adults who have misaligned teeth are comfortable with their situation and don’t feel a need to get it corrected. They may even feel the misalignment gives their smile a quirky appeal! However, that quirkiness can become less endearing when a crooked tooth starts to give its owner headaches or cause difficulty with speaking or chewing food. Deciding whether to address or ignore misaligned teeth is a personal decision—but before you decide to forgo treatment, hear us out.
When your teeth overlap, your toothbrush will have difficulty reaching all of the teeth’s corners and surfaces. This compromises the oral hygiene regimen and leads to problems such as dental decay, as well as gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis. Procedures such as root canal treatments can become difficult, and these issues may result in eventual tooth loss.
Your malformed teeth might cause a variety of joint symptoms, from clicking or popping in yourjaw joint to pain and tenderness. Earaches, headaches, and painful chewing are some of the more severe symptoms of temporomandibular/jaw joint disorder. In the most serious cases, your jaw might become locked, leaving you unable to move it at all. Surgical intervention may be required to make your jaw functional again.
Misshapen teeth not only interfere with your speech, giving you a lisp, but also make chewing difficult and painful. Well-aligned teeth fit cleanly upon each other and do not cause such complications.
It might surprise you to know that misaligned teeth can cause the opposite teeth to chip or crack. This is a particular issue when the misaligned teeth come into contact with dental restorations, especially veneers, which they can chip and dislodge.
If you have difficulty in closing your mouth, most probably your teeth are interfering with it. An orthodontic treatment is required to align your teeth and ensure you can close your mouth. Otherwise, mouth breathing can cause a host of dental problems, including long face syndrome in children.
Last but not least, everyone loves a great smile. If your misaligned teeth are stopping you from living your life to the fullest, visit us at Meiplus Dentalcare to get the dazzling smile you have always wanted.
The 3 Types of Orthodontic Treatments for Straightening Teeth
Braces(Self-ligating)
A metal or ceramic dental base is affixed to each tooth, and a dental wire is inserted through each base. A dentist is able to gradually train the teeth into proper alignment by regularly adjusting the wire. When the desired results are achieved, the fixed dental braces are completely removed.
Invisalign & Clear Aligners
Clear and custom-made, aligners are mouthguard-like braces that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position through repeated use. Unlike other types of braces, they are not easily visible and can be conveniently removed during meals and slipped back on afterwards.
Partial Braces
Partial braces work by using a combination of metal brackets and wires. They gradually straighten and align the misaligned teeth. The process begins with a consultation with a dentist, who can examine the patient's teeth and create a personalized treatment plan.
WHICH ONE IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?
If you are ready to look into getting braces to help correct your smile, there are things you need to consider such as cost, period, pros and cons of each type of braces. Several types of braces are out there to help correct a wide range of orthodontic issues. From the metal versions to the clear aligners of Invisalign, our team is dedicated to helping you find the right fit for your teeth and your lifestyle.
Braces & Clear Aligners
Braces
A metal or ceramic dental base is affixed to each tooth, and a dental wire is inserted through each base. A dentist is able to gradually train the teeth into proper alignment by regularly adjusting the wire. When the desired results are achieved, the fixed dental braces are completely removed.
Invisalign(Clear Aligners)
Gain more confidence with Invisalign (Invisible Braces) – the clear and invisible solution for straightening your teeth. Invisalign is an alternative for patients who are concerned about wearing braces that are visible and want to reduce the length of their treatment.
- Wear aligners for 22 hours a day
- Replace aligners every two weeks
- Remove aligners to eat or drink
- Remove aligners to brush teeth
Partial Braces
Partial braces work by using a combination of metal brackets and wires. They gradually straighten and align the misaligned teeth. The process begins with a consultation with a dentist, who can examine the patient’s teeth and create a personalized treatment plan.
During the treatment, the dentist will attach metal brackets to the front teeth, to keep the archwire and front brackets in place. The archwire, which is connected to the brackets, applies a gentle force to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position.
