Braces (Orthodontics)

People wear braces for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for orthodontic treatment with braces is to straighten out crooked teeth. Sometimes, teeth protrusion is another reason for treatment too. Other problems requiring treatment include spaced out teeth, missing teeth, improper bites and jaw disharmonies. Young children may occasionally have problems with tooth eruption, which may necessitate early orthodontic treatment.

In the majority of people who have crooked teeth but normal jaw growth, treatment can commence when most of the permanent teeth are out. This usually occurs around the age of 11 to 13 years.

However, there are some instances when early intervention is needed. Some children have developing jaw disharmonies where the jaws may be growing abnormally. Some have problems with permanent tooth eruption, either due to lack of space or misdirection of the teeth. In these situations, early braces treatment is required to assist with the growth of the jaws or help guide teeth into their respective positions. This can take place anytime from 7 to 11 years of age.

Very often, these problems go unnoticed, which is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist from 7 years of age.

Orthodontic treatment is usually done during the teenage years. This is a good age as tooth movement is more efficient in younger patients. In addition, there are some growth potential remaining in adolescents, which may be beneficial during the course of treatment.

Having said that, adults can benefit from braces too. There is no age limit for braces because teeth can continue to be straightened in adulthood.

As more adults seek orthodontic treatment, the request for less visible, hidden or invisible braces have increased. Fortunately, there are braces available to not only suit the adult wearer’s request for a less visible or invisible treatment experience, these braces satisfy their functional purpose as well as traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces, made of tooth-coloured ceramic brackets which are less visible at a glance, is a common solution to eradicating patients’ concerns to having their braces showing. Up close, a thin metal wire can sometimes be seen threading through the braces, however, a new clear wire is now available in the market that complements ceramic braces to create a totally tooth-coloured system.

Lingual braces are braces that are attached on the inner part of the teeth, as all metal and wire parts are hidden behind the teeth, one can see hardly anything when looking from the outside.

Invisible braces treatment is another aesthetic option for people who wish to straighten their teeth but desire a natural appearance. This system of braces consist of numerous clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. Each of these aligners is custom made and progressively moves teeth into their desired positions. The aligners are barely seen when worn over the teeth due to the transparency and clarity of the material used. These braces are convenient and hygienic as patients can remove the aligners during mealtimes and whilst cleaning their teeth.

Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the teeth are slightly unstable in their new positions. Teeth that have been moved have a tendency to return to their original positions due to the nature of the surrounding gum tissue.

In order to minimise this tendency, retainers are usually worn over the teeth to maintain their corrected positions. In the initial period, they are worn throughout the day, only to be taken out when eating and brushing. When the teeth positions stabilise after a few months, the retainers may then be worn only at night.