No one will deny the importance of a winning smile. It makes a pleasing appearance, promotes self-esteem, and is valuable to social and career success. Creating a beautiful smile is what orthodontics is all about. Orthodontics is important not only to a great smile and improved self confidence, but to better dental health. Teeth in correct alignment are easier to clean, making them more resistant to decay and less susceptible to gum disease. Braces fit easily into today’s active lifestyles. They’re comfortable, easy to keep clean, and less visible than in the past. New techniques and materials can extend the period between appointments, saving time and expense.
Common problems
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Crowding: Teeth may be aligned poorly because the dental arch is small and/or the teeth are large. |
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Overjet or protruding upper teeth: Upper front teeth that protrude beyond normal contact with the lower front teeth are prone to injury, often indicate a poor bite of the back teeth (molars), and may indicate an unevenness in jaw growth. |
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Deep overbite: A deep overbite or deep bite occurs when the lower incisor (front) teeth bite too close or into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth. |
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Open bite: An open bite results when the upper and lower incisor teeth do not touch when biting down. This open space between the upper and lower front teeth causes all the chewing pressure to be placed on the back teeth. |
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Spacing: If teeth are missing or small, or the dental arch is very wide, space between the teeth can occur. The most common complaint from those with excessive space is poor appearance. |
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Crossbite: The most common type of a crossbite is when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (toward the tongue). |
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Underbite or lower jaw protrusion: About 3 to 5 percent of the population has a lower jaw that is to some degree longer than the upper jaw. This can cause the lower front teeth to protrude ahead of the upper front teeth creating a crossbite. Careful monitoring of jaw growth and tooth development is indicated for these patients. |
Type of Braces
Removable appliance
There are plastic braces which are used to correct problems like crossbites, protruding teeth, narrow arches, deepbites and single tooth problems. Treatment is usually shorter than for fixed braces and usually last 3 to 12 months.
A removable arch expander
Growth or functional appliances
These are removable braces used to guide jaw growth during a child’s growth spurt.
A “Twin Block” functional appliance
Fixed appliances
These are braces which are fixed onto the tooth surface and are able to correct complex malocclusions. They can be made of different materials (metal, ceramic, plastic or a combination) and can be placed on the outer (labial) surface or the inner (lingual) surface of teeth.
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Metal bracesSelf-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces are “low friction” bracket systems and hence are less painful and move teeth faster than conventional braces. It can reduce the need for extractions and also the number of visits and overall treatment time. Popular brands include Damon, Smartclip and Inovation which are all available at our clinic.
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Metal Self-ligating braces |
Ceramic Self-ligating braces |
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Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are ideal for those who want the effects of braces, but are apprehensive about showing a mouthful of orthodontic work to the world. Lingual braces sit on the back of your teeth—making them completely invisible from the front. Lingual braces are an ideal option for adult orthodontic patients. Because the bottom teeth are generally less visible anyway, a popular combination is to have lingual braces on the top teeth and clear braces on the bottom.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an invisible way to straighten teeth without wires and brackets. The Invisalign system uses a series of custom made clear aligners to more teeth gradually over time. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift teeth into place. Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that is switched every two weeks.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign can be removed during brushing, eating and drinking. Brushing will no longer be a problem. Without wires or brackets the custom made aligners are comfortable and will not irritate your cheeks, gums or tongue.
The aligners are made with a clear plastic and are virtually invisible so no one will know you are straightening your teeth unless you tell them.
Written by:
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Dr Arthur C Y Lim | OrthodontistBDS | MDS(Orthodontics) | MOrthRCS(Edinburgh) | FAMS(Orthodontics) Have a question or comment for Dr Arthur Lim? Ask here |
Dear Alynna
An underbite can be treated by braces alone or in combination with jaw surgery. Whether your condition can be treated with braces alone or will require jaw surgery as well will depend on 1) the severity of the jaw protrusion, and 2) whether you want to correct your jaw protrusion.
The cost of braces will range from $5000 to $8500 depending on whether you need jaw surgery and on the type of braces chosen.
If you have more questions about the surgery and costs, please email Dr Juliet Tay who is a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at enquiry@iosc.com.sg or visit her clinic website at enquiry@iosc.com.sg or visit her clinic website at http://www.iosc.com.sg
Do call 64748468 for a consultation appointment or visit http://www.bracesatwork.com for more information
Dear Patrice
Whether an open bite can be treated by braces alone or will require jaw surgery as well will depend mainy on three things:
1) the severity of the open bite
2) the nature of the open bite
3) the age of the patient
The more severe the open bite the more likely the need for jaw surgery as the result will be more stable in the long term.
