If you are experiencing problems when it comes to the position and alignment of your teeth then you might consider having braces (click here to get a consultation with our specialist). Dental braces or orthodontic braces are devices used to align and straighten the teeth to help a person’s bite and improve dental health. It can serve to treat structural and dental problems and also for improving one’s cosmetic appearance. Specifically, braces are indicated for the following dental conditions:
Indications for Placing Orthodontic Braces
• Correction of underbites
• Other teeth and jaw problems
• Overbites
• Cross bites
• Open Bites
• Deep Bites
• For Malocclusions
• Crooked Teeth
Braces Procedure
Dental braces are installed by licensed orthondontists. These are dentists trained in the field of orthondontics. To attain this certificate in orthodontics, dentists are required to complete 2 to 3 years of additional training. The procedure for placing orthodontics involves the following steps:
1. Visual inspection of the teeth, X-ray, molding and review of records
First the orthodontist determines if the patient needs dental braces. He or she inspects the teeth visually then asks the patients to have an X-ray of the whole jaw area. The X-ray would help the orthodontist evaluate the condition, if there is a need to install braces, and what kind of treatment approach is needed.
Aside from X-rays, the dentist also creates a replica of the mouth through molding. Here the orthodontist places a mold on the mouth and the mold assumes the position of the teeth, tongue and the whole shape of the mouth. This would be studied and would also help in determining the type of treatment approach to be implemented.
2. Application of adhesive and cement
If the dental condition warrants the application of braces, the braces are applied by first placing an adhesive to the surface of each tooth. This adhesive helps the cement bond to the tooth surface.
3. Placing of dental brackets
After cement is applied, dental brackets are then placed on the tooth surface. Dental brackets secure the arch wire and elastics that help in aligning the teeth.
4. Placing of arch wires and elastic or metal ligatures
Wires are placed and these are secured by the brackets. The metal wire is further affixed by elastic (rubber) or metal ligatures. Elastic ligatures come in different colors; this gives the variety of braces colors that we often see.
Are Braces only For Children or Teens?
Braces are not only placed among the younger age groups, there are also braces for adults. If a person has the stated conditions above, whether this person is young or old, then placement of orthodontic braces is definitely needed.
What about the Braces Prices?
Brace price ranges from $250 to as much as $7000. Prices highly vary due to the severity of the dental problem and also due to payment terms set by orthondontists. Some may go as high as $7000 or even higher because their treatment involves surgery and tooth extractions.
The braces before and after results may also vary; it is dependent on the severity, the dental case and also the course of treatment. But most of the time, installation of braces significantly improves problems on misalignment.
For more information and to establish the required treatment and cost, please sign up for a consultation here with our Singapore braces specialist.