I would like to straighten my teeth

Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. By doing this, you are also ensuring the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.

At Elements Dental, our extensive experience in using clear aligner technology by Invisalign ensures that you achieve the results you desire with comfort and predictability in mind, without the need of taking teeth out.

Remember, you’re never too young or too old to start having straight teeth!

Retainers for teeth | Elements Dental

What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It involves using devices such as braces, retainers, aligners, and other appliances to straighten teeth, improve bite function, and enhance overall oral health. The goal of orthodontics is not only to improve the appearance of a person’s smile but also to ensure that teeth function properly, which can lead to better chewing, speech, and overall oral hygiene.

Braces are the most commonly known orthodontic appliance, consisting of brackets, wires, and rubber bands that apply continuous pressure to move teeth into their desired position over time. Traditional metal braces are often used, but there are also clear or ceramic braces for those seeking a more discreet option. In addition to braces, clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are becoming increasingly popular due to their removability and almost invisible appearance. These aligners are custom-made to fit the teeth and gradually shift them into place without the need for metal components.

Orthodontic treatment can be used to address various dental issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, overbites, underbites, and gaps between teeth. The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but it typically lasts from one to three years. After the treatment, patients are often required to wear retainers to help maintain the new alignment and prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve a person’s smile, boost their confidence, and contribute to long-term oral health by preventing future dental issues.

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners. Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. These aligners are virtually invisible, making them an appealing option for those seeking a more discreet treatment. This innovative approach provides a comfortable and flexible alternative to traditional orthodontic methods, making it popular among teens and adults alike who want to improve their smile without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces.

Benefits of Orthodontics

Oral health offers insights into your overall well-being, and orthodontic issues such as misaligned teeth, trouble chewing, or shifting jaws should not be ignored. If left unaddressed, these problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and excessive wear on your enamel. The right orthodontic treatment can help with:

  • Maintaining proper teeth and jaw function
  • Creating a healthy smile and facial structure
  • Maintaining a good bite for comfortable chewing and speaking
  • Preventing tooth decay or loss by making teeth easier to clean
  • Avoiding expensive dental procedures that could result from untreated orthodontic issues

I Want to Get Retainers for My Teeth

A teeth retainer is a custom-made device worn over your teeth. It helps to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners. Once the teeth have been moved into their proper alignment, a retainer helps prevent them from shifting back to their original positions. Retainers are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and are typically worn for a specified period, often after the completion of braces treatment.

There are different types of retainers, including fixed and removable options. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth, while removable retainers are worn over the teeth and can be taken out for cleaning or during meals. Removable retainers are designed for comfort and ease of use. Clear plastic retainers, such as Essix retainers, are lightweight and discreet, covering the teeth like a clear aligner. The Hawley retainer consists of a wire that holds the teeth in place and a plastic or acrylic base that fits the roof or floor of the mouth.

The duration of retainer wear varies from person to person, with some individuals needing to wear them only at night, while others may be required to wear them full-time for a period of time. Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, helping to ensure long-term results and the stability of the teeth’s new position.

Teeth Retainers Procedure

Retainers can be made using digital scanning technology, which provides a precise and efficient way to create custom-fit retainers for patients. The process begins with a dental professional using a digital scanner to take a 3D image of your teeth and mouth. Unlike traditional impressions, which involve molding material that can feel uncomfortable, a digital scanner captures detailed images of the teeth and gums in real time, creating a highly accurate digital representation of the mouth.

Once the scan is complete, the digital image is sent to a computer, where specialized software processes the data to create a model of the patient’s teeth in their current, post-treatment position. This model is used to design the retainer, ensuring it fits precisely and comfortably. The retainer is then fabricated using advanced 3D printing or thermoforming techniques, where clear plastic or other materials are shaped to the model’s specifications. It typically takes about a week to fabricate the retainers, from the time the digital scan is taken.

This digital approach not only improves the accuracy and fit of the retainer but also speeds up the production process, reducing the time and discomfort often associated with traditional methods.

Orthodontics FAQs

How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Singapore?

In Singapore, the cost of orthodontic treatment can vary widely depending on the type of braces and the orthodontist’s fees. At Elements Dental, the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges between $4000 – $9500 depending on complexity, which includes the examination fee and x-rays.

What is the best age for orthodontic treatment?

While people of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment, it is recommended that children go for an assessment between the ages of 8 to 10 years old, once their front adult teeth have grown into the mouth.

This allows the dental professional to evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if they may need early treatment. This assessment will cover existing teeth as well as those that are yet to break the surface to help predict their future growth.

However, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment, and it is never too late to straighten your teeth.

Will orthodontic treatment change my lifestyle?

Orthodontic treatment may require some adjustments to your daily routine, but it doesn’t have to drastically change your lifestyle. While you are undergoing treatment, you may need to be mindful of certain habits, such as avoiding sticky or hard foods that can damage braces, and being diligent about oral hygiene to keep your teeth and appliances clean. If you wear braces, you’ll need to spend extra time brushing and flossing to ensure food particles don’t get trapped in the brackets and wires.

For those with clear aligners, the lifestyle change is typically less noticeable, as the aligners can be removed while eating and drinking, offering more flexibility. However, wearing them for the recommended number of hours each day is important for achieving the best results. Over time, as your teeth move into the desired position, the overall discomfort and adjustments required will lessen.

What does a retainer do for teeth?

Once your orthodontic treatment is finished, your bones will require additional time to adjust to the new structure of your mouth. During this period, it’s important to have something to keep your teeth in place as they settle into their new positions. This is where retainers come into play – these custom-made orthodontic devices are designed to fit the shape of your newly aligned smile and prevent any movement of your teeth.

How long will I have to wear a retainer?

Your dentist will likely recommend you wear the retainer for the whole day (full-time) for a period of time following the completion of your orthodontic treatment. The  duration of full-time wear will vary for each individual and may be around three to six months. This will be advised by your dentist. After that, you’ll need to wear the retainer to sleep for the rest of your life.