Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities (malocclusions*).Orthodontic treatment is provided by an oral health care provider known as an Orthodontist, who have typically completed two to three years of additional training beyond dental school.

Recent years have brought about many changes within the dental industry, specifically with regards to orthodontic treatment and care. Now more than ever patients are experiencing fewer incidences of cavities and missing teeth due to the heightened awareness of fluoride use and preventative dentistry. This increasing awareness on the health and look of a patient’s smile has fueled the desire for many to seek out orthodontia not only as a medical necessity but for cosmetic reasons as well.

What are the types of braces?

Metal braces/Traditional braces:

Metal braces/Traditional braces: Aside from the aesthetic concerns, the treatment relies on elastic bands or metal ties to apply pressure on your teeth. The friction isn’t considered exactly comfortable. Out of all the braces, these are considered the least expensive, they are available in different colors and are noticeable ones.

Ceramic Braces:

Ceramic Braces: They’re crafted from a translucent material so they blend in with your smile, making them much less noticeable. There’s little to no pressure on your teeth and you can achieve your new smile in less time than you would with traditional braces. It is a better aesthetic option. It is more expensive than metal braces and brackets are prone to stain if not maintained properly.

Incognito Braces/Invisible braces:

Incognito Braces/Invisible braces: Invisible braces are an effective treatment option for underbites. Because they are clear and virtually invisible, these braces are much less conspicuous than traditional metal braces and can be a major advantage if you are an adult and self-conscious about your appearance. In addition, invisible braces are much more comfortable than metal braces, and they require fewer visits to the orthodontist. They are considered more expensive and not appropriate for severe cases. The regular adjustments and slow process take a longer time to align the teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign: It might seem the best choice in terms of aestheticists and this type can be physically removed while brushing and also while eating, but it can be used only for certain teeth movements and for complex cases this is not the best choice.

Who Can Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosing, treating and preventing malocclusions (bad bites) and other irregularities in the jaw region and face. Orthodontists are specially trained to correct these problems and to restore health, functionality and a beautiful aesthetic appearance to the smile. Though orthodontics was originally aimed at treating children and teenagers, almost one-third of orthodontic patients are now adults. A person of any age can be successfully treated by an orthodontist.

A malocclusion (improper bite) can affect anyone at any age, and can significantly impact the individual’s clarity of speech, chewing ability, and facial symmetry. In addition, a severe malocclusion can also contribute to several serious dental and physical conditions such as digestive difficulties, TMJ, periodontal disease and severe tooth decay. It is important to seek orthodontic treatment early to avoid expensive restorative procedures in the future.

What problems can orthodontist treat?

Orthodontics can treat a wide range of dental problems and in most cases, completely realign the teeth. Orthodontists may work alone or in combination with a maxillofacial surgeon.

The typical irregularities requiring orthodontic treatment are as follows:

Overcrowding – An overcrowded mouth means there is insufficient space within the jaw for all of the adult teeth to fit naturally. Overcrowding may lead to displaced, rotated or completely misaligned teeth.
Overbite – An overbite refers to the protrusion of the maxilla (upper jaw) relative to the mandible (lower jaw). An overbite gives the smile a “toothy” appearance and the chin looks like it has receded.
Underbite – An underbite, also known as a negative underjet, refers to the protrusion of the mandible (lower jaw) in relation to the maxilla (upper jaw). An underbite makes the chin look overly prominent. Developmental delays and genetic factors generally cause underbites and overbites.

How can orthodontics help?

Orthodontic dentistry offers techniques which will realign the teeth and revitalize the smile. There are several treatments the orthodontist may use, depending on the results of panoramic x-rays, study models (bite impressions) and a thorough visual examination.

Fixed dental braces can be used to expediently correct even the most severe case of misalignment. These braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets which are affixed to each tooth and an archwire which is used to gradually move the teeth through the duration of the treatment.
Removable appliances include headgear (which consists of a metal wire device attached to customized braces), retainers, Invisalign aligners (which are almost invisible to the naked eye), palate expanders and tooth movers. Faceguards are generally used to correct developmental delays in both the upper and lower jaw, and palate expanders are used to combat overcrowding.
Whatever the dental irregularity or the age of the individual, orthodontic appliances can properly realign the teeth and create a beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic treatments or how they can benefit you, please contact our office

Why do I need orthodontic treatment?

