Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment (braces)

The benefits of orthodontic treatment often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image.  Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth, leading to tooth decay and, possibly, gum disease or total tooth loss.  Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces.  Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints leading to problems such as headaches or face and neck pain.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment:

• Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnoea as well as impaied dental development. 
• Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue). 
• Crowding – Involving extra teeth or crooked 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 a custom treatment plan and apply braces or the necessary 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. This is usually done monthly.
3.  Retention Phase– When treatment is completed, the braces and/or appliances are removed and a retainer 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. 

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 sometimes your overall health.

Invisalign®

Exude confidence with Invisalign® treatment - the clear and virtually invisible solution for straightening your teeth.

Your doctor uses proprietary ClinCheck software to map out the path to your smile, right down to the tiniest shift. From your first aligner to your brand-new smile, there is no guesswork. Just precise, predictable and gradual teeth movement. The 3D visual interface lets your doctor customise your treatment. 


The Invisalign System has many advantages over traditional braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit your lifestyle – they don't interrupt it. And at every stage, you'll be able to see your progress and enjoy your smile as it transforms.

• Keep eating all your favourite foods.
• Stay active in all the sports and activities you love.
• You'll experience fewer emergency visits, without the hassle of brackets and wires breaking.
• Your Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so people may not even notice you’re wearing them.

You'll wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks for 20-22 hours a day, as prescribed by your doctor. Check-ups are scheduled every six to eight weeks to check your progress.