Ortho Treatment
Clear Aligners offer a Paradigm Shift in Teeth Straightening
Clear or invisible aligners are fast-growing alternatives to conventional metal braces for children and adults. They are convenient, comfortable, and aesthetic.
Invisalign®, a brand from the United States, has gained tremendous popularity in the past decade. The system consists of a series of digitally printed aligner trays that are worn for short, successive periods to shift misaligned teeth into the ideal position.
At Oral Health Dental Clinic, we also offer other affordable clear aligners from different brands for simpler alignment issues.
The cutting-edge smart technology incorporated in the Invisalign® system allows for more discreet, comfortable, predictable, and fast teeth alignment than braces. Call for a free consultation with our Invisalign®-certified orthodontist to see if you are a good candidate for clear aligners.
Digital impressions of your teeth are sent to the lab where the aligners will be created.
Invisalign®, a brand from the United States, has gained tremendous popularity in the past decade. The system consists of a series of digitally printed aligner trays that are worn for short, successive periods to shift misaligned teeth into the ideal position.
At Oral Health Dental Clinic, we also offer other affordable clear aligners from different brands for simpler alignment issues.
The cutting-edge smart technology incorporated in the Invisalign® system allows for more discreet, comfortable, predictable, and fast teeth alignment than braces. Call for a free consultation with our Invisalign®-certified orthodontist to see if you are a good candidate for clear aligners.
Advantage Over Braces
Our orthodontists recommend clear aligners, such as the Invisalign® digital series, because:- The trays are more effective than braces and can be easily removed for eating and brushing.
- Being transparent, the aligners allow working people and teenagers to feel less self-conscious.
- The trays are made of smooth, BPA-free thermoplastic material and lie flat against the teeth, increasing comfort.
- The teeth straightening process can be completed in less than a year.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Digital impressions of your teeth are sent to the lab where the aligners will be created.
- Using three-dimensional modeling software, a custom-made, progressive series of aligners is sent for you.
- We check the fit of the aligners and provide care instructions.
- We use a special software to map out the entire “shift path” of your teeth to track the progress over subsequent visits.
- Each aligner is worn for about 1-2 weeks before being exchanged for the next one in the series.
- A customized retainer tray is worn for at least a year thereafter to reinforce the new spatial positions of the teeth and avoid a relapse.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.Why should I have orthodontic treatment?
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can not only improve their appearance but also the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean.In some patients the upper front teeth can stick out and look unsightly. These 'prominent' teeth are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment can move them back into line. In others, the way the upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment may be able to correct both.
When the teeth don't meet correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and in some cases headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.
it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.
What does it involve?
The most important thing is to have a full examination. This will usually involve looking at your teeth, taking x-rays and making plaster models of your teeth.We will then discuss what treatment is possible. Once you are sure you want to go ahead, the treatment can begin as soon as you have enough permanent teeth.
How long will it take?
The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and may take anything from a few months to two and a half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.
How many visits will it take?
Orthodontic appliances usually need adjusting every 4 to 6 weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often your appliance will need adjusting.
Will it hurt?
All appliances may feel strange to begin with and can cause discomfort. If the problem doesn't go away the orthodontist may be able to carry out adjustments to help. Teeth are usually uncomfortable immediately after adjustment but this will settle.
How successful will it be?
Success depends on a partnership between the skills of the orthodontist, and the enthusiasm and help of patient and parents. It is important to attend regularly and carry out any instructions given by the orthodontist.The success of the treatment also depends on the commitment of the patient. For children’s orthodontic treatment it is very important that the patient is as keen as the parent.
Can orthodontics damage my teeth?
Your teeth can be damaged if they are not properly looked after during treatment. Appliances will not in themselves cause damage, but poor cleaning and too many sugary foods and drinks can cause some damage. Brackets, wires and braces can trap food and cause more plaque than usual to build up. So the teeth and appliance need to be cleaned very thoroughly.
Is orthodontic work permanent?
Even after retention, it is normal for minor tooth movements to happen throughout life, so no permanent guarantee can be given. However, it is unusual for teeth to alter enough to need further treatment.
How much does it cost?
If you decide to have the treatment, the orthodontist will be able to estimate the cost of your treatment and give you details. It is always a good idea to discuss the cost fully before treatment and, if necessary, have the cost confirmed in writing to avoid any confusion.
How do I care for my brace and teeth?
