Dr. C. D. Tran 陳鎮揚牙醫
Specialist in Orthodontics 牙齒矯正專科牙醫
Speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin
Braces (Orthodontics)
We offer professional braces orthodontic treatment to help you improve the alignment of your teeth, enhancing oral hygiene and bite function. Whether for children or adults, early teens around the age of 12 are the ideal candidates for braces. We also provide various options, including invisible braces, Invisalign, to meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Braces Orthodontic Treatment?
Braces Orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth; it plays a crucial role in improving overall oral health and boosting confidence. Here are some compelling reasons to consider orthodontic treatment:
Improved Oral Hygiene: Crooked or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to clean effectively, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Straightening your teeth enhances your ability to maintain good oral hygiene.
Better Bite Function: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear and tear, leading to issues like tooth sensitivity and jaw pain. Orthodontic treatment ensures that your bite is properly aligned, promoting better chewing function and reducing strain on the jaw.
Enhanced Aesthetics: A straight smile can significantly boost your self-esteem. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, orthodontic treatment can give you the confidence to smile openly in social and professional situations.
Long-Term Benefits: Investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your long-term dental health. By correcting misalignment early, you can prevent more serious dental issues later in life, potentially saving you money on future treatments.
Personalized Treatment Plans: At Bayside Dental Clinic Tung Chung, our orthodontists provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best results for every patient.
Different Types of Braces We Offer
Fixed Braces - Metal and Ceramic Braces
Fixed braces are the most common type of appliance used to straighten teeth. The braces are attached to the teeth by square brackets which have a wire running through them.
The orthodontist adjusts this wire during each dental visit gradually moving the teeth into the correct position. There are two types of fixed braces, metal and ceramic braces.
Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel whereas the ceramic braces are of a translucent ceramic material. Both braces use the same components in terms of treatment, the ceramic is just a less noticeable treatment method than compared to the metal braces.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making them an aesthetic and comfortable option for patients who prefer not to wear traditional metal or ceramic braces.
The aligners are virtually invisible, easy to clean, and allow patients to eat and brush their teeth with ease. Invisalign is suitable for both adults and teenagers, offering a discreet way to correct crooked or misaligned teeth.
Functional Appliances (Dentofacial Orthopedics)
Functional appliances help guide a patients facial growth and development. An orthodontist may recommend the use of functional appliances for patients whose jaw growth needs to be corrected in order to align the jaw properly before beginning the next phase in treatment.
Use of functional appliances is ideal for children whose jaw bone and teeth are still developing and growing. There are two types of functional appliances, fixed and removable and within these two types there is various types that the orthodontist will use depending on what is required for each patient.
Retainers
Retainers are the final step in the orthodontic treatment process. Retainers are given to the patient after the braces are removed, patients are instructed to wear the retainers for a certain period in order to prevent the teeth from relapsing.
There are two types of retainers, fixed and removable. Fixed retainer is thin wire that is worn across the back of upper or lower front teeth. Removable retainers is usually a combination of a wire going across the front of the lower or upper teeth that is held in place with an acrylic material.
5 Step Braces Orthodontic Treatment
Step 1: Getting a Referral for the Appointment
Our Orthodontists prefer for the patient to get a referral from a dentist. If you suspect that you may be in need for orthodontics then you are still welcome to book an appointment and discuss with our orthodontists.
Step 2: Initial Consultation
You can expect this consultation, generally, to be around 30 mins. The orthodontist will examine and understand how braces will be beneficial for you.
Step 3: Dental X-Rays, Imaging and Scans
Next, we will take scans of the construction of your teeth so that the orthodontist is able to take the necessary steps to begin the procedure.
Step 4: Fitting the Braces
Expect to spend about 1 hour to fit the braces for your teeth.
Step 5: Visits for Adjustments and Examination
Once all fitting is done, the orthodontist will examine the progress of your braces. The patient will have to visit once every month for adjustment of the teeth and to check up on the status to ensure that everything is going smoothly.
Final Point
Fixed braces are removed once the entire treatment is completed and the duration of the treatment varies from individual to individual with typical treatment time being anywhere from 18-24 months. Retainers are needed thereafter for many more years.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?
- Number of Visits: About once a month
- Completion Time: 12 to 24 months
- Recovery Period: One day after adjustments
Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Before Treatment
- Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation to assess your orthodontic needs.
- Dental Hygiene: Ensure your teeth and gums are in good health before starting treatment. Regular brushing and flossing are crucial. You can also make an appointment for our teeth cleaning service to make future braces more effective.
During Treatment
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoid sticky and hard foods for a few days after braces are installed to avoid damaging the braces. You can then eat as usual until you get used to it.
- Regular Visits: Attend all scheduled appointments for adjustments and monitoring progress.
After Treatment
- Retainers: Wear retainers as instructed to maintain your new smile.
- Oral Hygiene: Continue practicing good dental hygiene, and schedule regular check-ups and teeth cleaning service to monitor your dental health.
Our Braces Orthodontic Dentists
Dr. Michelle Yuen 袁潔臻牙醫
Specialist in Orthodontics 牙齒矯正專科牙醫
Speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin
Book Your Braces Orthodontic Consultation Today!
Contact us to book your consultation, restore your smile and regain full confidence in your oral health.
Frequently Asked Question
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment typically lasts from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Are braces painful?
While there may be some discomfort after fitting or adjustments, pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can adults get braces?
Yes, orthodontic treatment is suitable for all ages, and many adults choose braces or Invisalign to achieve a straighter smile.
How often do I need to visit the orthodontist?
Patients generally need to visit once a month for adjustments and monitoring.
What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?
Failing to wear your retainer can lead to teeth shifting back to their original positions, negating the benefits of your orthodontic treatment.