Most people have some degree of overbite where upper front teeth overlap in front of lower teeth. An underbite, also known as a Class III malocclusion, is an abnormal relationship between the upper and lower teeth, in which the lower front teeth overlap in front of the upper teeth.

A person with an underbite may be described as having a ‘strong chin’ or has a ‘moon-face’ side facial profile due to the chin being more forward than the rest of the face.

What causes an underbite?

Underbites are usually genetic in origin. Underbite may be a result of a small upper jaw with a normal sized lower jaw, or normal sized upper jaw with a large lower jaw, or a combination of small upper jaw with large lower jaw.

In some cases, underbite may be a result of crooked teeth, which forces the person to push the lower jaw forward to bite more comfortably.

What are the complications of underbite?

Besides aesthetic issues, if left untreated, underbite may result in uneven toothwear, gum disease involving gum recession and bone loss, and difficulties with eating and chewing.

Will underbite self-correct?

Underbite does not normally self-correct.

If left untreated, underbite tends to worsen during teenage years. This is because the lower jaw grows forward at a later age and for a longer duration than the upper jaw.

In the PART 2 of this UNDERBITE SERIES, we will be discussing treatment timing and treatment methods for underbite.

If you or your child has an underbite, see one of our specialists orthodontist for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

The post My child has an UNDERBITE - Part 1 first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

In this article, Dr Ping Ping discusses when you should take your child to visit an orthodontist.

Dr Ping Ping Yeoh, interview by The Age.

The post Pays to act on early orthodontic care first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. The Invisalign System uses a combination of 3-D virtual modelling software, customised manufacturing and virtually clear, removable ‘aligners’ to straighten teeth without metal or wires. The Invisalign system is prescribed to patients through trained Invisalign Orthodontists, who can determine a patient’s suitability and exact treatment plan.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made “aligners” are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final desired position is achieved.

WHAT ARE INVISALIGN ALIGNERS MADE OFF?

Invisalign aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade non-toxic plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

WHAT DOES INVISALIGN ALIGNERS LOOK LIKE?

Invisalign aligners are pretty much invisible and look similar to clear retainers, teeth-whitening trays, or gum shields. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you and each aligner will contain the patient identification number (PID number) and the Invisalign logo.

IS INVISALIGN A NEW TECHNOLOGY?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign aligners, was founded in 1997. It is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in the USA (Stock Code: ALGN). Invisalign is distributed and supported in Australia by Invisalign Australia Pty Ltd, an independent distributor.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN MOVE TEETH?

Like braces, the Invisalign aligner moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. With each aligner, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular aligner. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

WHAT ARE INVISALIGN ATTACHMENTS ?

Attachments are tooth-coloured ridges placed on tooth surface. These ‘clicks’ onto your Invisalign aligners and help the teeth move more effectively. Attachments at the front teeth are sometimes visible if you are looking closely for them. Attachments are removed at the end of Invisalign treatment, and no damage is done to the teeth.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN?

Removable   The biggest advantage of Invisalign is you can remove the aligners for major events, and smile confidently for photo sessions and public speaking.

Maintain oral hygiene   You can simply take off your Invisalign aligners, so it is easier to brush and floss your teeth and maintain your oral health during treatment.

Invisible   Within a few months of treatment, many patients will begin to see improvements in their smile.  What is fascinating?  Most of your friends won’t even realize you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with your invisible see-through Invisalign aligners!

Lifestyle   When you wear your clear Invisalign aligners, you rarely have to worry about your treatment interfering with your active lifestyle.

Comfort   Are you worried about discomfort?  With the innovative SmartForce and SmartTrack technologies, the new Invisalign system provides you with effective aligner trays to move your teeth more comfortably.

No diet restrictions   Invisalign allows patients to enjoy a wide variety of foods. You can simply remove the aligner trays and eat what you like, then promptly place the aligners back over your teeth.

The post Invisalign first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

The few reasons why adults choose to undertake orthodontic treatments are because they had no access to orthodontic treatment when they were young, or their teeth have shifted as a result of teeth extractions, or most adults simply want to be able to smile confidently with a new set of straight beautiful teeth!

With the advancement in orthodontic technologies, there are now more cosmetic treatment options available that will suit your lifestyle.

Benefits Of Orthodontics For Adults

Adults who completed braces treatment often express dramatic improvement in self-esteem and confidence level. Besides improving your appearance, adult orthodontics can also help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Orthodontics for adults is often performed to prevent uneven toothwear, assist in maintaining dental hygiene and redistributing spaces between teeth to accommodate dental implants.