Patients will typically need to visit the dentist or orthodontist every 4-8 weeks for adjustments and to change the archwire. Treatment duration for partial braces typically lasts at least a year. Additionally, partial braces can be used exclusively on just a single dental arch instead of the upper and lower arches.
Partial braces can be used to treat a variety of dental issues, including:
- Crowding: When there is not enough room in the jaw for all teeth, some may become crowded or overlapping.
- Spacing: When there is too much room in the jaw, teeth may appear widely spaced apart.
- Flared teeth: When the front teeth stick out farther than the other teeth, it is called flared teeth.
METAL BRACES
Metal braces are the most basic and also the most affordable treatment option. It is also less fragile compared to other braces options.
- Satisfactory Function
- Tooth arrangement
- Economical choice
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces can be molded/shaped to fit onto one’s tooth, which gives more comfort.
- Less visible
- Stain-free
- The color is similar to the natural tooth
SELF-LIGATING BRACES
Frictional forces, which prevent movement of teeth, are reduced with the application of braces where the caps are closed and fixed.
- Faster initial alignment
- More comfortable
- Hygienic
Invisalign(Clear Aligners)
- Aesthetic-Not noticeable and aesthetically pleasant
- Comfortable Food Eating-You can take it off when eating
- Better Fit, Better Comfort–Won’t affect your articulation
Teeth Braces / Invisalign(Clear Aligners) FAQ
How long will I have to wear these braces?
This response is conditional upon the extent to which your teeth are crowded and the difficulty of correcting your bite. It could be as little as six months or as long as a few years.
How painful is wearing braces?
During the first few days after wearing braces, you might feel pain and, in some cases, even a little degree of suffering. After the first week, you'll feel much more comfortable with your new braces.After getting them adjusted, you may have some pain for a day or two, but it won't be as painful as it was when you first started wearing them.
How often do I need to see the dentist for checkups and adjustments?
In general, every four weeks, your dentist will explain just how frequently you need to have your braces adjusted for your particular requirements.
Can I skip regular dental checkups while wearing braces or Invisalign?
You need to get a checkup at the dentist before beginning orthodontic treatment to ensure that your gums are in good condition and that there are no cavities in your teeth. Regular dental checkups are recommended throughout orthodontic treatment at least once every six months. If you have trouble keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces or have a history of infections, you should schedule regular dental checkups every three months.
Does the Invisalign treatment perform as well as traditional braces? Is it taking more time?
When used for the recommended 20–22 hours daily, transparent aligners improve teeth alignment as effectively as braces. If you don't, the process will be slower. There are certain situations in which traditional braces are more effective than Invisalign. It is recommended that you get the advice of the dentist to determine which treatment method is most suitable for you.
What types of food should you avoid eating if you have braces?
It would be best if you steered clear of sticky and chewy meals, such as caramel and hard candies, as well as particularly crispy or crunchy, such as hard pretzels and very rough pizza crust. These might cause damage to your braces and wires, which will need unnecessary maintenance consultations and will lengthen your treatment's total duration.
After I have my braces removed, would it be necessary for me to continue wearing a retainer?
Yes! Otherwise, there is a chance that your teeth may move back. You must wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their proper alignment for the rest of your life.
What are some of the factors that could make my treatment last longer?
Your treatment time will increase if you are prone to breaking your braces or if you fail to consistently use your rubber bands as directed. In addition, if you skip your sessions or often reschedule them, especially at the last minute, your treatment might take longer.
About Our Team
Meet Our Dentists from Korea, USA, UK, AUS and Singapore.
Dr. Kim Taeyun
DDS Columbia Univ. (NY, USA)
Dr. Winston How
(BDS NUS)
Dr. Bak Junbeom
BDS King's College London (UK)
Dr. Leem Jae Hoon
BDSc Melbourne Univ.
Dr. Emma Jin Jing
BDS Adelaide Univ.
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