Why straighten teeth?

The most common reason for wanting to straighten teeth is of course to look good.

There is no denying that a straight row of teeth will give a more attractive smile.

Apart from looking good, straight teeth are also easier to keep clean. This, in turn makes it less likely for your teeth to have decay or gum disease. Straight teeth also lead to better bites – that is, the upper and lower teeth bite more efficiently.

The methods available to straighten teeth

The traditional way of straightening teeth have been with braces – in either metal or ceramic. Braces are actually little brackets that are fixed to the teeth. Then, special wires tied into the brackets gently move the teeth into place. The wires need to be adjusted every 4 weeks or so. Certainly, some time is needed to get used to the braces and metal in the mouth.

There are many adults who are unhappy with the arrangement of their teeth. What holds them back from improving their teeth is the thought of wearing braces and metal wires. Now, with the technology of aligners, it is possible to improve the alignment of teeth without braces or wires. There are several companies providing such aligners, the most established brand being Invisalign.

Invisalign, uses a series of custom-made, transparent, removable aligners that fit over the teeth – like contact lenses for the teeth! Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks and is designed to move the teeth a little at a time. The system uses its patented CAD-CAM technology and a clinical software that allows the dentist to design the movements of the teeth.

The main advantages of aligners are that they are:

• Clear – people don’t need to know you are straightening your teeth
• Convenient – the aligners are removable, allowing you to eat whatever you want and making it is easy to clean your teeth.
• More Comfortable – no sharp braces or wires to get used to

What will treatment with Invisalign aligners be like? The aligners need to be worn about 20-22 hours a day. i.e. they are only removed for eating and cleaning. Each aligner needs to be worn for a minimum of 2 weeks before changing to the next aligner in the sequence. Patients need to be reviewed by the dentist every 4-6 weeks to ensure that the teeth are moving according to plan. As there are no wires to change or adjust, each appointment is usually much faster – and less painful – than with braces. Just like with braces, treatment time varies with the complexity of the case.

Is it for Everyone? The Invisalign system of aligners is suitable for adults & older teenagers who have mild to moderate irregularities of their teeth. It is particularly suitable for those who have had treatment with braces in their teens but now have mild relapse.  Braces, on the other hand are much more versatile and can treat a wide variety of problems. In cases of severe crowding, where teeth need to be extracted, it is possible that treatment with Invisalign will take longer.

Treatment for more complex cases may take a 18 months or more. Some cases may simply be unsuitable for aligner treatment. Hence, it is essential to have a thorough clinical examination and all your records analysed to see which method is right for you.

There are other issues to consider, such as your lifestyle or habits & your expectations.

Fixed braces cannot be removed, so cleaning may be more difficult. This is a particular concern for those adults who are susceptible to gum disease and need to practise a high level of hygiene. Invisalign is removable so cleaning teeth is much easier. On the flip side, a high degree of discipline is needed to make sure the appliance is worn diligently according to instructions. Invisalign is best for people for whom it is necessary that their treatment is discrete.  Your expectations and the demands of your work or social life will influence your decision on whether you choose braces or aligners.

What is the first step? If you want to know whether braces or aligners treatment is appropriate for your condition, you need to have an orthodontic consultation. At this consultation, your records like X-rays, photographs and moulds of your teeth will be made by the clinic. One advantage of Invisalign is that a computerised simulation of how your teeth will move during treatment, and the expected end-result, can be viewed by you to help you make a decision. Only after you agree to treatment and give the go-ahead, will the Invisalign aligners be manufactured.

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Other factors that affect the decision to remove the wisdom tooth include the possibility of recurrent infection and the future usefulness of the tooth.

Conditions when your wisdom tooth can be left alone:

• The wisdom tooth is not visible in the mouth at all, i.e. it is completely buried in the jawbone. Then chances are the tooth can be left alone. It is wise to monitor the tooth by taking X-rays periodically to make sure that problems like cysts do not occur around the buried tooth.
• The wisdom tooth has grown completely into the mouth and is in good alignment with the other teeth and can be easily cleaned with your toothbrush and floss

Conditions when your wisdom tooth needs to be removed:

• The wisdom tooth has partially grown into the mouth and then gets stuck (impacted) because of lack of space in the jaws.
• The gums around the wisdom tooth gets infected (pericoronitis)
• The wisdom tooth has decay
• The wisdom tooth affects adjacent teeth e.g. accumulation of food debris between the impacted wisdom tooth and the tooth in front of it leads to tooth decay. The decay can often go undetected as in the early stages there may be no pain. (Please see diagrams below)

X-ray of an impacted (jammed) wisdom tooth. Food debris can collect in the groove between the two teeth. It is often impossible to clean‚ this groove.

