Setting Things Straight
July 14th, 2009 | Published in Braces, Information, Invisalign | 24 Comments
A beautiful smile is an asset. Facial proportion, dental health and aesthetics contribute to creating that unforgettable smile. Some are blessed and born with good looks, and others can enhance what they have.
Benefits of Straight Teeth
Straight teeth contribute significantly to an attractive smile, and can do wonders for one’s self-esteem and self-confidence. For some, it can even alter their attitudes on life and lifestyle.
Aesthetics are not the only reason for straightening teeth. Crooked teeth are often difficult to clean and maintain. They are susceptible to dental decay and gum disease. This can make treatment extensive and costly if delayed until much later.
Speech can also be affected in some instances where the teeth are poorly aligned, or when the upper and lower jaws are not in correct alignment with each other.
Trauma of dental tissues can also result from a bad bite. Protruding front teeth are prone to accidental injuries. Sometimes, a deep bite (excessive overlap between upper and lower teeth), crossbites (single tooth reverse-bite), or jaw discrepancies create a traumatic bite. For some people, there may be gum trauma where a bad bite chews at the gums, causing gum recession or ulcerations and loose teeth. For others, a bad bite or jaw positions can put additional strain on the jaw joints, resulting in joint pains and tension headaches.
Children and the Orthodontist Visit
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic check up not later than 7 years old. Although it is unusual to start treatment before the age of 7, early orthodontic consultation allows potential problems to be identified and preventive measures taken, e.g. discouragement of a thumb-sucking or pacifier habit, or the prevention of early loss of primary teeth due to poor oral hygiene.
Interceptive orthodontics may be indicated in some children between 7-12 years old if they have traumatic bites or jaw discrepancies. Comprehensive orthodontics usually commences around the time when all the permanent teeth have erupted. This involves the use of fixed braces to straighten and align teeth.
It is a misconception that braces are only suitable for children or teenagers. Braces can still work for adults. With advancements in technology and orthodontics, there are also options for more aesthetic orthodontic devices to straighten teeth.
Types of Braces
The conventional type of braces is stainless steel. There are also braces more aesthetically appealing than their metal predecessors, such as ceramic braces which are tooth-coloured so they are less obvious. Lingual braces, or braces that adhere to the back of the teeth instead of the front, are also available. Another option is Invisalign. It makes use of a series of transparent aligners to gradually straighten the teeth. These ‘invisible’ aligners are comfortable to wear and are removable.
Every individual is unique and every face is different. The treatment plan and objectives may differ for each. Discuss with your orthodontist your concerns and expectations, and find out about the treatment, alternatives, risks and benefits, as well as costs and payment plans before you decide.
For more information on solutions to straighten your teeth, click here
January 21st, 2010 at 2:44 am (#)
how much does such procedures cost?
January 24th, 2010 at 3:24 pm (#)
Dear Hong Kai,
thanks for your comment on our blog. We have sent an email to you directly with a response.
Have a good day
Regards,
Specialist Dental Group
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:04 am (#)
In cases of overcrowding, does cost of procedure include extraction?
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 am (#)
Dear WK,
Thank you for your comment.
We have sent you separate email with more information on Braces treatment in our clinic.
Regards,
Specialist Dental Group
March 13th, 2010 at 3:56 pm (#)
how much?
March 15th, 2010 at 9:20 am (#)
Dear Alvina,
Thank you for your comment.
We have sent you a separate email with more information on Orthodontics treatment in our clinic.
Have a good week ahead.
Regards,
Specialist Dental Group
August 7th, 2010 at 11:09 pm (#)
Hi,
I have 4 wisdom teeth that need extraction. After the extraction, I am considering using Invisalign to correct my overcrowding teeth and bad bites. I may also need 1 – 2 teeth implants and fillings.
How much do you reckon I should prepare for these treatments?
Thanks!
August 7th, 2010 at 11:57 pm (#)
Dear Yan
thank you for your interest in dental treatment. We have sent a separate email to your email address to answer your questions.
