This specialised branch of dentistry deals with the aligning and straightening of curved and misaligned teeth to its natural and helps achieving a beautiful smile with best of its functions

YOUR CHILD’S FIRST ORTHODONTIC CHECK-UP – (No later than age 7)

What causes orthodontic problems?

Most orthodontic problems (malocclusions) are inherited.

Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and some jaw growth problems. Other malocclusions are acquired as a result of thumb- or finger sucking, dental disease, accidents, the early or late loss of baby (primary) teeth, or other causes.

Why is treatment so important?

Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future, and potentially costly dental problems. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. A malocclusion can cause tooth enamel to wear abnormally, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems simply become worse.

A LIFETIME OF BENEFITS

Choosing the Optimal Time for Treatment – Consult an Orthodontist

While orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14, some children’s orthodontic problems can benefit from earlier treatment. If it appears that your child will need treatment at some point, your orthodontist can advise you about the best time to begin. If early treatment is indicated, it can give your orthodontist the chance to:

• Guide  jaw  growth
• Lowerthe   risk  of traumato protruded front teeth
• Correct harmfuloral  habits
• Improve appearance and self-esteem
• Guidepermanent teeth into a more favorable position
• Improve the way lipsmeet

All Kids Should Get a Check-up with an Orthodontist No Later Than Age 7

To have a healthy smile that’s good for life, your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a check-up with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7. By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Putting off a check-up with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they’re found early. A check-up no later than age 7 gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. If early treatment is in order, the orthodontist may be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Signs the Bite’s Not Right:

It’s not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding an unhealthy bite. Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty in chewing or biting

• Breathing through the mouth

• Thumb-sucking

• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

• Jaws that are too far forward or back

• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth

• Protruding teeth

• Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an     abnormal way

• An unbalanced facial appearance

• Grinding or clenching of the teeth

How long does treatment take?

Orthodontic treatment averages less than two years, but can range from one to three years. When “active” treatment ends, retainers are prescribed for most patients to keep teeth in their new positions.

Dental braces are used to correct malocclusion of teeth, improper bite, crowded teeth, protruding teeth, teeth with gaps etc.

Steps: 

1. Consultation & impression of bite with Oro-facial analysis
2. Treatment planning & case discussion to decide no. sittings, time period, cost etc.
3. Extractions / preliminary procedures
4. Bracing
5. Retainers (post braces treatment)

Types of Braces: 

1. Metal Braces
2. Coloured Braces (Pink braces, Blue Braces, Yellow Braces, Red Braces)
3. Ceramic Braces/ Invisible Braces
4. Lingual Braces

We believe our success is founded in our focused approach, and our ability to integrate what we consider ‘key factors’ for this success. The centre of the orthodontics at Six Sigma is the patient, who is entitled to the highest quality professional care at all times. We achieve this through the combination of a highly skilled team, state-of-the-art technology and personalised attention.