What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a specialised area of dentistry to prevent or correct irregular teeth and facial imbalance.

Types of appliance

The types of appliance used depend on individual problem. It can be :

Importance of orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment can :

• improve facial appearance.
• reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth.
• correct poor bite.
• improve chewing of food.
• reduce the susceptibility to gum disease and tooth decay (dental caries).

When can you start?

Treatment can be done at any age depending on the malocclusion; most children receiving treatment are 10 – 12 years of age.

How long do you have to wear braces?

The treatment length depends on the underlying condition, usually from 18 to 30 months.

What can you do if any complication arises from wearing braces?

You need to see your orthodontist as soon as possible but there are some simple steps you can do in cases of emergencies.

• Loose brackets :
  • Do not try to remove them yourself. Cover the loose bracket with soft wax if it causes irritation.
• Protruding wires :
  • Do not try to pull out the wire. Cover the protruding wire with a ball of soft wax.
• Protruding elastic hook :
  • Use a pencil to push the hook in.
  • Cover the protruding elastic hook with a ball of soft wax.
• Sore teeth :
  • Eat soft foods.
  • Take a painkiller.

Is there anything you can do to ensure the success of treatment?

Is there anything you can do to ensure the success of treatment?

• brush and floss teeth after every meal.
• avoid eating hard food, sticky food and food high in sugar and acid content.
• keep your appointments with the orthodontist.
• avoid habits such as thumb sucking, fingernail biting, chewing on pens, etc.