Generally, when a person has dental issues that cover different types of procedures, one of the benefits of coming to see a dentist at Specialist Dental Group is that patients can access different types of specialists with one appointment… without an additional consultation fee.
In your situation, you may be able to have a consultation with our oral surgeon, prosthodontist and orthodontist during the same visit, to discuss the best outcome for your dental condition.
More information on wisdom teeth extraction (http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com/services/serv_wisdom_teeth_ext.php), Invisalign (http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com/services/serv_invisalign.php) and dental implants (http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com/services/dental_implants.php) can be found on our website.
Regards,
Specialist Dental Group
October 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 pm (#)
Hi, I am interested in the Invisalign treatment that you offer. I’d like to enquire on the cost of treatment for Invisalign. Other than my top 2 front and bottom teeth, I do not have alignment problems with my other teeth.
May I also ask about the cost of extracting wisdom teeth at your clinic? Asking just in case I need to get them extracted for the Invisalign treatment.
Also, when would be the earliest I can arrange for an appointment if I were to set an appointment with the clinic? Thank you.
October 4th, 2010 at 1:07 am (#)
Dear Lina
thank you for your comment on our blog
We have sent an email to you with the answers to your questions.
Regards,
Specialist Dental Group
October 11th, 2010 at 3:01 am (#)
hi.. i would like to check, how much will e ceramic braces cost?
October 12th, 2010 at 11:26 pm (#)
Dear Loanne
thanks for your interest in our blog.
We have sent you more information on ceramic braces via email
regards,
Specialist Dental Group
February 19th, 2011 at 10:52 am (#)
Hello there!
Am considering Invisalign treatment at Mount Elizabeth Dental
Would like to know if Medisave covers this procedure, and if not, what are the other payment options?
Thanks
February 21st, 2011 at 10:20 pm (#)
Dear Mel
thanks for your interest in Invisalign
this procedure is not covered by Medisave. However, patients who are UOB credit cardholders can use their credit cards to make interest-free installments over a period of 12 months. We also have a clinic installment plan available
More details have been sent to you via email
March 14th, 2011 at 1:01 am (#)
Hello! I am 21 years old and has a severe open bite. I would like to know the treatment available for such case. And the approximate cost for the whole treatment. Can medisave cover the cost for braces and jaw surgery? Thank You..
March 16th, 2011 at 4:52 pm (#)
Dear Mae
thank you for your interest. We have sent a detailed response to you by email.
Medisave does not cover braces treatment but may cover jaw surgery, depending on the circumstances.
May 2nd, 2011 at 2:56 am (#)
Hello, how much does the braces roughly cost? Thanks!
May 3rd, 2011 at 10:48 am (#)
Dear JY,
More information has been sent to your email. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further clarification.
Have a good week ahead!
Regards,
Specialist Dental Group
July 1st, 2011 at 4:41 pm (#)
Hi,
I have 4 wisdom teeth that need extraction. After the extraction, I am considering using Invisalign or braces to correct my overcrowding teeth and bad bites.
How much do you reckon I should prepare for these treatments?
Thanks!
July 1st, 2011 at 6:49 pm (#)
Dear Eric
Thank you for your enquiry regarding wisdom teeth extraction and Orthodontics (braces) treatment.
We have sent an email to address your enquiries.
Regards.
Specialist Dental Group.
July 19th, 2011 at 1:25 pm (#)
What is the cost for :
1) Self-ligating
2) Lingual
3) Invisalign
4) 1st visit to assess by your orthodontist
Thank you.
July 19th, 2011 at 3:15 pm (#)
Dear LK
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the various treatments.
We have sent an email to you directly addressing your concerns.
Have a nice day!
Regards.
Specialist Dental Group
May 17th, 2012 at 3:05 am (#)
How much it cost for jaw surgery?
May 17th, 2012 at 11:12 am (#)
Dear Ferry
Thank you for your enquiry on jaw surgery. We have replied to you directly via the email address provided.
Regards.
Specialist Dental Group.