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Treatment
Each patient will be diagnosed individually and
have a custom-made treatment plan depending on
the alignment of their teeth and jaw spaces. Treatment
time is related to types of the orthodontic appliances
being used. Fixed braces take less treatment time
than removable braces. Age is one factor that
affects the treatment time, as adults need longer
treatment time than children. At the completion
of active orthodontic treatment,
the retainer is worn to keep the teeth fitted
in the right position. In order to wait for the
bone, gum, and tissue adapt to the new positions
and to prevent the teeth from moving back towards
their original positions, the whole orthodontic
process may take about 1-3 years on average.
Post-Treatment
 The
successful treatment significantly depends on
the patients’ cooperation. Proper oral care is
important because wires that trap food can cause
cavities. The patients should brush their teeth
after eating, and removable braces should be taken
out to brush as well. In case of wearing fixed
braces, after meal brushing is suggested. A special
toothbrush that has its brush-head specifically
designed with a space in the middle is available
to help clean the aligned teeth more effectively.
While taking a shower, you may try spraying water
into the mouth to help clean the teeth. As most
orthodontics take time, special oral care is necessary
to prevent tooth decay.
Types of appliances
- Removable braces
Removable braces are a plastic base plate with
wires attached. The use is limited to correcting
minor problems involving a single tooth or controlling
the growth of jaws. Some removable braces are
used as retainers to hold patients’ teeth in
position at the end of the treatment.
- Fixed braces
Fixed braces comprise of brackets and bands,
which are attached to the teeth and connected
together with the arch wire.
Lingual orthodontics
Lingual orthodontics help straighten your teeth
with braces that are placed on the inner aspect
of the teeth. Lingual orthodontics are unnoticeable
and do not damage your teeth’s surface, thus you
can smile with more confidence.
Invisalign
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 Invisalign
is a series of invisible aligners that is
custom-molded for each customer. The tool
is closely attached to the patient’s teeth
and totally unnoticeable to others.
Since there is no metal wires or bands
to bother you during the process, you don’t
have to worry about loosing the tool while
 eating
or having the food trapped on wires. Removing
and cleaning processes are simple. For a
better result, wearing the invisalign all
day and night (take them off only while
you eat, brush your teeth, or floss them)
is recommended. |
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