ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontia is the specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the treatment of proclined teeth, improper bites and crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help fix the patient’s teeth and set them in the right place. Orthodontists usually use braces to set the patient’s teeth. Orthodontists work on reconstructing the entire face rather than focusing only on teeth. After a course of active orthodontic treatment, patients will typically wear retainers which help to maintain the teeth in their improved positions while surrounding bone reforms around them. The retainers are generally worn full-time for a period, anywhere from just a six months to a year, then part-time (typically, nightly during sleep) for as long as the orthodontist recommends.
TYPES OF BRACES
1.TRADITIONAL BRACES
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw as needed. Not all braces are metal. There are several options that are more invisible or at least transparent, and still do the job of straightening your teeth and aligning your bite. In general, clear braces and traditional metal braces function in the same way.
2.DAMON BRACES
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 good results in a shorter time.
Damon braces are designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Without the elastic ties which attract and collect plaque, Damon braces make dental hygiene easy during treatment. Plus the Damon System is available in clear brackets for those image conscious patients.
Advantages
Damon braces have a number of benefits over traditional braces. These include:
• Appearance.
• Faster treatment time.
• Less in-office maintenance.
• Less pressure on the teeth, resulting in less pain.
• Less friction, which avoids erosion and deterioration of the teeth.
• Fewer places for plaque and bacteria to accumulate on the braces.
3.INSIGNIA
Insignia is a new advanced smile design custom made braces. Like fingerprints, your smile is unique. And so is insignia, a computerized system that combines digital treatment planning with specially made brackets and wires tailored to your special dental anatomy.
Dr.Raj is the first to launch and practice the Insignia advanced smile design technology here in Malaysia.
Unlike traditional orthodontics and their ”óne size fits all” approach, INSIGNIA ADVANCED SMILE DESIGN customizes braces and wires for you. The result is a radiant smile that reflects your individuality.
– Insignia can reduce your time in braces by up to 25%
– Insignia is ideal for everyone- from the adult with the hectic schedule to the teen who wants to be out of braces and on with their smile.
– Insignia helps develop a precise treatment plan for your unique orthodontic needs
– Insignia allows you to preview your new smile before treatment begins. Insignia orthodontists are members of a select group who have undergone additional training and certification to provide the best patient care available and the perfect smile for you.
– Just like the other systems, insignia is available both in metal and clear brackets.
ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
HAWLEYS RETAINER
These retainers are removable and used in many situations. When braces are removed these retainers maintain treatment results, close space, or maintain expansion after the use of a palatal expander. The retainers are made with a coloured acrylic and have a wire that crosses the front teeth. After braces are removed, the best way to ensure long-term stability of the teeth is indefinite retainer wear.
BONDED RETAINER
A bonded retainer consists of a braided wire that is glued to the backside of the lower anterior teeth. It is used in place of a removable retainer and is placed following the removal of one’s braces. They are popular because one does not have to remember to put a retainer in the mouth.
TEMPORARY ANCHORAGE DEVICE
Temporary anchorage devices are known by many names among which are mini-screws, mini-implants, and micro-implants. They are about the size of a small wood screw (6 to 10 mm long) and look like an earring resting on the gums when they are in place. Although they resemble a screw, they are made out of biologically inert materials that will not corrode in the mouth or be rejected by the body. They are designed to hold fast in bone and be compatible with the soft tissues through which they pass.
Since TAD’s don’t move, orthodontists can use them to move teeth in directions and amounts that previously were not possible. Although they cannot eliminate the need for jaw surgery or pulling teeth in all patients, many times they may change a surgery case into an extraction case or and extraction case into a non-extraction case. Ask your orthodontist if temporary anchorage devices might be appropriate for your treatment.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR BRACES
Braces have countless tiny spaces to trap food, and this trapped food causes plaque, which can lead to many other dental problems. Because of this, it’s very important to brush your teeth after every meal (snacks count, too), to rinse with mouthwash, and to floss at least once a day. This may seem tedious or excessive, but neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to serious oral health problems, force you to spend additional time in braces, or cause unsightly staining on your teeth. The extra responsibility needed to care for braces properly is something that both you and your child should be prepared for.
