Dental Services

Orthodontics (Braces)

In Gentle Dental Group, we have a dedicated team to rectify misaligned (crooked) teeth.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

What's wrong with crooked teeth?

Crooked teeth makes one self-conscious about their smile. They are also more difficult to brush and floss, and sometimes may affect speech and eating ability.

What can Braces do?

Braces can correct crooked teeth and bad bites (malocclusions). They improve aesthetics and self-esteem. It may also help to improve speech and eating ability.

When should I get braces?

As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you are suitable for braces at any age. However, the ideal time to get the first braces consultation is at age 7, for early detection of eruption problems of the first few permanent teeth.

Another consultation at age 9 is recommended to check on the development of the remaining permanent teeth, as well as any jaw growth problems which may need interventional treatment, so that subsequent treatment is less complicated.

How do Braces work?

Light forces are applied to the teeth in the right direction using braces and special wires to get the crooked teeth into the desired position. Sometimes, your help is needed to use rubber bands daily to help "drive" these teeth in the correct direction.

Choosing the right braces

Firstly, you will need to know what types of braces are currently available.
Types of braces:
     1) Metal braces
     2) Ceramic (transparent) braces
     3) Lingual braces
     4) Invisalign
     5) Self-Ligating braces

1) Metal Braces
Used for: Treatment of almost all types of malocclusions. Most commonly used for children.
Pros: Lower cost, low friction so treatment tends to be faster, less bulky than ceramic braces, choice of coloured modules (rubber rings around each bracket) to make treatment fun, especially for children
Cons: More visible

2) Ceramic (transparent) braces
Used for: Treatment of almost all types of malocclusions unless the bite is very deep
Pros: Almost invisible except for the archwire spanning across the teeth
Cons: Higher cost compared to metal braces, treatment tends to take longer, slightly larger than metal braces

3) Lingual braces
Used for: Treatment of some malocclusions, used if labial braces is not an option
Pros: Completely invisible from the front
Cons: Expensive, More complex mechanics with poorer finish, may require a short period of wear of labial braces to obtain better end result, longer treatment time, uncomfortable to the tongue and may cause ulcers and speech difficulties

4) Invisalign
Used for: Treatment of selective (usually milder) malocclusions or relapsed cases
Pros: Completely invisible (ideal for adults who do not want to be seen wearing conventional braces), convenient and able to better maintain daily oral hygeine routines
Cons: More costly, may require a short period of wear of labial braces to obtain better end result, compliance of wearer extremely essential

5) Self-ligating braces
Used for: Treatment of almost all types of malocclusions, especially of teeth that need light forces, or when non-extraction treatment is planned
Pros: Very low friction bracket system hence lighter forces are required to move teeth, less painful, possibly shorter treatment time
Cons: More costly compared to metal braces, metal visible in mouth though ceramic brackets (less visible) are also available