Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics goes beyond just straightening teeth by placing braces or using aligners. It is a dynamic science that integrates aesthetics, functions, growth, habits, the musculo-skeletal framework of the face, and more. This translates to overall health of the teeth, gums, and associated structures/components.
A proper orthodontic treatment plan is influenced by and takes into account the above-mentioned parameters. Modern orthodontics treatment can be accomplished with the help of removable and fixed appliances. These include braces of different varieties (metal, clear, coloured), aligners, among others. To discover more, visit: Clinical Services
Orthodontic treatment is popularly considered only to straighten teeth. However, the scope of orthodontics goes beyond aligning teeth for aesthetic reasons alone. It involves studying, identifying, and correcting:
- Abnormal function: Improper bite, impaired chewing efficiency
- Abnormal jaw growth and asymmetries of the face: Deficient or excess upper and/or lower jaw in height, width, other dimensions
- Abnormal habits: Mouth breathing, Tongue thrusting, snoring, thumb sucking beyond a certain age, grinding of teeth during sleep – bruxism, and others
- Inadequate space to accommodate permanent teeth: Crowded teeth, some teeth located in abnormal positions, some teeth are missing or embedded within the jaw bone
- Abnormal jaw joint functions: Painful movement of lower jaw, clicking jaw joint sounds, headaches, neck and shoulder pain
- Severe breathing impairments: Sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea
The above mentioned conditions can be treated at any age; the treatment methods, duration, and invasiveness may vary depending on the age of the patient. However, it is advised to address any problem as early as possible to reduce the complexity at hand, and make the treatment straightforward, comfortable, pain-free, and an overall pleasant experience for the patient and their family.
Practice Philosophy
A patient centric treatment philosophy is followed at our practice. We firmly believe that your treatment should uphold the highest standard of patient care. The clinic follows global guidelines of infection control and uses the best available methods to perform your treatment. We give utmost importance to ethics, professionalism, and privacy.
Clinical Services
What should you choose – metal braces, tooth coloured braces, or aligners?
The treatment approach suggested to you by your orthodontist is customized for your unique requirements – lifestyle, age, professions, complexity of the case, and other influential parameters. Any treatment method – removable appliance-based, fixed braces, removal clear aligners, or a combination – may be suggested to you by your orthodontist. The outcome of the treatment only depends on how well the treatment is planned and executed, and not on which mode you use to reach the desired result. We will treat you using what suits your unique problem.
Correction of irregular teeth
Given that the problem is not because of underlying bony or muscular abnormality, the teeth can be straightened at any age to achieve a pleasing smile. We try to achieve optimal results as non-invasively as possible. The treatment may or may not involve removal of milk or permanent teeth. This can only be determined by a discussion with your orthodontist after they review your unique case.
Management of abnormal jaw growth
Deficient or excess growth of upper and/or lower jaws can lead to abnormal teeth relationship. It may also lead to improper speech (lisp), chewing , breathing, and other functions. Further, it impairs the overall facial aesthetics and balance affecting the personality of an individual. These challenges can be addressed at any age.
- Growing child before or during puberty: Best managed using removable or fixed orthopedic appliances to prevent further complexity
- Young adult during or after puberty: Requires treatment with or without some degree of invasiveness
- Adult: Requires an approach that is best suited for individual expectations, including surgical intervention if needed.
Management of abnormal functions
The face performs several vital functions such as breathing, chewing, swallowing, speech, facial expressions, and more. These functions influence the growth of the face and vice versa. Abnormal functions can be easily managed at an early age, but correcting them becomes progressively challenging with age. It is essential to identify and correct them as soon as they’re identified to ensure harmonious growth of the face.
Jaw Joint (TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder) function management
Jaw joint abnormality often presents with one or more of the following:
– Pain in front of the ears on left, right, or both sides
– Painful jaw movements
– Inability to find the “correct” position to close the jaw
– Headache, associated neck, shoulder, back stiffness or pain
This is a complex problem that needs early intervention and an interdisciplinary approach in some advanced cases
It is possible to restore your function, health of the teeth and gums, aesthetics and become pain-free. Our team of orthodontists can expertly handle complex cases to benefit you. We understand your pain and offer solutions that will improve your overall quality of life.
Re-treatment
If you have already undergone orthodontic treatment and you feel that it seems to be incomplete due to unavoidable circumstances, you could consider a re-treatment. Your concern may be from any one or a combination of the following:
Missing teeth and collapsed arches leaving less space for the tongue.
Breathing issues such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Jaw joint problems as mentioned before.
Headache, associated neck, shoulder, back stiffness or pain
Management of severely abnormal breathing
Such cases present with
– Drowsiness during the day
– Lethargy
– Loud snoring during sleep
– Poor sleep quality and waking up repeatedly during sleep
– Inability to focus at work
This problem requires a detailed study to identify the cause and plan the appropriate treatment.
Interdisciplinary treatments
A treatment plan that requires collaboration between an orthodontist with doctors from other dental or medical specialities falls under ‘interdisciplinary treatment’. Usually, a patient needing such a treatment plan has
– One or more missing teeth
– Compromised gum health
– Abnormal gum display at rest and/or smiling
– Disproportionate size and/or shape of teeth
– Cleft lip and/or palate
– Orthognathic surgery (orthodontic-surgical combination) usually for adult patients with abnormal or disproportionate jaw size
Frequently asked questions
Why should I visit an orthodontist?
An orthodontist can help you achieve better health and longevity of the teeth and associated structures. They can improve function, aesthetics, correct habits if any, and supervise the growth and development of the teeth, face, and jaws.
When should I take my child for their first orthodontic consultation or checkup?
Visit an orthodontist by the age of 6 years of age, or when the first permanent molar has erupted in the mouth. However, if you or your pediatric dentist notice any abnormality in the bite, face, or recognize any habit that could have ill effects prior to the age of 6 years, visit an orthodontist at the earliest.
Should I wait for all permanent teeth to erupt before braces treatment?
No, braces treatment can be started before all deciduous (milk) teeth exfoliate or fall off. Let your orthodontist decide
Can an orthodontist help if my child is Snoring at night
Snoring could be due to multiple reasons that require clinical assessment. An orthodontist can certainly help this diagnosis. If the snoring is due to abnormality in the growth of the jaws, leading to a smaller airway, an orthodontist can help correct it effectively.
Can an orthodontist help if my child is having regular flu or cold infections
Consult an ENT or pediatrician. This needs to be resolved at the earliest to prevent abnormal growth of the face and jaw bones. an orthodontist can conduct further assessment to ensure a normal growth pattern.
Thumb or finger sucking habit beyond the age of 4 years
It is not natural for your child to continue any form of non-nutritive sucking habit, including finger or thumb sucking beyond the age of 4 years. It adversely affects the growth of teeth, face, and jaw bones. An orthodontist can guide you correctly to resolve such a habit.
Testimony
Our patrons trust our transparency, strict sterilization protocols and comprehensive treatment solutions.
“I have had a very good experience at Smile Care. The no nonsense attitude, the obvious knowledge and the sincerity of Dr. Karad immediately puts one at ease. It is very reassuring to be treated by him.”
“I’ve been getting treated under Smile Care for a year now, and my experience has been fantastic. The team is exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable. I have had no complaints.”
“I’ve had good experience with Smilecare. Dr. Vaishali has been treating me for gum complaint and she’s very patient and reassuring. Thanks to her, my teeth are in good condition.”