Orthodontic treatment is a series of processes that move the teeth to the desired positions in the mouth by orthodontic appliances.
Example 1
Before treatment
After treatment
Example 2
Before treatment
After treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a complex dental treatment. Before commencing an orthodontic treatment, you should consult an orthodontist to understand your oral condition and the details of the treatment involved.
Purpose
To improve aesthetics
To improve the occlusion between the upper and lower
teeth in order to improve the masticatory function
To improve the alignment of teeth so that a well-support
denture / bridge can be fitted
Types of orthodontic appliances
Fixed orthodontic appliance
Materials and mechanism
●
Orthodontic brackets are attached to the tooth surfaces
in appropriate positions so that when the orthodontic
brackets and orthodontic wire are tied up, the spring
back action of the orthodontic wire will move the teeth.
●
Gradually, the teeth are moved to the desired positions determined by the shape of the orthodontic wire.
Procedures for fixed orthodontic appliance
●
Placement of orthodontic brackets
●
The orthodontic wire and orthodontic brackets are connected
by elastics and stainless steel wire (ligatures).
●
Regular dental visit should be made according to the
instruction of the orthodontist to:
●Check the movement of the teeth
●Change
the elastics or stainless steel wires
●Change the orthodontic wire
●
After
the teeth have moved to the desired positions, a retainer
is inserted to hold and stabilize the tooth positions.
Treatment duration
●
Overall treatment duration lasts for about one and a half to three years. The actual time needed depends on the complexity of treatment.
Removable orthodontic appliance
Materials and mechanism
●
Springs or screws are embedded in an acrylic plate, which is held in place by clasps, to move the teeth to their desired positions.
Procedures for removable orthodontic appliance
●
Impressions of the teeth are taken.
●
The removable orthodontic appliance is fabricated in the dental laboratory.
●
Adjust the springs and screws and let the patient try
on the appliance.
●
Regular dental visits to check the tooth movements and adjust the springs.
●
After
the teeth have moved to the desired positions, the removable
orthodontic appliance will serve as a retainer to stabilize
the tooth positions.
Treatment duration
●
The overall duration lasts for about 6 to 12 months. The actual time needed depends on the complexity of treatment.
Points to note on orthodontic treatments
If you are wearing orthodontic appliances, you should pay extra attention towards oral hygiene to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease.
If you are wearing a removable orthodontic appliance, the appliance and teeth must be thoroughly cleaned every morning and evening before wearing it again. Leave the appliance in plain water when it is not worn.
If severe discomfort is felt when wearing orthodontic appliances, consult your orthodontist immediately.