It is important to continue to have your teeth checked at the clinic while having orthodontic treatment. You also need to take extra care of your teeth and mouth:1. Clean your teeth carefully every day, including between your teeth where you can. Appliances are delicate and you need to make sure you clean them carefully so that they do not break. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to show you the special techniques to use depending on the appliance you are wearing.
2. Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. Avoid 'snacking' on foods or drinks containing sugars, and on fizzy drinks. Also, sticky and hard foods may damage the delicate orthodontic appliances.
3. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and, if necessary, use a mouthwash. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a fluoride toothpaste or application for you to use.
Braces:
How long will I have to wear the brace?
It really depends on how much work there is to do and how far your teeth need to be moved.Fixed braces - usually take between 12 and 24 months, but could take longer if the problem is severe.
Removable braces - usually take less time than a fixed brace. However, you might need to wear a removable brace before and after you have finished your treatment with a fixed brace.
We will give you advice about your brace and teeth. If you don't do what they say, the brace can take longer to work and the treatment may be unsuccessful. If your brace is damaged or broken this can also delay the treatment.
How often should I visit the clinic while I am wearing my brace?
You will need to have your brace adjusted regularly to make sure it is working properly. Usually you will have an appointment roughly every six to eight weeks. It is extremely important that you go to these appointments otherwise the brace will take a lot longer to work.
Will my mouth be sore in between visits?
Your mouth is very sensitive to change and it will take you a few days to get used to wearing your brace. At first, your teeth may feel uncomfortable because of the pressure put onto them by the brace. It may also feel uncomfortable and tight against your teeth after it has been adjusted. Painkillers like ibuprofen can help. Sometimes, parts of the brace may also cause discomfort to your gums and lips. When you come to the clinic, we can give you clear wax to place over the part of the brace that is causing discomfort. However, if after a few days any part of your brace is causing continual soreness, you can come back to the clinic.
Will I be able to speak normally?
Sometimes when a brace is fitted, it may affect your speech and cause problems in pronouncing certain words, but most people soon adapt and quickly begin to speak clearly within a few days.
Is there anything I should avoid?
Nail biting and chewing you pen or pencil can damage or break your brace.\
Can I eat normally?
Eating the wrong foods can damage or even break your brace. For the first few days, it may be better to keep to soft foods.Whether you have a removable or a fixed brace you should avoid sticky, chewy and sugary foods. Chewing-gum is not recommended as it can stick to your brace. Avoid hard foods such as whole apples, carrots, French bread and crusty rolls. These foods could break the orthodontic wires and brackets.
At first it is best to cut your food into small pieces and keep to a soft diet. Food may build up in the brackets and in between your teeth and will need careful cleaning to remove it.
Avoid fizzy drinks and natural fruit juices as these are often high in sugar and can be acidic. This can lead to tooth decay and erosion. Fizzy drinks can also stain the orthodontic brackets. If you do drink fizzy drinks, avoid constant sipping of the drink and use a straw. Water and plain milk are the safest drinks.
Why should I look after my mouth when I have a brace?
It is extremely important that you take the time and effort needed to keep your teeth and braces clean. This will help you avoid problems such as dental decay, inflamed gums, and 'tooth decalcification'. Decalcification is when you lose the mineral calcium from the surface of your teeth, and this may leave white spots on your teeth after the brace is removed. It is also important to keep having routine dental examinations at the clinic while you are having orthodontic treatment. This is to make sure that your teeth and mouth stay healthy.
What if I lose or damage my brace?
If you lose or damage your brace tell us as soon as possible. Do not wait until your next routine appointment because any time you are not wearing your brace, or it is not in the correct position, affects your treatment and makes it more likely that your teeth will go back to their old position. We may charge for lost or broken braces before replacing them
How should I clean my mouth and brace?
Clean your teeth and the brace thoroughly after each meal. Pay special attention to each individual tooth and the gum line around it.
What products can I use?
Total care toothpastes. These contain a number of active ingredients such as fluoride or tartar control to make them an effective multi-action toothpaste. They help control plaque, dental decay and gum disease while also freshening your breath.Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes: These can be used, although with care, as long as you can get to all your teeth. Ask us about special small brushes which are suitable for cleaning your teeth when wearing a brace.
You can use dental floss under the orthodontic wires to remove trapped food particles.
Using mouthwashes regularly can help to prevent dental decay and tooth decalcification. You should only use them under the guidance and instruction given at clinic.