Cosmetic Treatment Options For Adult Orthodontics

Clear Braces

Made of high quality translucent sapphire, clear braces are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color. And with it’s small, low-profile design, clear braces are virtually unnoticeable, making them a perfect orthodontic solution for adults and children.

For more information about clear braces, please visit our page on Clear Ceramic Braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign is one of the most popular aesthetic orthodontic treatment available. Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners. As you change your aligner every one to two weeks, your teeth gradually move and straighten.

When you wear your Invisalign aligner, most people around you won’t even notice it. Your friends often start to wonder why your teeth have become straighter without braces.

For more information about Invisalign, please visit our page on Invisalign.

Incognito – Lingual Braces

The Incognito system is a highly advanced generation of braces that is hidden discreetly on the back of the teeth, not on the front like conventional ‘train tacks’.  With the braces hidden behind your teeth, you could basically continue your daily routine without feeling self-conscious because no one could really tell you are having braces.

For more information about Incognito, please visit our page on Incognito – Lingual Braces.

It is never too late to for a beautiful smile. To find out more about adult orthodontic treatment, see one of our specialist orthodontists for an assessment. Contact Specialists in Orthodontics for a FREE CONSULT.

The post Orthodontics for Adults first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

Congratulations! It is one of the most important days in your life. A day you and your partner will remember forever. And, you may be thinking you want that perfect smile and straight teeth for your wedding.

Our team at Specialists in Orthodontics will be thrilled to be part of your journey by giving you the perfect smile and straight teeth for your wedding day!

Having crooked teeth can make brides and grooms being self-conscious when they smile for photos on their big day. Many brides/grooms-to-be are now adding orthodontic treatment to their wedding checklist. We recommend brides/grooms-to-be to have a consult a specialist orthodontists as soon as possible. Even if the date is fast approaching, with modern orthodontic technologies, and vast options available, there is always an option that will suit you.

Clear Braces

With the newly improved clear ceramic braces you can now smile confidently for photos. This could be the most cost-efficient method to have your teeth straightened for your wedding day. If your treatment is not completed before your wedding day, you may discuss with our orthodontist about having the braces removed just for the wedding and continue with the treatment after your wedding.

For more information, please visit our page on Clear Ceramic Braces.

Invisalign

The most popular treatment of choice is Invisalign clear aligners. Not only it is virtually invisible to others, it is removable for eating and drinking. This means you may remove the aligners on your wedding day, or for photography.

For more information, please visit our page on Invisalign.

Incognito – Lingual Braces

Incognito hidden braces are placed behind your teeth to let you smile freely and confidently on your special day. No one will know you are wearing braces, unless you tell them! Even if your braces are not ready to be removed, you can keep them on for your wedding day.

For more information, please visit our page on Incognito – Lingual Braces.

With all these cosmetic orthodontic treatment options, having straight teeth for you wedding is no longer a dream. Contact Specialists in Orthodontics or your local orthodontist to find out what are your options.

The post Straight Teeth For Your Wedding first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

Here are some tips to help you ease the discomfort:

1. Take pain relief medications

When force is applied to teeth by braces, an inflammatory response around your teeth is initiated during the first few days. It is this inflammatory response that results in the discomfort you experience. Taking pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help relief the pain in your jaws and gums. However, pain relievers are not the best solution as they can be addictive. Take pain relief medications only if you need to.

2. Cold or frozen foods/drinks

Consuming cold foods/drinks helps numb the teeth and gums, and any areas on the inner cheeks that are ulcerated from the braces. Remember to brush your teeth after any sweet treats!

3. Using orthodontic wax

Most patients will be given orthodontic wax once they started orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic wax can be applied onto areas that are poking or sticking out. It acts as a barrier between the soft tissues and the braces. Applying orthodontic wax to braces provides great relief to the discomfort caused by your braces.

4. Warm salty water rinses

Another simple and quick home remedy to relief discomfort from braces is regular warm salty water rinses. Salt is a natural curing ingredient. Simply gurgles salty water a few times a day can help ease the pain from ulcerations and swelling on your gums and inner cheeks.

5. Practice good oral hygiene

Infection in the gums can be a source of pain in the mouth. During your orthodontic treatment, it is important that you practice meticulous oral hygiene. This is because food particles can easily get caught under your braces and wires, and in between your teeth. These in turn becomes plaque on your teeth, which can cause tooth decay and gum infection.

Use a floss designed to work around braces, and brush gently around your teeth and gums with soft bristles toothbrush. Don’t forget to brush around your braces too, as food can be trapped under the braces and wires.

6. Contact your orthodontist

Some pain and discomfort is expected after you had your braces put on and after your orthodontist tightened your braces. If, however, after you have tried all home remedies and the pain persists, you may contact your orthodontist and have your braces checked. Sometimes, it is a poking wire that needs to be trimmed.

