Ask the Dentist: Can I benefit from orthodontic treatment?

 

Orthodontic treatment can help to:

1. straighten misaligned teeth that are less attractive and improve one's self-esteem

2. move significantly displaced teeth to make cleaning easier, and improve chewing, biting and speaking

3. align severe jaw discrepancies associated with sleep-disordered breathing to improve quality of life.

Orthodontic problems may not always be obvious, especially in young children. Even in children with straight teeth, there may be subtle problems with jaw growth and developing teeth that only an orthodontist can detect. Early diagnosis and treatment can simplify correction of the problem and improve the treatment outcome. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends getting a check-up with an orthodontic specialist when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. If your child is older than 7, it’s never too late for a check-up.

The orthodontic specialist will recommend you or your child the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate timing. If you see any of the problems in you or your child, please seek advice from an orthodontist:

• Jaws that shift to one side, are too far forward or backward

• Protruding teeth

• Deep bite – when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively

• Underbite – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth

• Crowded, misplaced teeth

• Spaced teeth

• Extra or missing teeth

• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth

• Teeth that don’t meet at all or meet in an abnormal way

• Difficulty chewing or biting

• Biting the cheek or gums at the roof of the mouth

• Thumb-sucking or other oral habits

• Inability to comfortably close the lips

There is no higher age limit to getting your teeth or jaws straightened. All adults and children deserve and can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Visit an orthodontist now for a consult.

Dr. Soh Shean Han is an orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from the University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA and is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh has a special interest in early orthodontic treatment in children and multi-disciplinary management of patients involving orthodontics.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883