Professional Guide to Orthodontics and Braces
OrthodonticsAlso known as braces, it is a professional dental treatment that uses orthodontic appliances to move teeth to the ideal position and adjust their alignment to improve appearance and bite problems. With the advancement of dental technology, a variety of orthodontic options are now available in Hong Kong, including traditional metal braces and invisible braces, both of which can effectively treat common malocclusions or uneven teeth.
What exactly is orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment is a long-term dental procedure that uses braces to apply continuous and gentle force to the teeth, gradually moving them into their intended positions. The process not only improves the appearance of the teeth but, more importantly, corrects bite position, improves chewing function, and addresses pronunciation issues. Professional orthodontic treatment helps maintain clean teeth, improves oral hygiene and gum health, and reduces the long-term risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
If you experience any of the following dental problems, consult an orthodontist to see if you need orthodontic treatment. Crowded teeth refer to teeth that are too close together and overlap, easily trapping food debris and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. Large gaps between teeth refer to noticeable gaps between teeth, affecting appearance and making it easy for food to get stuck.
Deep bite refers to excessive overlap between the upper and lower incisors when biting, which may cause the lower incisors to bite the upper gums, leading to discomfort. Backbiting occurs when the lower incisors protrude beyond the upper teeth, a common malocclusion. Open bite refers to a situation where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is fully closed, affecting chewing and speech functions.
Malocclusion refers to the upper teeth being positioned inside the lower teeth, resulting in an abnormal bite. Disordered teeth refer to teeth that are crooked, misaligned, or irregularly arranged. These conditions can easily lead to problems such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. In severe cases, they can even cause tooth loss or excessive pressure on the jawbone, affecting chewing ability.
The difference between traditional metal braces and invisible braces
Traditional metal bracesFixed orthodontic appliances work by attaching braces and prongs to the surface of the teeth, along with wires. The teeth move by the rebound force of the wires. The dentist uses the prongs and wires to periodically adjust the pressure applied to the braces, precisely controlling the teeth's movement to the target position.
For more complex dental cases, dentists may use bone screws and elastics to expedite tooth movement and reduce the need for surgery. Traditional metal braces offer advantages such as suitability for all cases, reliable and mature technology, and strong corrective force, enabling them to handle more complex dental problems.
In Hong Kong, traditional metal braces typically require 1.5 to 3 years of treatment. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces, being made from ceramic materials that closely resemble the color of teeth, making them less noticeable, but they are relatively more expensive.
invisible bracesInvisible braces have become a popular orthodontic option in recent years. They are virtually invisible and widely recognized as an aesthetically pleasing brace. Made of medical-grade transparent plastic, they are molded in one piece and cover the teeth, providing gentle pressure and gradually moving the teeth.
The advantages of invisible braces include an aesthetically pleasing appearance that doesn't affect one's appearance, easy removal for eating and cleaning, reduced risk of oral injury, and fewer follow-up appointments. Because invisible braces have a smooth surface without any metal edges, they won't scratch the oral mucosa when worn, and there's no need to worry even during sports activities.
The price of invisible braces in Hong Kong varies depending on the brand and the complexity of the treatment. Solutions with advanced technology and extensive clinical data will be more expensive. The treatment duration is approximately 3 months to 2 years, shorter than traditional braces.
Orthodontic treatment process
Class One Dental offers orthodontic services in Kennedy Town.
Before orthodontic treatment, the dentist will conduct a detailed examination andEvaluate teeththe examination assesses the jawbone condition to determine suitability for professional orthodontic treatment. This includes X-rays and digital oral scans to determine the teeth's position within the gum line and to show the occlusal position of all upper and lower teeth.
The dentist will take photos of the patient's teeth, bite, and profile to conduct a detailed and comprehensive analysis of tooth alignment and occlusion. Invisalign treatment uses computer programs to simulate the stages of orthodontic progress and assist in creating a treatment plan, allowing patients to understand the entire process before treatment and increasing their confidence in the results.
If there isn't enough space between your teeth, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction, removing one or more teeth to make room for repositioning. If you choose traditional braces, your dentist will install them, and you'll need to have regular checkups for adjustments, typically every 4 to 6 weeks.
If you choose invisible braces, it will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to receive your custom-made braces. Patients need to wear the designated braces for the specified treatment period as instructed by their dentist, and on average, they will need to change to a new set of braces every 1 to 2 weeks and have regular check-ups.
Before all orthodontic procedures, generallydentistWe will first understand the patient's dental condition, and then work together to develop a suitable treatment plan based on the patient's expectations and functional needs.
Orthodontic treatment is a lengthy process, so it's crucial to consider daily life needs and habits. The specific treatment duration depends on the complexity of the treatment. Those seeking orthodontic treatment should consult with the clinic to clarify fees, ensuring a clear understanding of the cost and expected results, and avoiding unnecessary additional treatments.
Orthodontic treatment requires extra care in oral hygiene. You must brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening, and use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean the surfaces between your teeth. Braces make cleaning more difficult, leading to plaque buildup, and insufficient cleaning increases the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
In terms of diet, avoid hard or sticky foods, as these may damage or accumulate between the teeth and braces, increasing the risk of dental disease. It is recommended to avoid hard foods such as hard candy, nuts, and popcorn, as well as sticky foods such as sweets and chewing gum.
Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring the smooth progress of orthodontic treatment. Patients must attend all appointments scheduled by their dentist so that the orthodontist can adjust the force of the braces and monitor the movement of the teeth. After the treatment is completed, it is necessary to wear the retainers as instructed to prevent the teeth from returning to their original positions and to maintain the orthodontic effect.
Dental questions that everyone is asking
Q: Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment? Can adults still get braces?
A: There is virtually no age limit for orthodontic treatment; children as young as 10 or adults in their 40s can undergo the procedure. While the golden age for orthodontic treatment is considered to be between 10 and 12 years old, as the jawbone is still developing and teeth move relatively quickly, adults with healthy teeth and periodontal tissues can also receive orthodontic treatment and achieve ideal results. Generally, the dentist will assess each individual's situation and develop the most suitable treatment plan.
Q: How should I choose between traditional metal braces and invisible braces?
A: Choosing the right orthodontic method requires considering several factors, including the complexity of your teeth, aesthetic preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Traditional metal braces are suitable for all cases, including complex ones, and offer strong corrective force. Clear aligners are more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, and are removable, making them suitable for mild to moderate cases. We recommend scheduling a consultation at Class ONE Dental Clinic for a professional dentist assessment and the most suitable advice.
Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take? Are there any side effects?
A: The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of each case. Traditional metal braces generally require 1.5 to 3 years, while invisible braces take approximately 3 months to 2 years. Minor side effects may occur during treatment, including gum recession, root resorption, and black triangles. However, by choosing an experienced dentist, properly controlling the orthodontic force, and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, the risk of these side effects can be greatly reduced.