Contact Specialists in Orthodontics to organize a FREE consultation appointment with our specialist orthodontists.

The post Tips To Relief Discomfort From Braces first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

Placement of Braces

Just before the orthodontist place the braces on your teeth, a cheek retractor will be placed to retract your cheek slightly away from your teeth. You may feel a slight pull on your cheek during the process. You should not feel any pain while the orthodontist is giving your teeth a rinse and dry. Same applies, when you have the braces positioned onto each individual tooth nor when the assistant applies a blue LED light to set the braces on your teeth. Once the braces are in place, the orthodontist will engage the wires to the braces. Discomfort on your teeth don’t usually start at this stage.

First Few Days After Placement of Braces

During these first few days, you teeth may start to feel uncomfortable. Not only because your teeth are starting to move and align themselves, you are probably still getting used to having braces and wires on your teeth. All these factors, may contribute to the initial discomfort that you will experience.

When force is applied to teeth by braces, an inflammatory response around your teeth is initiated during the first few days. It is this inflammatory response that results in the discomfort you experience. The degree of discomfort experienced varies between patients. Some patients describe it as ‘tightness’ on the teeth. Others reported they felt no discomfort at all. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relief medications will help ease the discomfort.

Regular Orthodontic Appointments

As the orthodontist adjusts and tightens your braces during regular review appointments, the teeth are gradually moved into proper alignment. You may feel the same discomfort on the first day or two after you had your braces adjusted. The degree of discomfort should reduce overtime as the teeth are getting more aligned, hence, less ‘tooth movement’ required.

Does Invisalign hurt? Or, Does Orthodontic Plates Hurts Less?

Just like braces, Invisalign, or any other types of orthodontic appliances, moves teeth by applying force onto your teeth. Teeth do not differentiate what appliance is being used to apply force onto them. As long as there is a force placed on teeth, and there is movement involved, the same inflammatory response will be initiated and discomfort will be felt.

Discomfort from braces should not deterred you from getting braces or any orthodontic treatment. Most of the time, your orthodontist and his/her assistants should be able to offer you helpful tips to relief discomfort from braces.

If you have more questions about getting braces or orthodontic treatment, contact our friendly team to organise a FREE CONSULT to speak with our experience orthodontist.

The post Do Braces Hurt? first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

Fortunately, the good news is that new research by Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) have revealed that children’s attitude towards braces have changed significantly in recent years, with 7 in 10 children reacting with happiness and excitement when they knew they are getting braces.

The study also reported the following:

• 94% of orthodontists have experienced parents bringing their child in for a consultation because the child wants braces.
• 9 in 10 orthodontists have witnessed a child became visibly upset when told they didn’t need braces.

With the continuous improvement and development in the industry, modern braces are a lot smaller in size as compared to those used years ago, making them a lot more comfortable to wear. In addition, compared to the old days, now, there are more cosmetic treatment options available, such as clear braces and Invisalign Teen.

With more school aged children getting braces in recent years, it has almost become a norm to wear braces. Peers are excited to see their classmates getting braces and the type of braces they are getting.

If you like to find out more about braces for your child, ASO has launched a free online educational e-book to guide families through their orthodontic journey. You may download the e-book here.

The post What do children think about braces? first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

What are lingual braces?

‘Lingual’ means tongue. Lingual braces are designed to fit on the tongue side of your teeth, making them pretty much invisible from the outside, even up-close. Therefore lingual braces offer a great aesthetic alternative for those who want their teeth straightened, without the braces showing.

What are the benefits of lingual braces?

Hidden behind your teeth    Wedding, graduation, first dates, family photos, the big job interview that can land you a promotion – when do you need a more confident smile? Lingual braces are extremely beneficial for those who wish to have no visible indication that they are receiving orthodontic treatment. For those who are self-conscious about their smile and even more daunted by the thought of wearing braces, lingual braces can be an ideal choice.

Effective mechanics    Lingual braces use all of the technology of traditional braces, which has been improved over time, and apply this technology to the tongue side of your teeth. This means that lingual braces is as effective as traditional braces in treating complex cases, and as aesthetic as the Invisalign system. It is ideal for treating cases too complex for the Invisalign system.

Tailored for you    The Incognito lingual braces are designed to fit on the tongue side of your teeth, and they are custom made for every individual patient. Your Incognito braces are small and tailored specifically for you. Therefore, you should feel minimal discomfort on the soft tissues in your mouth.

Am I suitable to have lingual braces?

Most patients are good candidates for Incognito hidden braces.  Incognito braces are suitable for all age groups – children, adolescents and adults who want to correct their tooth position.

