SERVICES / Orthodontics
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized field in dentistry focused on correcting and preventing misaligned or crooked teeth, ensuring optimal oral health and aesthetics.
SERVICES / Orthodontics
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized field in dentistry focused on correcting and preventing misaligned or crooked teeth, ensuring optimal oral health and aesthetics.
Pediatric Orthodontics
For children, the most suitable appliances are selected based on specific dental alignment, bite, jaw growth stage, and personal habits. These choices aim to provide the best outcome during the transition to permanent teeth.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
To prevent and correct “bite” irregularities, orthodontic treatment is primarily utilized. Factors contributing to these issues include genetic predispositions, early loss of primary (baby) teeth, and harmful oral habits like thumb sucking or developmental problems.
These irregularities can be present from birth or develop during toddlerhood or early childhood. Crooked teeth can impact self-esteem and complicate oral homecare, while straight teeth help reduce the risk of tooth decay and childhood periodontal disease.
Why does early orthodontic treatment make sense?
Some children display early signs of minor orthodontic irregularities. In such cases, the pediatric dentist may choose to monitor the situation over time without providing intervention. However, for children who display severe orthodontic irregularities, early orthodontic treatment can provide many benefits, including:
- Enhanced self-confidence and aesthetic appearance.
- Increased likelihood of properly aligned and spaced adult teeth.
- Reduced risk of childhood cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
- Less chance of needing protracted orthodontic treatments in later years.
- A minimized risk of injury to the teeth, gums, and jawbone.
- Increased likelihood of proper jaw growth.
- Lessened risk of bruxing (teeth grinding).
- Reduced risk of impacted adult teeth.
- Lower risk of developing speech problems.
When can my child begin early orthodontic treatment?
Dentists recognize three age-related stages of orthodontic treatment. These stages are described in detail below.
Early orthodontic treatment aims to guide and regulate the width of both dental arches. The main goal of early treatment is to provide enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Good candidates for early treatment include: children who have difficulty biting properly, children who lose baby teeth early, children whose jaws click or grind during movement, bruxers, and children who use the mouth (as opposed to the nose and mouth) to breathe.
The goals of middle dentition treatments are to realign wayward jaws, to start to correct crossbites and to begin the process of gently straightening misaligned permanent teeth. Middle dentition marks a developmental period when the soft and hard tissues are extremely pliable. In some ways, therefore, it marks an optimal time to begin to correct a severe malocclusion.
Some appliances (like braces) are fixed and others are removable. Regardless of the appliance, the child will still be able to speak, eat, and chew in a normal fashion. However, children who are fitted with fixed dental appliances should take extra care to clean the entire oral region each day in order to reduce the risk of staining, decay, and later cosmetic damage.
Adolescent dentition is what springs to most parents’ minds when they think of orthodontic treatment. Some of the main goals of adolescent dentition include straightening the permanent teeth and improving the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
Most commonly during this period, the orthodontist will provide fixed or removable “braces” to gradually straighten the teeth. Upon completion of the orthodontic treatment, the adolescent may be required to wear a retainer in order to prevent the regression of the teeth to their original alignment.
Functional Orthodontics
A functional appliance is a type of brace used to correct skeletal problems in growing children. Growth modification is used using orthopedic forces to correct the jaws not just the teeth. Functional appliances may be either fixed or removable.
Traditional Braces
The most common type of teeth braces is made of high-grade stainless steel and has metal brackets cemented to each tooth. The brackets interconnect with each other with a thin arch wire, which produces pressure on the teeth and causes them to move slowly in the desired position.
Traditional Braces
The most common type of teeth braces is made of high-grade stainless steel and has metal brackets cemented to each tooth. The brackets interconnect with each other with a thin arch wire, which produces pressure on the teeth and causes them to move slowly in the desired position.
Ceramic Braces
This type of teeth braces works like traditional braces, except that the brackets are clear, transparent ceramic material. The most popular type of teeth braces as it is less visible than traditional metal braces.
Self Ligating Braces
(DAMON SYSTEM/CARRIERE SYSTEM)
Self-ligating appliances are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces. But instead of having brackets that tighten and adjust the braces regularly, self-ligating use a slide mechanism that attaches wires to brackets to move naturally with the teeth as they realign. This makes them more comfortable, better looking and able to provide strong results in a shorter time.
These braces use a different method for moving teeth into the right position. The braces are attached to memory wire that connects slide brackets without the pressure that traditional elastics often produce. They are then set to move your teeth gradually, tightening over time. The process uses less force than traditional braces, which often require supplemental treatment through tooth extractions and palatal expanders.
Self Ligating Braces (DAMON SYSTEM/CARRIERE SYSTEM)
Self-ligating appliances are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces. But instead of having brackets that tighten and adjust the braces regularly, self-ligating use a slide mechanism that attaches wires to brackets to move naturally with the teeth as they realign. This makes them more comfortable, better looking and able to provide strong results in a shorter time.
These braces use a different method for moving teeth into the right position. The braces are attached to memory wire that connects slide brackets without the pressure that traditional elastics often produce. They are then set to move your teeth gradually, tightening over time. The process uses less force than traditional braces, which often require supplemental treatment through tooth extractions and palatal expanders.
Damon Metal/Damon Clear
Damon braces are self-ligating appliances that are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces. But instead of having brackets that tighten and adjust the braces regularly, Damon braces use a slide mechanism that attaches wires to brackets to move naturally with the teeth as they realign. This makes them more comfortable, better looking and able to provide strong results in a shorter time.
Invisalign
The Invisible Orthodontic Alternative
Invisalign is an innovative alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments, such as fixed brackets and wire braces. This treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that you need to change every two to four weeks. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth to the desired position. For optimal results, it is recommended to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day and maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay.
Invisalign
The Invisible Orthodontic Alternative
Invisalign is an innovative alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments, such as fixed brackets and wire braces. This treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that you need to change every two to four weeks. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth to the desired position. For optimal results, it is recommended to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day and maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay.
Who is Invisalign for?
Invisalign is designed for anyone who wants to avoid traditional metal appliances. More and more people are discovering how easy it is to straighten their teeth discreetly with this invisible orthodontic alternative.
Benefits of Invisalign:
- Nearly Invisible: As the name suggests, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, meaning you won’t have to feel self-conscious while wearing them.
- Removable and Comfortable: Invisalign clear aligners are removable, allowing you to keep your diet and oral hygiene routine unchanged. Additionally, they are comfortable and incredibly easy to wear.
- Fewer Office Visits: Compared to traditional braces and orthodontics, the Invisalign system requires fewer office visits, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
- Flexibility for Special Events: Have a big event coming up? No problem! It’s perfectly fine to take out your clear trays for a few hours and enjoy yourself—just remember to put them back in when you’re done!
Advanced Technology and Precision Results:
The Invisalign system uses advanced virtual 3D technology to plan the precise movement of your teeth. A special software program creates a series of trays that gradually bring your teeth into the overall alignment you desire. This customized approach ensures a comfortable and effective treatment.
Personalized Treatments and Health Benefits
Customized Invisalign treatments not only help you achieve a straighter smile but also reduce the risk of gum disease, decay, and TMJ disorder. Additionally, using these transparent trays and removable aligners ensures that your treatment is both discreet and comfortable.
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr. Shalji Sreenivasan
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