BRACES
What are braces?
Braces are applied as a way to correct irregularities in dental alignment, such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite (underbite or overbite). Braces apply continuous pressure to the teeth which forces them to move towards a certain alignment. As the teeth gradually move, the bone structure beneath also shapes in accordance with the new alignment.
Braces consist of an array of metal brackets held together by wires and bands. Each set of braces will be uniquely different given the individual’s dental makeup.
What does the process of getting braces look like?
First, our dentist will look at your teeth and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for braces. An x-ray of your dental structure will be taken and our in-house laboratory will be able to make a plaster mold of your teeth for reference within hours.
Our dentist will design a braces treatment protocol, tailor made to suit your specific needs. You will need to go through an initial appointment where your teeth will be conditioned and the brackets cemented into place. Once the brackets are put into place, the wire will be inserted through the brackets to tightly bind them together. The dentist will make certain cuts and twists in order to ensure that the brackets hold together.
Follow up sessions will generally be around 4 weeks apart. Don’t worry, our friendly Front Office personnel will remind you a few days in advance. During the follow up visits, our dentist will adjust your teeth as necessary, tightening them in order to make progress.
It is important to continue to attend these appointments diligently to see consistent progress and achieve the desired outcome eventually.
Are braces painful? What changes will they make in my life?
Whilst our friendly and professional dental team will ensure that the process to be as comfortable as possible, braces can be a bit uncomfortable to certain users initially. Some users may notice small scratches on the lips and gums as the mouth gets used to the entire apparatus being inside it. Also, some may take some time to get used to the new chewing sensation as foods with harder texture may cause pain when chewing, especially after a tightening session. In case you encounter any discomfort, please do not hesitate to call us and our team will be able to assist you.
There are also some adjustments to be made to the eating habits. For example, sticky and crunchy food tend to have a higher chance of getting stuck in between the braces that may cause some bacteria growth. Therefore, it is very important for the users to practice good oral hygiene and maintain good oral health everyday.