The nature of the open bite refers to whether it is due to the teeth or the bone. Open bites due to the teeth (dental open bites) can usually be corrected by braces alone but those due to the bone (skeleta open bites) will require surgery.
Treatment of open bites with braces only is more likely possible and stable in younger children/ teenagers and less so in adult patients.
You will need a thorough assesment with x-rays to determine your treatment plan. Do call 64748468 for a consultation appointment or visit http://www.bracesatwork.com for more information.
Dear Dr Sanchez
In the diverse field of Orthodontics there are many techniques and appliances, most of which can and do straighten teeth.
Self-ligating brackets is a type of appliance which relies on the low friction nature of the bracket and state of the art technology archwires to move teeth with gentle forces. It is due to the gentle forces that their manufacturers say provide the advantages of less discomfort and potential damage to teeth, quicker treatment duration and appointments, as well as less need for extractions.
In the medical/dental field however, every patient is an individual and these stated advantages may not apply to everyone. As an orthodontit who uses both conventional and self-liagting bracket systems, I remain convinced of their advantages of less discomfort and quicker teeth movement and appointments. Whether the overall treatment duration is shortened and whether extractions are necessary depends on the individual’s initial malocclusion.
It is true these advantages can be obtained with conventional systems but self-ligating systems are more efficient with less hassle and in my opinion are the direction to go for orthodontics.
As with research papers, you will find many orthodontist who will attest to self-ligating systems and some who will not believe in them. There are many ways to reach the target of straight teeth and a nice smile. What is important is that you are comfortable with your orthodontist and his treatment plan for your children.
I hope I have answered your query. Do call 64748468 if you have more questions or would like to arrange a consultation appointment.
Hi Dr Lim,
I have a buck tooth problem. I want braces but not sure of the cost. Maybe like for the metal braces and how long I’ll have to where them if my only only problem is the front teeth?(the other teeth are in a perfect line)And will I be able to continue playing my flute?
hi DR Lim,
i have a normal teeth.one of the tooth on the upper jaw is inward then the upper jaw. 2 of my bottom teeth have also small gaps and the teeth deep inside the mouth is curling inwards. i just wondering if i need a braces?
Dear Zaid
From what you described it sounds like you have crooked or malaligned teeth as well as spaces between teeth. These are two of the most common problems braces correct.
If you would like to have straight teeth and to close the gap in your lower jaw, than yes, you do need brace treatment.
Do call 64748468 for a consultation appointment or visit http://www.bracesatwork.com for more information
hi,
i would like to ask about the cost for an underbite surgery. And what is the minimum age to undergo the surgery? Also, are they any risks doin it?
Dear Dr Arthur
I would like to check with you how I should select an orthodontist. I noticed that a lot of orthodontists are not registered with the Asso of Orthodontics (Singapore). Is that a good criteria to start?
Thanks.
Tris
Dear Dr. Lim,
I am a student at the age of 20 and have decided to put on braces to correct my teeth, however I realised that I fall into the catagory of an Open Bite.
I have overcrowding at the right side of my upper teeth and both sets are slight protruding. This leaves a gap in between and the bottom set seems to be more shifted more to the left while the upper set shifts to the right (the back teeth not aligned). Hence, I think my smile is distorted. My bottom set used to be quite straight, however, I found out that one tooth started to tilt out and food particles get stuck there more easily.
Am I too late at the age of 20?
Does this sound difficult to correct? Will I need the jaw surgery? Will jaw surgery be expensive?
Can I seek consultation and how much will that cost?
Thank you.
Hi how much is cost of invasaligh braces?
I have bucked teeth. How can I fixed a protrusion in upper and lower teeth(slightly in the lower teeth). I would like to know if braces can fix clear braces can fix my teeth and for how much( with no health insurance)
Hi,
i have one little tooth protruding from the lower row of my teeth. Do i need to do braces for both the upper and lower jaw when i think i only have problem on the lower part? And approx. how much will that cost? Thanks!
Dear Cheree
Thank you for your enquiry.
Whether you need to have treatment on one or two jaws depends on your bite. There are cases where although only one tooth seems to be protruding, closer inspection will reveal that the teeth in the other jaw are also crooked as they hae over time “fitted” to the initially crooked tooth.
The cost of treatment will depend on how severe the problem is and whether one or two jaw treatment is needed. It can range from $600-$1500 for a simple removable appliance or $4000-$6000 for full braces.
Do call 64748468 for a consultation appointment or visit http://www.bracesatwork.com for more information
hey doctor,
i’ve got a mild overbite on my top teeth. should i go for braces treatment or should i just wear retainers, if that’s possible.
and how much does retainers cost? how long do we need to use it?
thanks, looking forward for your reply!
