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Orthodontics (Braces) Orthodontics is the specialty in dentisttry which deals with straightening or aligning crooked teeth. Often done by specialist dentist called orthodontists, many general practitioners also treat simple cases. Orthodontic treatment is often recommended to patients who have teeth that are protruding or crooked. The treatment is often requested by these individuals because of the unsightly appearance. However they are ignorant that the crooked teeth make toothbrushing difficult and facilitate early gum disease. Prevention of gum disease is just as important a reason as appearance to straighten crooked teeth. |
To correct crooked teeth, the orthodontist must move the teeth. This is often done by using a functional appliance or a fixed appliance. The functional appliance is, as its name suggests, a gadget that uses functional forces like chewing and muscles to move teeth. This can normally be inserted and removed by the patient. The fixed appliance on the other is permanently fixed to the teeth. They both have different mechanisms of action and are used for different functions. The functional appliance uses the forces of muscles to reposition teeth or sometimes jaw muscles to facilitate proper meeting of the upper and lower teeth. They are often cumbersome to wear initially and take some getting used to. The fixed appliance constitutes brackets glued on to the tooth (blonded) which carry a wire connecting all the teeth. The wire is fixed to the brackets by small elastics. The teeth move to accommodate the wire attached to them and fall into position. Very often, other elastics and springs can be added to the wire to make special movements. Since the teeth move slowly and continuosly, their movement must be continuosly monitored by the orthodontist. Regular monthly visits are mandatory. At these visits, the orthodontist makes adjustments to "tighten" the wires or increase the active forces applied to the teeth to keep it moving. If too much of force is applied, the teeth might suffer damage, hence, patients must always follow the orthodontist's instruction. Very often, young and impatient patients think by using double elastics, they can cause more force and effect movement faster. They suffer pain and actually cause damage to the teeth. How does the tooth move? To many people, the results orthodontic treatment achives is amazing. They cannot imagine how a tooth could be repositioned in the hard bone. When the correct amount of force is applied to a tooth, that part of bonein front of the tooth is eaten away creating some space. Simultaneosly that part of bone behind the tooth which is supposed to be empty is filled with new deposits of bone. The tooth moves very slowly, eating away and depositing bone as it moves and is repositioned. To achieve this effect, the force must be just right. Too little and the tooth will not move. Too much and it will crush the bone cells in front and cause damage to the bone. It is due to this slow movement of teeth that the duration of orthodontic treatment generally takes 2-3 years. This duration is less if the patient is younger and is more in an adult. This is because of the difference in blood supply and density of adult bone and a child's bone It is best to seek orthodontic treatment at a younger age. The duration is shorter and treatment is less complex, making it less expensive too. What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment ? Depending on the cause and severity of the condition (i.e malocclusion) the dentist will advice accordingly. Generally it is best to start when all the permanent teeth are erupted. However in some cases, treatment is started even with the milk teeth. It is also better to treat teenagers as they would comply with instructions. Young adults and matured adults too can have Orthodontic treatment. There is no age limit for treatment Are the fixed braces or the removable braces better ? The fixed braces and removable braces perform different functions. Some conditions need only the removable braces, others, only the fixed, yet others might need the removable braces first and then followed by the fixed braces. The dentist will study the case and decide what is the best for the patient. However, results obtained from removable braces are sometimes affected because patients do not comply with using them all the time. This is overcome in the fixed braces where they cannot remove it. Why must Crooked Teeth be corrected ? Crooked teeth are unpleasant to look at and often affects the confidence and self image of a person, especially young adults and teenagers. Apart from the appearance, crooked teeth are also prone to more decay and gum disease. This is because there are lots of hidden areas where the toothbrush cannot reach and clean. Hence crooked teeth can lead to early extraction. How much does it cost to do orthodontic treatment ? This depends on the severity of the condition, the duration of the treatment and type of treatment. Fixed braces are more expensive then removable braces generally. The dentist will be able to advice the patient on the cost once he examines the patient. At Tropicana Dental Surgery, the cost is usually between RM5500.00 to RM6000.00. It could be more if the condition is serious. Half the sum is paid at the onset and the ballance is made payable on monthly installments. |