Ask the Dentist: What is the best age to visit an Orthodontist?

A: The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child should see an orthodontist when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7.

A child would have sufficient permanent teeth then for the orthodontist to determine if a problem exists or is developing. While your child’s teeth may appear straight, there could be subtle problems with jaw growth and developing teeth that only an orthodontist can detect. Early detection allows for timely action to resolve the problem before they fully develop. 

There are three possible outcomes after your child sees an orthodontist namely:

1. No treatment needed

2. Regular monitoring for future treatment

3. Starting on early treatment

Besides achieving a nicer smile and better self-esteem, there can be other functional benefits to early orthodontic treatment:

1. Achieving alignment of the jaws 

2. Lowering risk of dental trauma to  protruded front teeth

3. Reducing damage to the gums from anomalies in the bite

4. Guiding adult teeth to emerge into more favourable positions

Some orthodontic problems are more effectively corrected at a young age when the jaws and teeth are still growing. This can minimize the need for more extensive and expensive treatment at a later age. 

Certain outcomes may be unachievable or less ideal if treatment is started after your child has stopped growing. 

Give your child the best opportunity at well-balanced jaws and a healthy, beautiful smile.  See an Orthodontist today to determine if your child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment.

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. Dr Soh is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also 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 orthodontics and dental public health. 
http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

What makes an effective bilingual programme?

Find out at the CIS French Carnaval on 23 Nov!

Learning a second language can open up a world of opportunities. As parents, how can one choose a programme that successfully educates children in becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural global citizens? Dr Xiomara Cruz, Canadian International School’s (CIS) Primary Vice Principal and head of their French-English bilingual programme, shares her insights.

1. Speaking a language without understanding its cultural context has very 

little real-world value. When culture is integrated into learning, students can 

communicate from a place of understanding, not just say or repeat the words. For instance

on International Dot Day, our grade 6 students  learned about the spirit of kindness 

and French art history including the Pointillism technique, before describing a related artwork in French.

2. Purposeful learning experiences can help children better connect with and understand the language. Through hands-on activities like acting in plays, students get to learn beyond the classroom and apply real-world knowledge in authentic settings. One inquiry-based lesson saw grade 5 students read recipe 

instructions and communicate in French, while cooking up a storm at our learning kitchen!

3. Bilingual programmes can develop children holistically. At CIS, bilingual students experience true international education that not just develops their language skills, but also promotes their academic and social emotional development. Recently, our grade 5s produced audio postcards that introduced Singapore’s history and culture in French. They later exchanged the postcards with French-speaking students in France, Lebanon, and Tunisia, building on both their language skills and intercultural awareness.

Learn more about CIS’s bilingual programme at their French Carnaval on 23 November. You will meet Dr Xiomara and her expert team, and join French-inspired family-friendly activities run by their bilingual students, including a French café station and a crêpe tossing game!

Q: Braces vs. Aligners - Which is a better fit for you?

 A: If you would like straight teeth, we provide several options for our patients to choose from: brackets (traditional metal or ceramic) or aligners. Conventional brackets (braces) are glued onto your teeth and arch wires are used to adjust each tooth gradually into its desired position. Clear aligners are thin, removable trays custom-made to fit your teeth, and a series of aligners are required to move the teeth into the ideal positions. Aligners are typically worn for 20-22 hours per day and changed weekly, depending on case complexity. Each option has its pros and cons in terms of ease of maintenance, comfort, costs, appearance, diet and discipline required. 

Both aligners and braces are suitable for all ages, from children with “baby teeth” to teens to working adults to the elderly. As every patient is unique with his/her set of teeth and needs, your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable appliance for you.

Aligners Pros

    • More aesthetic
    • Less risk of ulcers from wires 
    • Fewer emergencies
    • Longer appointment intervals
    • Facilitates oral hygiene maintenance
    • Fewer dietary restrictions
    • Good for individuals active in contact sports

Aligners Cons

    • Motivation needed in wearing and taking care of aligners 

    • Complex cases may require a hybrid approach (braces on selected teeth)food and drinks

    • Can’t choose colours for different festive seasons!

Share your concerns with your orthodontist to better understand which option is best suited for you or your child! 

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. Dr Soh is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also 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 orthodontics and dental public health.

http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

A community garden by students, for students at Canadian International School

Can you tell that this lush community garden at CIS used to be an empty rooftop? The amazing transformation is all thanks to the hard work of their secondary students, alongside staff and parent volunteers. In this outdoor learning space, students will get to explore and apply learning in a hands-on environment, while developing resilience and problem solving skills as they continue to grow the garden.

This project all began when a grade 8 team decided to make a positive change in the school community after learning about climate change during an interdisciplinary unit. Once their design was complete, other students volunteered their breaks to help realise their vision.

Under the guidance of teachers and a team of experts from Corridor Farmers, some put their new landscaping knowledge to work while others contributed their diverse skills. For instance, Annabel C, grade 11, leveraged her passion in carpentry and built a trough that made transporting soil more efficient.

Grade 8 student Mihika, who documented the garden’s progress as part of the media team, shared some challenges they faced; “Sometimes, it rains really hard and the plants get 

over-watered, and we have to cancel the sessions. Sometimes, it's so hot that it gets hard to work in the sun!”

With perseverance and teamwork, the students succeeded in bringing the garden to life. Even so, their journey has only just started. They will soon plan to harvest the fruits of their labour, collaborate with local organisations, and support the wider community beyond CIS.

If you would like to learn more about CIS’ curriculum and programmes, visit their website: www.cis.edu.sg