Crooked or crowded teeth are not only an aesthetic issue, but they can adversely affect your bite, speech and ability to carry out adequate oral hygiene. We correct these issues by using dental braces to move and straighten teeth.
Besides straightening crooked teeth, dental braces can also correct bite issues such as underbites, overbites, crossbite and open bites. A good bite with well aligned teeth is important for the following reasons:
- Straightened teeth look better, improve dental bite, and enhance facial symmetry.
- Oral hygiene, brushing and flossing become easier and much more effective.
- A good bite increase chewing efficiency
- Well aligned teeth reduces the risk of jaw joint problems.
- In some cases, dental braces can improve speech.
Dental braces move teeth by applying low gentle forces on the teeth surfaces. This needs to be done slowly or the teeth and its supporting structures will be damaged. Hence, braces treatment usually takes one to two years to complete.
Types of dental braces
There are various types of dental braces, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Our dentists generally advise you to select the type of braces that suits your lifestyle and budget.
- Conventional metal braces – This type of braces are most popular. The braces work by securing metal wires against stainless steel metal brackets with metal string or coloured elastomerics. The elastomerics come with a variety of fashionable colours that your child can choose at their braces appointments.
- Ceramic Braces – The brackets of these braces are made of ceramic, which is transparent and tooth-coloured. From a conversational distance, ceramic braces are unnoticeable compare to their metal counterpart. They are very popular among working adults who needs braces and yet do not want it to be too conspicuous. Ceramic braces are naturally more brittle than conventional metal braces, and so they are manufactured slightly larger to make them strong and bulkier. Ceramic braces are generally more expensive.