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I have been on retainers 24hours for almost 1 year. But my teeth shifted even though i have been wearing it. Is there any way to make it straight again?
Btw its hawley retainers
Answered by Dr Priscilla Lu, Associate Consultant from the Department of Orthodontics, National Dental Centre Singapore
Retention is a necessary part of an orthodontic treatment to prevent the straightened teeth from shifting back to its original position - this is known as relapse. Relapse can occur as a result of forces from the fibres around the teeth which tend to pull the teeth back into their pre-braces positions. Lip and tongue pressures can also cause the teeth to shift out of alignment.
Hawley retainers do not lock the set of teeth in one position as they allow teeth to move naturally towards each other. A process that is necessary to allow better function of teeth, this is termed as settling, it is a desired outcome after braces treatment for teeth to come together more after braces are removed. If the teeth have only shifted a little, new retainers that actively move the teeth may be able to move the teeth back into position. However, if the teeth have shifted a lot, other measures may be needed to re-straighten the teeth again. To get better assessment we advise you to visit an Orthodontist for a review.
Hi is there any age limit to consider putting on braces?
A lot of people think that braces are meant for younger people. However, teeth with a healthy gum support can be moved at any age. The main limitation is not age but the support of the teeth. If your teeth have good bone support and healthy gums, braces treatment can be an option at any age. Do consult your orthodontist who may be able to ascertain if you are a suitable candidate for braces.
By catbear (Republished by Forum Admin)
Dear Doctors, when I was young, my parents couldn’t afford to get me braces. In recent months, I’ve been to a few dentists in my neighbourhood to find out the cost of getting braces done, and frankly, they’re exorbitant ($9k onwards without tooth extraction). How much would it cost for an adult to get braces done in NDCS (including all consultations and extractions) and is any part of it medisave claimable? Also, what is the waiting period?
You are definitely not alone in your experience. Braces treatment is considered elective treatment and can be delayed until an appropriate time for each individual. Braces treatment in NDCS is estimated to range from $2000-$5000 depending on the complexity as well as the type of braces used. Braces treatment is considered elective and hence not Medisave claimable. Waiting time to the first consultation is usually within a few days to a few weeks.
By bzbea (Republished by Forum Admin)
Hi Drs, between metal, lingual and ceramic braces, which are most effective, require the least amount of time and don’t affect your speech too badly? I do a lot of trainings for a living and am already in my late 30s. I don’t want to use metal braces because they don’t look so good, but I also heard that they’re effective.
Answered by Dr Elaine Tan, Consultant from the Department of Orthodontics, National Dental Centre Singapore
It is indeed a major decision to select a suitable brace that doesn’t affect your work. Metal, lingual and ceramic braces are all fixed appliances, this means they are fixed and stuck permanently onto your teeth throughout the course of treatment. These fixed braces are all equally effective in moving teeth but may cause some discomfort as the lips and cheeks could rub against the braces, to cause ulceration, etc.
Lingual braces are attached on the inside of the teeth. Even though they are not visible, the tongue will frequently come in contact with the braces and you will take some time to re-adjust back to your usual speech.
Removable braces like clear aligners on the other hand, can be removed during the course of treatment e.g. while you are eating or brushing teeth, or even for important functions. In addition, removable clear aligners are effective in moving teeth and are more comfortable in the mouth compared to fixed braces. They are also aesthetically more appealing than the rest as there are no metal wires used. However, for more complex tooth movement, fixed braces may prove as a more effective treatment option.
It is advisable for you to seek a consultation with an orthodontist to find out what sort of braces is most suited for your case.
You may also want to join us at our upcoming NDCS public forum “Smile.Sparkle.Shine - A public forum on oral health” on the 24 March 2018 to learn more about braces treatment. http://bit.ly/2DQuCh6
By dancingHr (Republished by Forum Admin)
Dear Drs, I take both my parents to their heart appointments and I hear their doctors advise them to keep their teeth clean. My parents have misaligned and a few missing teeth now that they’re in their 60s. I’m concerned that as I grow older, and if I don’t get braces done, that I may develop heart problems too. Are my concerns misplaced? Will braces help me prevent heart disease?
Dear dancingHR, your concern is justifiable. Braces will not prevent heart disease. From scientific studies, it has been proven that cardiovascular heart disease is linked to gum (periodontal) disease. Improved gum condition has been shown to improve the cardiovascular heart disease. This is possibly why the heart doctors advised your parents to keep their teeth clean so that their heart conditions can be maintained.
Braces can indeed align your teeth and make cleaning easier, improving oral health. However, if the straightened teeth aren’t cleaned well, there is still a risk for gum disease. We have also seen patients who are able to keep their teeth clean with crooked teeth.
