Orthodontist in Singapore

An orthodontist and a dentist both play crucial roles in maintaining oral health, but they focus on different aspects of dentistry; and differ greatly in the duration, depth, and specialisation of training.

A dentist addresses general dental concerns and offers services that range from tooth cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and gum care, ensuring the overall health of teeth and gums. Their practice covers a broad spectrum of oral care.

On the other hand, an orthodontist is a specialist, who, after completing standard dental education, undergoes additional years of rigorous specialist training in orthodontics, which is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. They specialise in aligning teeth, jaws, and bites, primarily using braces, retainers, and other corrective prosthetics.

Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for individuals of various age groups, from children to adults, who face a variety of dental and facial irregularities.

• Children with Early Signs of Dental Problems: It is recommended that children get their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Early detection can lead to simpler, more effective treatment and can often prevent more serious problems from developing in the future. This includes issues like early or late loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking habits, or a mismatch in the sizes of the top and bottom jaws.
• Adolescents with Malocclusions: This is the prime age when most individuals undergo orthodontic treatment. Issues addressed include overbites, underbites, crossbites, overcrowding, or spacing issues.
• Adults Seeking Improved Dental Health and Aesthetics: Many adults opt for orthodontic treatments for cosmetic reasons. Straight teeth not only look better but are also easier to clean, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, orthodontics can resolve difficulties in speech or chewing related to dental issues.
• Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): Orthodontic treatments can sometimes alleviate the symptoms of TMD, which affects the jaw joint and can result in pain or reduced jaw function.
• Dental Trauma Patients: Individuals who have experienced dental trauma or accidents might require orthodontic care as part of their rehabilitative process.
• People with Habits Affecting Dental Health: Prolonged habits, like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, can alter jaw growth in young children, leading to protruded or buck teeth. Orthodontic intervention can help correct the consequences of these habits.
• Individuals Preparing for Advanced Dental Procedures: Those preparing for advanced dental cosmetic treatments, such as veneers or bridges, or restorative procedures like implants, may first require orthodontic treatments to align and position teeth correctly.

Orthodontic problems, often referred to as malocclusions, vary widely but generally involve irregularities in the position and alignment of the teeth and jaws. Here are some of the most common orthodontic problems:

• Crowding: This is one of the most prevalent orthodontic issues. It occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth to accommodate all the teeth, leading them to overlap or twist. Crowding can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Spacing: In contrast with crowding, spacing issues involve gaps or spaces between teeth. This can be a result of missing teeth, undersized teeth, or habits like thumb-sucking that push teeth apart.
• Overbite: An overbite is when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth while the mouth is closed. This can cause wear on the lower teeth and may cause teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
• Underbite: An underbite happens when the lower teeth and jaw protrude in front of the upper teeth. This can interfere with the proper function of the front teeth and molars, which may lead to tooth wear.
• Crossbite: In a normal alignment, the upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth. With a crossbite, one or more of the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, which can cause misaligned jaw growth.
• Open Bite: This occurs when the front teeth, either upper or lower, do not make contact with their opposing teeth. This results in a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed and can be caused by habits like tongue-thrusting or thumb-sucking.
• Protrusion: Protruding teeth, commonly known as "buck teeth," occur when the upper teeth jut out excessively or the lower teeth do not extend far enough back. This can affect the appearance and function of the teeth.
• Misplaced Midline: This problem occurs when the centre of the upper front teeth does not align with the centre of the lower front teeth, leading to an off-centre bite.

Determining the right time to see an orthodontist can significantly influence the success and efficiency of potential treatments. In Singapore, as in many parts of the world, it is advised for children to have their first orthodontic check-up around the age of seven, as this is when the first permanent molars typically emerge. Early evaluation allows for the timely identification and intervention of potential alignment issues or jaw irregularities.

For adults, there's no specific age cut-off for seeking orthodontic care, and many are now seeking treatment well into their senior years. Indicators that you might need to visit an orthodontist include crooked or crowded teeth, unexplained facial or jaw pain, difficulties in chewing or biting, an overbite or underbite, and persistent mouth-breathing or thumb-sucking habits in children. Furthermore, if your family has a history of orthodontic problems, it might be beneficial to seek an evaluation earlier.

Orthodontic problems are diagnosed through a combination of clinical examinations, detailed histories, and specialised imaging techniques. The process usually begins with a thorough clinical examination where the orthodontist inspects the mouth, teeth, and jaw. This helps in understanding the type of misalignment or the specific orthodontic issue at hand.

Patient history is also crucial. The orthodontist will ask about any previous dental work, habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier, general oral hygiene habits, and any family history of orthodontic problems. This provides context to the current condition and can offer insights into potential future issues or which treatment programme to take.

One of the most critical diagnostic tools in orthodontics is dental imaging. This often involves taking panoramic X-rays, which provide a full, detailed view of the jaws, temporomandibular joints, and teeth. These X-rays can highlight issues like impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, or other hidden dental structures that might not be apparent during a visual inspection.

In some cases, specialised imaging like cone-beam CT scanning might be used. This provides a three-dimensional view of the dental structures, allowing for more detailed planning, especially in complex cases. Plaster or digital models of the teeth might also be made by taking impressions. These models provide a tangible representation of the dental arches, allowing the orthodontist to plan treatments, understand spatial relationships, and predict movement.

Lastly, photographs of a patient's face and mouth can be taken to document the initial condition and monitor progress over time. These images provide a visual record and can be used for treatment planning and patient education.

Knowing what to anticipate can alleviate anxiety, whether you are seeking treatment for yourself or your child. Here's what you can expect during your initial consultation with an orthodontist:

• Medical and Dental History Review: Before any examination, the orthodontist will review your medical and dental history. They might ask about any past dental surgeries, allergies, medications, or habits that could impact your oral health.
• Oral Examination: This involves a thorough visual check of your teeth, jaw, and oral structures. The orthodontist will assess for any alignment problems, overcrowding, gaps, or other orthodontic concerns.
• Dental Imaging: Most orthodontic consultations will include imaging, often through X-rays. These images give a clearer view of the position of teeth, roots, and jawbone. It can reveal problems not immediately apparent through visual inspection alone, such as impacted teeth.
• Impressions: You might need to have dental impressions taken. This involves biting into a soft material that will harden into a mould of your teeth. These models offer a detailed view of your dental alignment and are crucial for treatment planning.
• Discussion of Findings and Treatment Options: Based on the examination, history review, and any imaging, the orthodontist will discuss their findings with you. They'll provide a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options, considering factors like the severity of the problem, age, and individual preferences.
• Financial and Timeline Discussions: Orthodontic treatments can be a significant commitment both in time and financially. The consultation will also include a discussion about the cost of the proposed treatments, payment options, insurance considerations, and an estimated timeline for the treatment.
• Questions and Concerns: The consultation is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and address any concerns. Whether it's about the necessity of treatment, the pros and cons of braces versus aligners, or any potential complications, don't hesitate to ask.
• Follow-up Appointment Scheduling: If you decide to proceed with the treatment, the orthodontist's office will help you schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to begin the process.