Most of the time Orthodontic treatment is done for the aesthetic presentation of one’s face. People tend to dislike crooked teeth as it causes difficulty flossing between crooked or crowded, In some cases, it is important to fix actual functional problems caused by the positioning of one’s teeth, when we don’t clean our teeth properly there can be abnormal wearing of teeth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.

What is the cost of braces in Bangalore?

The cost of braces depends on the type of case, duration of the treatment braces and the dentist (orthodontist) treating you. It even differs from clinic to clinic. The cost of Ceramic braces usually ranges between 45,000 to 80,000 and even more at some clinics. The cost of metal braces can vary anywhere between 5000 to 25,000. Invisalign can cost you 2 to 3.5 lakhs. Invisible braces range from 90,000 to 200,000

What is the best age for braces?

There is no such thing as the age limit for braces, but always as said the sooner the better anywhere after 13 is a good age as all the requirements to fit braces are healthy jaw bones and permanent teeth. Children first see an orthodontist by age seven to have their bite evaluated. Physically, 7 years to 22 years is the best age to get braces as you would have reached maturity with permanent tooth eruption and formation, but there is no restriction such as age for getting braces, braces can be worn at any age, but as for children, it is better to get braces before puberty, if passed already through puberty it would be a little harder to fix the teeth as the teeth would have settled in something called Post-Puberty Positions.

It's advised to visit the dentist first as a seven-year-old to get your bite evaluated and for braces, as a child, it is best to get after being 14 or 15 years old, but there is no such thing as the best age for braces, braces can be got at your 60’s or 80’s

Is orthodontics treatment painful?

It can range from no discomfort to a mild level of discomfort which varies from person to person. It can be easily managed with painkillers. In case there are some corrections that need some additional procedures being done on your back teeth, there might be some discomfort while chewing food, which will adjust in a couple of days. For the first few days, there are chances of feeling a little discomfort in form of ulcers or difficulty in chewing. Initially, braces seem to be uncomfortable because of the pressure it applies to teeth. But in a few days everyone gets used to it and so is the result of other orthodontic treatments

The pain will only persist after the visit to the dentist if any change is made to the braces and for the most part later you will not feel pain as you get used to it, if you are getting metal braces you must brush and floss well after meals to avoid food getting stuck in between the wires and brackets.

Which braces are faster?

Metal braces tend to move your teeth slightly faster than ceramic, ceramic braces are faster than Invisalign. The best result is shown by traditional braces because it has to be worn 24*7 unlike the ceramic or invisible ones, If you are the kind of person who wants it as perfect as can be for the money you are paying, go with braces. If you can be happy with 80–90% and really are unwilling to wear braces, then clear aligners are a good answer.

Which teeth braces are best?

Majority of the people find ceramic braces to be the best choice when it comes to braces because the high-quality material used does not hurt the teeth and is also aesthetically pleasing at the same time.

What are the side effects of braces?

Pain, Gum recession (10 per cent of people who have braces get gum recession and it is only fixable by surgery), decay or damage to the enamel (often caused by braces making it difficult to clean teeth), problems with the bite, Temporomandibular Joint problems, airway size reduction which can cause sleep apnea, and tooth decay or loss of enamel.

What foods can you not eat with braces?

Hard food like popcorn, overcooked bread, raw whole fruit or vegetables, you can take cooked vegetables instead and smoothies or precut pieces as a replacement of whole fruits, avoid sweet candies, caramel as they will stick to the surface of the braces and will get harder to clean, sugar products as best if avoided as they are prone to cause cavities.

Can braces fix teeth within 6 months?

Yes, braces can fix teeth in 6 months but only certain teeth cases require braces that can fix teeth within 6 months, like tipping, rotating, or moving a tooth into a better position.

Do braces work instantly?

No, it is a slow and steady process you will notice the change by the first month you wear them and each time you get them adjusted the teeth will move a little more.

How do you brush with braces?

After wearing braces people prefer electric brushes to work better, but an ortho-brush having a little tuft of bristles at the other end of the handle is a better option. This can be used to carefully clear any food debris stuck around an orthodontic bracket and archwire. The way to brush using an ortho-brush is to move horizontally (sideways).

Do braces permanently straighten teeth?

Yes, braces straighten your teeth and are also the best option to straighten your teeth permanently.

Can you eat pizza with braces?

Yes, you can eat pizza with braces on, but it is better to go for pizza with a soft crust and be picky about getting soft toppings and not anything hard. Brush your teeth well after consuming the pizza.