Dental Braces
What are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are an orthodontic treatment used to straighten and align crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can cause decay and gum problems. Severe misalignment of teeth can also cause difficulties in speaking and eating.
Other than having a straighter smile for aesthetic reasons, correcting crooked teeth can also improve your oral health and makes it easier for you to clean and brush your teeth.
Dental braces typically take 1.5 to 2 years for completion and patients can choose between metal or ceramic braces. Both types are as efficient with ceramic braces being more subtle in appearance due to the colour of the brackets used.
What Types of Teeth Alignment Issues Can Braces Correct?
Braces are effective in addressing a variety of teeth alignment concerns.
Some of the more common issues they can fix include:
Gaps/Spacing
This occurs when there's extra space or gaps between two or more teeth.
Protruding Teeth
(Excessive Overjet)
If your upper front teeth extend over your lower front teeth, it's known as excessive overjet. Note that excessive overjet is different from overbite, despite being misalignment problems of different types.
Overbite
An overbite is defined by the vertical overlap of upper teeth over lower teeth, with upper teeth pointing downward. An excessive overjet is measured by the horizontal distance between upper and lower front teeth, causing them to protrude diagonally against the lower teeth. It's possible for overbite and overjet to occur simultaneously.
Underbite (Reverse Overjet)
This occurs when the lower teeth and jaw protrude ahead of the upper teeth.
Overcrowding
When teeth are unable to fit properly due to limited space in the jaw, overcrowding happens. Teeth can be pushed forward, backward, upwards, overlapped, or twisted.
Deep Bite (Overbite)
A deep bite, also known as an overbite, occurs when the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth vertically.
Open Bite
If your upper and lower teeth don't touch when your mouth is closed, it's called an open bite.
Cross Bite
This occurs when some of your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth.
We will recommend that you speak to one of our Specialists if you are experiencing the above symptoms, to see if you need to remove your wisdom teeth.
Do I need to wear Braces?
The ideal age to start wearing braces would be between 10-13 years old, or when all your permanent teeth are out. However, there is no right time to start wearing braces, even adults are suitable.
If you would like to check on your suitability to start wearing Braces, do make an appointment with one of our Orthodontists.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces
The most common and traditional type of braces – metal braces. These are attached to each tooth and not removable. Wires are also held by colourful rubber bands, which makes each dental visit fun and exciting for the patient.
However, patients might take some time getting used to having metal braces in their mouth when they first start treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made from tooth-coloured materials, and they are more aesthetically pleasing compared to metal braces. This is a popular choice among working adults who might not like others knowing that they are doing dental braces treatment. Like metal braces, there is some thickness which patients would need to get used to.
Invisalign is an alternative to metal/ceramic braces in orthodontic treatment. Instead of using brackets and bands fastened onto your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of removable transparent teeth aligners to shift teeth slowly and discreetly into their desired position. With the current technology advancements in 3D dentistry, Invisalign can treat most (if not all) teeth misalignment cases. Invisalign aligners are removable to allow patients to brush and floss well. Best of all, it is comfortable, and no diet restriction is necessary.
Treatment done by Orthodontists at Royce Dental
Orthodontists are dental specialists who are trained in fixing irregularities in teeth and jaws. They straighten teeth and help correct problems such as overbites and underbites.
At Royce Dental, we have a team of Orthodontists who are experienced in working with braces for both children and adults.
Student Orthodontic Consultation
How much does it cost?
The orthodontic consultation, which includes a digital iTero scan, is priced at $30 (before GST). The total price may vary based on the complexity of each case. Please book an appointment for an initial consultation to learn more from our dentist.
Where is it applicable?
Please contact us to learn more about the participating clinics.
Terms & Conditions:
- Prices quoted are before GST; 9% GST is applicable.
- The student treatment package is only applicable for students aged 18 years and below. Other terms and conditions apply.
Braces Treatment Procedure
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, we will evaluate your dental health. This evaluation includes 3D iTero digital scans along with x-rays for a comprehensive oral examination. These scans provide precise 3D impressions of your teeth, which are helpful for your orthodontic treatment by offering a more accurate analysis.
Follow-Up Consultation
In the second consultation, we will explain the results from the initial evaluation. We will then present you with a suitable treatment plan and offer a simulation of your teeth's transformation before and after the orthodontic treatment.