Decay can develop in hidden areas between the teeth. In the early stages, such decay is often undetected as there is no pain. Left alone, the decay can grow and grow.

X-ray of an actual case in which the decay destroyed much of the wisdom tooth as well as the tooth in front. Eventually both teeth had to be removed.

• Plaque accumulation around the wisdom tooth causes gum disease and bone loss.
• The tooth has no function i.e. it is not used for chewing because the wisdom tooth in the opposing jaw has been lost.
• The wisdom tooth interferes with other treatment e.g. treatment with braces to straighten the teeth or, construction of dentures & implants
• The tooth is associated with conditions like cysts or tumours

 

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Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a patented technology that allows teeth to be straightened using clear plastic aligners. The aligners are custom-made to fit over your teeth. They are inconspicuous and comfortable. As they are removable, they are convenient too. A different aligner is worn about every two weeks. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth a little at a time.

Treatment FeesBook Appointment

What are the benefits of Invisalign®?

Invisalign is clear so it is practically invisible

The aligners are clear so your treatment is not conspicuous or distracting.

Invisalign is comfortable

There are no sharp metal or wires that can hurt the lips or cheeks. The aligners are easier to adapt to and because there are no wires to adjust, your dental visits can be less frequent.

Invisalign is convenient

The aligners can be removed easily for eating and cleaning of the teeth. You can eat and drink normally. And you can brush and floss normally.

Is Invisalign® suitable for everyone?

Is there an age limit?

Invisalign® can be used on permanent teeth in adults and teenagers. It is fine for correcting moderate crowding and spacing. It can also be used for correcting relapses where orthodontic treatment had been done previously. Invisalign is great for adults who have always wanted to straighten their teeth but did not want to wear conventional metal braces.

Invisalign is the Clear Solution for committed individuals seeking discrete treatment.

Note: Invisalign is one method of straightening irregular teeth. Whether your condition is suitable for Invisalign treatment is a decision that can only be made after a dental examination, evaluation of your records and understanding of your needs.

How do I know if Invisalign® is for me?

As for any kind of orthodontic treatment (treatment to straighten teeth) you must first make an appointment for an orthodontic consultation. After your models, photos and X-rays have been studied, your condition, possible treatment options and of course, the fees will be discussed with you.

Click here to learn how Smile Makers evaluates your condition.

How much does it cost?

Cost varies greatly according to the complexity of treatment.

Simpler cases can take just 7-12 months .

More complex treatment take a year or two and fees are naturally higher.

How do I make an appointment?

Just call 6397 2739 or book your appointment here.

Our consultation hours are:

Monday – Wednesday	8.30am – 6pm
Thursday	8.30am – 4.30pm
Friday	11am – 7pm
Saturday	9am – 5pm
Sundays & Public Holidays	Closed

How does invisalign work?

How do I get to Smile Makers?

Smile Makers is located at #09-26 Novena Medical Center, Square 2 – just above the Novena MRT Station. Click for a location map and transport details.

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Invisalign: 3 Clear Advantages

Invisalign is a whole new way to straighten your teeth.It uses a series of clear removable plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is increasingly popular because it offers three key benefits:

• Clarity
• Convenience
• Comfort

1. Invisalign is nearly invisible…

You straighten your teeth — without anyone knowing.

Can you see that she is wearing Invisalign?

Take a closer look. Can you see it now?

2. Invisalign is removable…

You can eat and drink normally. And you can brush and floss normally

3. Invisalign is comfortable…

Since the appliance is entirely smooth plastic, with no brackets or wires, there is no metal to irritate the mouth.

Other Advantages of Invisalign:

Visits to the dentist for monitoring treatment are usually less frequent and each visit tends to be shorter.

