What are braces?
Braces are devices which gently correct irregularities in the arrangement of your teeth. They are also called orthodontic appliances.

What can braces do for me?
Braces can do wonders for your self-confidence and self-esteem. By "straightening" your teeth, it helps to improve your smile and makes you feel good about yourself and your appearance. There will also be an overall improvement in your dental health as it will be easier to brush teeth that are well-aligned rather than those which are "crooked" and crowded together.

How many types of braces are there?
Basically there are two types, namely, fixed braces and removable braces. The most common type of fixed braces are made of metal. There are also tooth-coloured (ceramic or plastic) braces.
Removable braces are braces which are taken out of the mouth when you brush your teeth. They are cheaper but may not be suitable for all cases.

You will be advised as to which type is best for you.

When should I start wearing braces?
Generally, in children, orthodontic treatment is started when all the "milk" teeth have been replaced by the permanent ones. However, in some special cases, it may be very important for treatment to be started earlier to prevent complications from developing later and to take advantage of the growth of the face.

I am an adult, will braces still work for me?
Yes, it certainly will! You are never too old for braces! However, because the bone structure is more dense in adults, treatment time may be a little longer.

How long will the treatment take?
The length of time will depend on a number of factors, one of which would be the difficulty of your case. For treatment to be completed successfully and in the shortest possible time, it is important that you follow your doctor's instructions faithfully and conscientiously.

My child's front teeth protude. What causes this?
This can be hereditary or caused by bad oral habits practiced by your child. Bad oral habits include thumb sucking, finger sucking, and lip sucking or dummy.

If my child's teeth are crowded, at what age should they be straigthened?
This depends upon the kind of irregularity of the teeth, the growth and the development of your child and some cases, hereditary.

Why should irregularities of teeth position be corrected?
Properly placed teeth are important for chewing food, for speech and for appearance. They are also easier to keep clean. Teeth which are so irregular that they affect appearance can cause emotional as well as physical problems, particularly during adolescence. They can also cause gum disease due to difficulty in cleaning.

How soon can i tell whether my child needs braces?
Sometimes abnormalities of the jaws and teeth are observed in the very young child. In other instances abnormalities cannot be detected until the permanent teeth begin to appear. This is another reason why regular visits to the dentist for your child is important. If orthodontic treatment is begun at just the right time, treatment time can be shortened. It should be remembered that although your child may have perfectly straight and regular
baby teeth, there is no assurance that the permanent teeth will not need orthodontic treatment.

Why are there some braces with wires that can removed & others cannot?
Those that can be removed are called removable appliances and the other is called 'Fixed braces'. The decision to use either depends upon the type of treatment, the severity of the case and the co-operation of the child.

Will there be a lot of discomfort when I am wearing braces?
Initially there may be some discomfort. However, your lips, cheeks and tongue will soon get used to them and you might even miss them when they are finally removed!

Will I be able to brush my teeth when I am wearing braces?
Yes, of course! It is very important that you brush thoroughly so that you do not develop gum problems and cavities in your teeth.

What will braces cost?
The cost of braces will depend on a variety of factors one of which is the difficulty of your case. Also, the type of braces you will be wearing can influence the cost of treatment. Thus, fees vary from $3000 to $7000.

Where can I get more information on braces?
Ask your dentist.