Commencement of Braces Treatment
Once you're prepared, our dentists will apply the braces and guide you in maintaining proper oral hygiene during your orthodontic journey. Our dentists will also provide advice on foods and drinks to avoid or consume throughout your treatment.
Follow-Up Appointments
Approximately every month, you'll need to schedule follow-up appointments with our dentists. This allows us to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your braces.
Completion of Braces Treatment
After about 1.5-2 years, your braces treatment will be complete. Our dentist will remove the braces and provide you with a set of retainers.
Braces Treatment Procedure
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, we will evaluate your dental health. This evaluation includes 3D iTero digital scans along with x-rays for a comprehensive oral examination. These scans provide precise 3D impressions of your teeth, which are helpful for your orthodontic treatment by offering a more accurate analysis.
Follow-Up Consultation
In the second consultation, we will explain the results from the initial evaluation. We will then present you with a suitable treatment plan and offer a simulation of your teeth's transformation before and after the orthodontic treatment.
Commencement of Braces Treatment
Once you're prepared, our dentists will apply the braces and guide you in maintaining proper oral hygiene during your orthodontic journey. Our dentists will also provide advice on foods and drinks to avoid or consume throughout your treatment.
Follow-Up Appointments
Approximately every month, you'll need to schedule follow-up appointments with our dentists. This allows us to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your braces.
Completion of Braces Treatment
After about 1.5-2 years, your braces treatment will be complete. Our dentist will remove the braces and provide you with a set of retainers.
Braces Treatment Procedure
A. Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, we will evaluate your dental health. This evaluation includes 3D iTero digital scans along with x-rays for a comprehensive oral examination. These scans provide precise 3D impressions of your teeth, which are helpful for your orthodontic treatment by offering a more accurate analysis.
B. Follow-Up Consultation
In the second consultation, we will explain the results from the initial evaluation. We will then present you with a suitable treatment plan and offer a simulation of your teeth's transformation before and after the orthodontic treatment.
C. Commencement of Braces Treatment
Once you're prepared, our dentists will apply the braces and guide you in maintaining proper oral hygiene during your orthodontic journey. Our dentists will also provide advice on foods and drinks to avoid or consume throughout your treatment.
D. Follow-Up Appointments
Approximately every month, you'll need to schedule follow-up appointments with our dentists. This allows us to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your braces.
E. Completion of Braces Treatment
After about 1.5-2 years, your braces treatment will be complete. Our dentist will remove the braces and provide you with a set of retainers.
What Happens After My Braces Treatment Ends?
Once your braces are removed, it’s crucial to adhere to your dentist’s advice and wear retainers as instructed. This commitment is necessary to maintain your newly achieved smile and prevent orthodontic relapse.
Retainers typically require lifelong usage if you aim to maintain your teeth’s alignment.
FAQ
It’s common to experience some discomfort initially when braces are first applied and after adjustments. This discomfort is usually manageable and diminishes as you become accustomed to the braces. If you notice ulcers developing on your lips or the side of your cheeks due to friction from braces, you can apply orthodontic dental wax. Your orthodontist can provide this wax to relieve pain by applying it to the bracket, minimising friction.
Adapting to braces might briefly affect your speech, causing initial lisping (difficulty in pronouncing sibilant sounds like “s” and “z”). However, with time and practice, you’ll regain your normal speech patterns.
Yes, it might take a few days to get used to your newly fixed braces, which is normal. You’ll find yourself adapting quickly.
For individuals playing musical instruments, an initial adaptation period may be needed as you may experience some difficulty at first, but you will eventually get used to it.
Extraction requirements depend on your individual case. In some instances, extractions might be necessary to ensure optimal alignment. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific needs and provide guidance accordingly.
Cleaning teeth with braces requires diligence. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and specialised tools (like interdental brushes) to clean around brackets and wires. Regular flossing is also crucial.
You can consult your orthodontist for effective cleaning techniques during your orthodontic treatment, and we will demonstrate or provide advice on cleaning methods accordingly.
Book your appointment
Our simple to use, online appointment process makes it easy for you to book for any one of our services and doctors.
Book your appointment
Our simple to use, online appointment process makes it easy for you to book for any one of our services and doctors.