Invisalign is the Clear Solution for committed individuals seeking discrete treatment.

Find out more about how Invisalign works.

Note: Invisalign is one method of straightening irregular teeth. Whether your condition is suitable for Invisalign treatment is a decision that can only be made after a dental examination, evaluation of your records and understanding of your needs.

Click here to learn how Smile Makers evaluates your condition.

Make an appointment now

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• Keep your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease by removing plaque that builds up on the teeth. Smile Makers can teach you the right techniques of brushing and flossing — essential skills to help you keep your teeth for life
• Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks. Fizzy, sweetened drinks are especially high in both sugar and acids that cause minerals to be lost from the tooth surface
• Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Straightening Teeth (Orthodontics)

Everyone loves to have straight teeth and attractive smiles. Apart from appearance, teeth that are crooked are more difficult to clean. In some cases, teeth that do not fit together correctly can suffer from the forces of biting and may lead to gum problems or shifting of the jaw. Puberty and teenage are often the best times to correct mal-aligned or crooked teeth. Straightened teeth can last a lifetime.

FAt an orthodontic consultation, we can evaluate your problem and explain the details of the treatment required.

Wisdom Teeth

During the late teens, the wisdom teeth or third molars may start to grow into the mouth. If these teeth do not have enough space to grow into alignment, they may get jammed (impacted). Such teeth may then give problems like infection or tooth decay. If your wisdom teeth are likely to be jammed, it may be wise to remove them early and avoid problems. At Smile Makers we can take radiographs (X-rays) to help determine the position of your wisdom teeth. If the position of the wisdom tooth is likely to cause problems, Smile Makers can arrange to have the tooth removed. Click here to find out more about whether your wisdom tooth needs to be removed.

Mouth Guards

If you play sports, like hockey or roller-blading, it is prudent to protect your smile with mouth guards . These are soft, rubbery devices customised to fit over your teeth and prevent broken teeth, chips or injuries to the lips.

Smoking

If you don’t smoke, don’t start! Though some may think it cool or sophisticated, the truth is that smoking…

• stains your teeth
• causes bad breath
• makes you more likely to have gum disease
• increases your risk of developing cancer

Oral Piercing

Piercing your tongue or lips as a “fashion statement” or as “self-expression” can lead to infection, or damage your gums and teeth. Infection can occur when the “oral jewellery” get dirty, or get loose and embedded in the tissues. The constant rubbing of the metal studs against the gums and teeth can cause the gums to recede (pull away from the teeth); or chip or crack the teeth.

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Mental stress can affect our bodies. For some, the effects of constant stress, anxiety or depression can affect oral health, in several ways.

Bruxism

This refers to forceful grinding or clenching of the teeth, often unconsciously, during the day or at night during sleep. Many people who brux their teeth may not be aware that they are doing so. However, those who sleep with them may be able to hear their grinding. The exact cause of bruxism is uncertain but mental stress is considered one of the factors contributing to this habit.

Unconscious clenching or grinding can lead to problems like:

• Cracked teeth
• Teeth sensitivity due to wear of the teeth
• Headaches, or tiredness of the jaws on waking
• Flattened or chipped appearance of the teeth

As there may be many causes for bruxism , a holistic approach is needed to treat this condition. Some people may find that wearing an occlusal splint or night guard may help to reduce the clenching and consequent wear on the teeth.

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Yellow or discolored teeth can be treated with whitening agents containing carbamide peroxide. Applied directly on the surfaces of the teeth, carbamide peroxide treatments can be done at home. The dentist will construct a customized tray for the patient to hold the whitening agent and advise the patient as to how long the appliance should be worn each day and the duration of the treatment. Customized dental trays help prevent the gel solution from coming in contact with soft tissue, which can cause sensitivity and irritation.

While there are many over-the-counter whitening agents, these are of much lower concentration than those prescribed by a dentist, and not all discolorations respond to treatment. Hence it is necessary to have a consultation with a dentist to see if you are suitable for the whitening procedure.

Do teeth whitening products really work?

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This is a disease that attacks the gums and bone that hold your teeth. It is a slowly progressing disease and is often overlooked because in the early stages, there is no pain or discomfort.

The post What is Gum Disease? appeared first on Smile Makers Dental.