Hi…Dr Lim,
Im student aged 19 this year…
I have both upper n lower tooth protruding
Im thking to correct it…
Bt im oso thking cn I wear invasaligh braces instead of metal braces…
It is less effective…
For my condition is it possible to wear invasaligh braces instead of the meatal braces?
Thank You
hey,dr.
I want to only have upper protusion surgery without braces.
Can i do that?
And also about i want to change my tooth into better one (implant).
how much the cost of the implant (per tooth) ?
Hi Dr, I have a problem now. Dentist advised me to root canal my molar, removed ungrown wisdom tooth, crowned then followed by brace if possible. Is the brace now cost more than 4k? Without hidden cost?
Hi Dr,
My daughter has cross bites problem thus has protruding front tooth. Is it advisable for 7 years old go for treatment now?
Roughly how much it will cause? only upper front tooth?
Hi, Doctor,
I found your websites pretty interesting on the orthodontic treatment. In the paragraph, Self-ligating braces,you highlighted that these are “low friction” bracket systems that move teeth faster than conventional braces and also reduce the number of visits and overall treatment time. One of the brand that I found on the web was the Damon system.
Could you advise on the following:
1) Treatment time - the conventional braces generally takes about 24 months for the overall treatment time, how long does it takes with the Damon system.
2) How much does the Damon system costs as compared to conventional braces?
3) Is there a need to wear rubber bands and retainer as is required in the conventional braces?
4) What is the main advantage of choosing Damon system over the conventional braces?
5) How much will an tooth implant cost? Mine is on the upper jaw.
Lastly, does health insurance in Singapore covers orthodontic treatment? If yes, could you kindly advise which insurance company provide the cover?
Thank you.
Regards
Pearl.
Hi Doctor,
I’m not sure what category my problem belong to. My upper rows of teeth are protruding, in the sense that they are neatly alligned with no one tooth out of line but the bottom and top row of my teeth cannot meet.
Do i need braces or do i need the the simple removable appliance instead? I did braces treatment in 4 years ago but I did not complete it because of some issues. I am really really hoping I can start treatment soon but it seems my parent’s financial condition do not allow. Could you advice on the approximate cost for such a treatment so that I can start saving up.
Is it too late to start? I’m 17 this year.
hi doctor,
i am 15 years old student. i got a problem with my upper jaw,it seems like it is protruding out and my lower jaw, the teeths are all badly arranged. so what kind of surgery or braces will i need to undergo to proper my mouth especially the upper jaw? If there is, how much will it roughly cost? i really need to know whether there is a way to PUSH back my upper jaw and have beautiful teeth like other people has.
thank you
Urmm,I wanted braces but I’m afraid to go secondary school with braces.and im not sure if i need or i want one..my front upper two teeth in the middle has a space between it rather small..my bottom front teeth in the middle two is abit in ward but no so in and is not that obvious..do i NEED braces or isit smth that i want?im really confuse and nervous..
i am well hoping that the jaw surgery can be deemed claimable by medisave. i can also see that there is device- removable arch expander. just wondering since it states that its usually used for crossbites etc, will it be recommended for me? it sure doesnt look very comfortable compared to the common metal brackets. cost is a bit too sky high actually.
Hi Doctor,
can i know how dentist check that the wire is centralize? i realize those wire that are push in have a certain U-shape but how will the doctor know if they have actually centralize it properly?
Thank You
Zijing
dear docter,
i would like to know what type of braces would be best for me. i have an overbight and and a few gaps i between my teeth, on the top. and on the bottom i have a few teeth that overlap slightly. i would like to get the braces that go behind your teeth just so people don,t see all the food build up in the braces.thats just what i want if you have any othe suggestions please say. i am 13. and can you give me an approximate price please thanm looking i am looking forward to your response thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, I am a 16 year old girl.
I think i have incorrect upper jaw position.
my upper set of teeth is straight but when my mouth is closed,
My mouth looks protruding.
Will braces correct my jaw position?
Is it too late to start braces now?
My upper jaws is the only problem.
Is it possible to have no surgery required?
How much will the treatment cost?
Thankyou.
Hi Doc,
I had my braces on in March 09, according to my ortho, my treatment will take app 18 months. Will it cause alot of problems if I had it removed earlier?
Is that true that our bone structure will change dramatically after having braces, cause I look totally different before and after I had my braces on, my jawline looked smaller thus effect my forehead and temple area, and my eyes looked sunken in….Thanx
Where should i go for my braces? From what i know, going for professional orthodontist is the best option, but can i go to a notrmal dentist which has B.D.S degree for braces treatment as they do offer braces at a lower price. Are dentist with B.D.S able to offer braces treatment? What are the differences?