Are lingual braces more uncomfortable than traditional braces?

Initial discomfort is similar to that of outside braces.  The main difference is that lingual braces will affect the tongue and conventional braces will affect the cheeks and lips.  Patients take approximately 1-2 weeks to achieve good comfort level.  Conventional lingual braces are small and streamline, designed to improve comfort.

Will lingual braces affect my speech?

Yes, just like any other orthodontic appliances, it will have some effect on patient’s speech at the initial stage.  The amount vary will vary depending on the patient’s dental arch shape and tongue position.  In most patients, this will be temporary and of short duration.

Does treatment with lingual braces takes longer?

Lingual braces are custom made to fit the size and shape of your teeth. Do allow time for the manufacturers to have each brace customize to your teeth. Besides, being on the tongue side of your teeth, lingual braces are more challenging than traditional braces for your orthodontist and his/her staffs. Working up-side-down and on the inside of your teeth make lingual braces requiring longer appointment times and treatment duration.

How do I take care of lingual braces?

As with any other orthodontic appliances, regular brushing and flossing is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. In addition, we encourage our patients to have six monthly dental checkup appointment with the general dentist.

Hard foods should be avoided during treatment.

Orthodontic wax will come in handy when lingual braces are irritating your tongue. Using wax to cover over the braces may help alleviate the soreness.

Would you like to learn more about lingual braces? Contact Specialists in Orthodontics today to arrange a consultation appointment with our specialist orthodontist.

The post What are Lingual Braces? first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.

How can I tell if my child needs braces?

You probably will not know for sure if your child will need braces until he or she had a consultation with the orthodontist. However, here are a few signs you may look out for, indicating your child is likely to benefit from visiting the orthodontist:

• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Delayed eruption of adult teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Teeth are crowded, blocked out, or misplaced
• Teeth are too far forward or sticking out
• Thumb- or finger-sucking
• Small or large lower jaw
• Missing teeth
• Upper teeth that are biting on the inside of lower teeth

These are just a few rather obvious signs that braces may benefit your child. However, a lot of other bite issues may not be picked up until a radiograph and a thorough assessment by your orthodontist is performed.

When should my child see an orthodontist?

Although orthodontic treatment can be carried out at practically any age, there is an optimal timing of treatment for each individual. Sometimes, early orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce the complexity of future comprehensive treatment, as well as, possibly achieving a much more desirable final result.

It is recommended that an initial orthodontic assessment be performed at the first sign of orthodontic problems or around age 7. At this age, the adult molars would have erupted and changing between milk teeth and adult teeth begins. Not everyone is suitable to receive orthodontic treatment at this stage, but a thorough examination can help the orthodontist determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment for your child.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic examination?

Early detection of orthodontic problems can allow timely intervention which allows guidance of jaw growth and development of dentition. Even if orthodontic treatment is not indicated at this stage, our orthodontists can monitor your child’s growth and development and start treatment at the most suitable timing.

The benefits of early interceptive treatments are:

• Preserving or creating spaces to allow eruption of adult teeth
• Reducing the need for teeth extraction
• Reducing risk of trauma of protruding front teeth
• Stop uneven toothwear and gum recession as a result of an underbite
• Shorten treatment time in braces
• Balancing facial profile by influencing jaw growth

What causes the need for braces?

Crooked teeth, or more correctly known as malocclusion, can be caused by a number of things. Crooked teeth can be an inherited trait. Parents with crooked teeth are more likely to have children with irregularly aligned teeth. Others develop over time due to thumb- or finger-sucking, mouth breathing, dental decay, accidents, or poor nutrition. Or there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth so they become crowed or crooked, or the jaws don’t line up properly.

To learn more about causes of crooked teeth, please visit our blog post Why Do I Have Crooked Teeth?

What type of braces will be best for my child?

So, your child had a consultation with the orthodontist. You were probably given a few choices of appliances that may be suitable for your child. But, which one will suit your child best?

Since your child will be the one wearing the braces, it is important to engage him or her into the decision making process. Here are some features of different appliances that are commonly used in current orthodontic treatments:

• Metal Braces – Most cost effective
• Clear Braces – Aesthetic appearance
• Invisalign – Highly aesthetic appearance, good compliance required
• Lingual Braces – Highly aesthetic appearance

Most parents will also be considering the cost factor for each option. The generally rule is, the cost of treatment increased from metal and clear braces to Invisalign, followed by lingual braces.

Want to find out more about whether your child needs braces? Call Specialists in Orthodontics today to make a FREE consultation appointment with our specialist orthodontist.

The post How To Tell If My Child Needs Braces? first appeared on Specialists In Orthodontics.