Orthodontic Treatment
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Well-aligned teeth not only allows you to smile with confidence, but can also help in the maintainance of cleaner, healthier teeth and gums.
When can we start Orthodontic Treatment?
It is important for your child to have an orthodontic check-up around 7 years old, whereby any developing problems with jaw size and teeth positioning can be diagnosed early and reduce the complexity of treatment as a teenager.
We offer traditional braces, as well as clear-aligner systems such as Invisalign and Angel Align which are now very popular in modern dentistry. An intra-oral scanner can be used to accurately replicate the teeth and gums, which is generally more comfortable than taking impressions.
When to Consider Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment may be needed if you have crooked teeth, crowded teeth, large gaps between teeth, an overbite (prominent upper front teeth, or “buck teeth”), an underbite (protruding lower front teeth), a crossbite (upper and lower teeth overlap improperly when biting), an open bite (inability to close the bite properly), or other咬合 and jaw alignment issues
Ideal Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
While braces are common among middle school students and young adults, the ideal time varies. “It depends on individual correction needs,” says Dr. Li. “Braces can be done at any age, but certain dental development stages are better. Treatment often starts ideally during adolescence when most permanent teeth have emerged, and the jawbone is still growing. However, adults can also undergo orthodontic treatment to improve uneven teeth alignment.”
Orthodontic Treatment
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment: Treatment Principle
Traditional orthodontic treatment involves attaching brackets made of metal or ceramic to the teeth and connecting them with a metal archwire. The tension and elastic force of the archwire are used to gradually apply pressure to the teeth, guiding them to move in the desired direction to correct teeth alignment and bite issues.
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic Effect
It can provide strong corrective capabilities for various types of teeth alignment problems, including severe Teeth Crowding, deep overbite, underbite and other complex cases. It can precisely control the direction and force of tooth movement, with significant correction results. For instance, it can also effectively manage cases that require tooth extraction.
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment: Comfort Level
The presence of metal brackets and archwires in the mouth may cause friction and irritation to the oral soft tissues. In the early stages of treatment, patients often experience discomforts such as oral ulcers and pain. Additionally, each follow-up visit to adjust the archwire may also cause discomfort.
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment: Treatment Time and Cost
Treatment time is relatively long, generally ranging from 18 months to 3 years. The specific duration depends on factors such as the severity of the patient's teeth misalignment, their response to treatment, and the follow-up adjustment situations. However, due to its wide applicability, it can achieve good correction results even for complex cases despite the longer treatment time. Thanks to its mature technology and the widespread use of materials and equipment, it is relatively cost-effective. The cost mainly depends on the selected materials and treatment difficulty.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners: Treatment Principle
A series of custom-made transparent plastic trays are employed. Each tray is digitally designed based on the patient's initial dental condition and treatment plan. By wearing these trays in sequence, each one applies controlled pressure to the teeth, gradually guiding them toward the desired position.
Clear Aligners: Orthodontic Effect
They are mainly suitable for mild to moderate dental issues, such as slight Teeth Crowding, diastemas , and minor malocclusion. In these cases, they can effectively move the teeth and improve alignment. However, their effectiveness may be limited for severe skeletal malocclusion or cases requiring extensive tooth movement.
Clear Aligners: Comfort Level
The smooth material of the aligners causes minimal irritation to oral soft tissues, offering high comfort and quick adaptation. Patients can remove them for eating and brushing, avoiding food trapping and simplifying oral hygiene. This helps reduce oral hygiene-related problems.
Clear Aligners: Treatment Time and Cost
The treatment usually lasts 6 – 18 months, varying by individual. As they target mild to moderate cases, the treatment period is relatively short, meeting the needs of those desiring quicker correction. Due to customization, use of high-tech materials, frequent tray changes, and digital processes like scanning and design, the overall cost is relatively high.