Treatment (Braces)

• Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnoea
• Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue)
• Crowding – Involving extra teeth or mal-positioned teeth
• Deep Overbite – The lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth
• Disfiguring of the face & mouth – Affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth
• Jaw & jaw joint pain
• Missing or extra teeth – Due to tooth decay, injuries, or inherited problems
• Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – Upper teeth that protrude beyond normal and are usually associated with a short lower jaw
• Self-image – An attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence
• Spacing between teeth – Teeth are missing or may be too small or too large
• Speech, chewing or biting problems
• Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – Lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw

• Finger or thumb sucking – These habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisor teeth, and mouth breathing
• Teeth erupting out of position – Can be guided to proper alignment

Orthodontic treatment involves three phases:

1. Planning Phase – Your first couple of visits may include the following:
   • A medical and dental history evaluation
   • Castings or “moulds” of your teeth
   • Computer generated photograph of the head and neck that will aid in planning
   • Photographs of your face and mouth
   • X-rays of the teeth and jaws

   After careful planning, your orthodontist will design and apply braces or fabricate custom-made appliances for you.

2. Active Phase
   Active treatment involves visiting your orthodontist on a regular basis for adjustments and following specific treatment requirements to ensure successful treatment.
3. Retention Phase
   When treatment is completed, the braces and/or appliances are removed and a new appliance is made. Usually these retainers are removable and will maintain the changes made to your teeth if worn continuously until the teeth and bone are stabilized in their new positions. Treatment and retention times vary depending on each individual case. Your orthodontist will ensure you have a successful treatment for a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime. Orthodontics can not only help straighten your teeth, giving you an appealing smile, but can greatly contribute to the health of your jaw, teeth and your overall health.