Dental Braces

Dental braces offer long-term benefits, such as:

• Improved oral health and hygiene: Orthodontic braces are designed to address spacing and crowding issues, giving you straighter teeth that are easier to clean.
• Fixed bite: Braces also correct misalignment in the jaw, also known as malocclusion, which can cause speech impediments and biting or chewing difficulties.
• Reduce bone erosion: Misaligned teeth can cause certain sections of our jawbone to experience higher-than-normal pressures, eventually penetrating the bone leading to erosion. Aligning the teeth properly can prevent this from happening.
• Reduced risk for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: By aligning the teeth and jaw, dental braces in Singapore may be used to treat symptoms of TMJ, such as jaw pain and teeth grinding.
• Boost in confidence and self-esteem: Dental braces can help give you a beautiful smile, which improves your appearance and self-esteem.

• Overcrowded Teeth: This occurs when one’s jaw is too small to accommodate all of one’s teeth, or when one’s teeth are too big for one’s jaw; resulting in overcrowded and misaligned teeth.
• Gapped Teeth: This refers to spaces between teeth as a result of missing teeth. When left unaddressed, these gaps can be a hotbed for plaque and bacteria and an increased risk of tooth decay.
• Open Bite: An open bite occurs when one’s upper and lower teeth do not bite together correctly (no overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth). This leaves a visible space between the upper and lower teeth.
• Crossbite: A crossbite is when the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned in a way whereby one or more of the upper teeth sits behind the lower teeth; rather than in front of it.
• Underbite: An underbite refers to a vertical overlap of the teeth, in which the lower jaw protrudes forward, resulting in the lower front teeth and jaw also protruding over the upper front teeth.
• Overbite: The opposite of the underbite, an overbite refers to a vertical overlap of the teeth in which the upper front teeth protrude significantly over the lower front teeth.
• Overjet: An overjet refers to the horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. It is different from an overbite in the sense that with an overjet, the teeth are noticeably angled outward.
• Abnormal Eruption: This refers to a problem in the growth and development of a tooth, in which a tooth may erupt prematurely. In some cases, a tooth may grow in the wrong position.

• Initial assessment: Getting dental braces in Singapore begins with a visit to the orthodontist who will assess your teeth and jaw to determine whether you are suitable for orthodontic treatment. X-rays and pictures will also be taken to better diagnose the problem.
• Treatment Planning: To create customised orthodontic braces just for you, your dentist will need to take a mould impression of your teeth. This is traditionally done using a playdough-like material, which will be spread onto a special tray that you will be instructed to bite on. In some cases, digital scans are done instead. Your dentist will also guide you through your treatment plan, from the cost and timeline to your braces options.
• Installation of Braces: The process of installing one’s braces will depend the type of braces selected. Generally, the teeth will first be cleaned. It is also recommended for cavities and other dental issues to be treated first before getting orthodontic treatment. For traditional and ceramic braces, metal brackets are glued onto the teeth, and archwires are fixed in place over them using elastic bands. For Invisalign treatment, the patient will instead wear aligners that fit precisely over their teeth, which would need to be replaced every appointment.
• What are the Components of Traditional Braces?
  
  
  • Brackets: These are metal or ceramic attachments that are usually glued to the front of the teeth. They have slots and hooks where the archwires and elastics are fixed, respectively.
  • Archwire: This is the main wire that connects all brackets and is responsible for moving the teeth.
  • Ligature: This is the elastic band that is placed on top of every bracket to keep the archwire in place.
  • Metal Bands: Also known as molar bands, these are thicker metal brackets that go on the back molars.
  • Elastic Bands: These are rubber bands that are attached to the hooks of brackets on a top and bottom tooth. They provide additional force and aid in the correction of bite issues and misalignment.
  • Spacers: For individuals who require metal bands, spacers are first placed to create gaps between a tooth and a molar, allowing for the easy placement of the metal band.
• Oral Care with Braces: Oral hygiene is important at all times, but especially when you have braces, since you now have additional structures in your mouth which can make it harder to clean – but no less important. You will need to brush your teeth regularly twice a day and floss afterwards. You can also use periodontal brushes and special flosses to help you clean in between the teeth, especially the hard-to-reach areas. In terms of food, you are generally advised to refrain from eating very hard and sticky foods.
• Adjustments & Checkups – Depending on your treatment plan, your dentist will need to adjust your braces every 3 to 8 weeks. During these appointments, your dentist will tighten your braces by adjusting the length and curvature of the archwire and replacing the ligatures. There are also times when you will need to wear rubber instead of the usual individual ligatures.
• Completion of Treatment – Once your orthodontist has determined your treatment to be completed, he or she will then remove the brackets, archwire and ligatures, as well as polish your teeth to remove the glue or bonding agent that was used to attach the brackets. You will also be instructed to wear a retainer to maintain the new shape of your teeth.

The time required for dental braces varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem. On average, however, once the orthodontic braces are put on, they usually remain in place for one to two years. After braces are removed, most people will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first 1 year, then only during sleep for many years.

Orthodontic Braces treatment are suitable for almost everyone from as young as 10 years old.

A Smile Assessment at our dental clinic can show you the end results of using dental braces in Singapore, before even starting. Click here to find out more

Our dedicated orthodontist, Dr Lawrence Yong, has two decades of specialist experience in the field of orthodontics and the alignment of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Utilizing orthodontic devices like braces and clear aligners, our clinic is able to achieve better smiles, better oral health, and better speech and chewing functions.

We offer a variety of orthodontic braces to suit the needs and preferences of our patients. At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, we aim to provide high-quality braces as a part of a tailored and effective orthodontic treatment.

Let us be a part of your smile transformation today.