Do join us at our upcoming NDCS public forum “Smile.Sparkle.Shine - A public forum on oral health” on the 24 March 2018 to learn more about braces treatment. http://bit.ly/2DQuCh6
By sajora (Republished by Forum Admin)
Hi Doctors, I am considering putting on braces. I heard that people who with braces should eat soft foods such as porridge, oatmeal etc. What foods and drinks should I avoid? Also, does wearing braces promote weight loss? Thank you for your time.
We generally advise our patients to start with soft diet like what you mentioned as it can be rather sore during the first few weeks of initial placement of braces. However, as the treatment progresses and patients are more used to the initial discomfort with every adjustment visit, they can pretty much resume to their normal diet. However, we strongly advise against eating hard, crunchy food like nuts, ice cubes, crabs, etc. Apples should also be cut into bite sized before eating rather than munching off a whole apple on its own. This is to prevent patients from biting off the braces during eating of these foods.
Lastly, braces do not promote weight loss. In some people, they lose weight after putting on braces as they eat less due to the discomfort, but there are people who put on weight during braces treatment as they turn to other high calorie food like ice cream, sugary drinks etc. Weight loss should be done through diet and exercise.
By pokkagreentea (Republished by Forum Admin)
Dear doctors, I have some crooked teeth and a slight under bite. My dentist suggested that I should put on braces for 2-3 years, thereafter I have to continue to wear retainers for the rest of my life. Is it true that my teeth will start to shift if I don’t wear my retainers? After removing my braces, how often should I replace the retainers and go back for reviews? Thank you!
Dear pokkagreentea, great question! Yes it is true that teeth will start to shift if you don’t wear your retainers. In the first year after removal of braces, the teeth have a high tendency to shift back to the original position. Thereafter, teeth will still continue to shift throughout life, hence we always recommend a life-time wear of retainers.
After removal of braces, the retainers can usually last you for quite a number of years. There is also a fixed retainer you can consider, which is a metal wire that is stuck to the back of your teeth. The review visits depends on your orthodontist. We usually review our patients in the first 6 months, and yearly after removal of braces.
By catlady (Republished by Forum Admin)
I have a friend who was supposed to take off his braces years ago, but just didn’t show up to his appointment. He thinks people with braces look cute/endearing and I guess he wants to prolong wearing braces because of this! I personally feel it’s really unhygienic because it’s so easy for food can get stuck in there. To think that he could actually just take it off already! What can I say to him to advise him? Thanks.
Dear catlady, your concern for your friend is indeed warranted. It is not good to prolong wearing of braces when it is time to remove them. This is because without close monitoring of the braces by the dentist, your friend may not be aware that the braces could be loose and that might pose risk of ingestion. When the braces are no longer stuck to the teeth, the teeth may start to move and become crooked again.
You are also right that it is unhygienic to prolong braces as bacteria can get trapped around the braces and result in discolouration of the teeth around the braces or worse tooth decay may happen.
After braces are removed, we will put patients on retainers to retain the straightened position. If your friend likes the metal wire, he could request for a metal Hawley retainer so that the metal wire can still be seen. The retainer can also be removed for cleaning and when patient brushes teeth and eat. This makes it more hygienic for the patient.
Thank you for your advice doctors! Good to know that braces are a bit more affordable at dental centre.
Thanks for the reply Dr Tan.
I have another question, is there a difference in the different types of retainers, eg. Hawleys/ clear retainers.
Do they affect the teeth in any way? or is one better than the other?
Retainers can be categorised into fixed or removable. Fixed retainer is a wire that is glued onto the backs of your teeth to prevent teeth from shifting. Removable retainers include Hawley retainers and clear retainers. Out of the different types of retainers, fixed retainers works the best in preventing teeth from shifting as it is there all the time. However, it has its disadvantages; it is difficult to clean and traps more plaque. Sometimes the glue that holds the wire in place dislodges and the teeth can still shift out of position.
Hawley retainers and clear retainers are different in their designs, but both work to prevent teeth from shifting out of position. Hawley retainers generally allow the teeth to settle faster, meaning the teeth do not have a layer of plastic that blocks the teeth from touching each other so it allows the teeth to shift towards each other more after braces are removed.
Clear retainers have a layer of plastic between the teeth when the patient is wearing both upper and lower retainers. The layer of plastic blocks the teeth from shifting towards each other more. However, since clear retainers are worn only at night after some time, natural teeth settling still takes place. During the day when the patient is not wearing the retainers, the teeth are no longer blocked by the plastic and can shift towards each other just like with the Hawley retainers.
Settling is an important part after braces treatment as it allows the teeth to function more optimally as it touches each other more after being released from the braces. Hawley retainers are built with an adjustable wire. While, clear retainers’ shape is fixed. Both function to keep extraction spaces closed. There is some research to suggest that clear retainers are better at preventing teeth that were rotated from shifting out of place. However, there is also research to show that even with fixed retainers; rotated teeth may still shift out of position. I would say that your orthodontist would be able to recommend the best type of retainers based on what your teeth was like before braces treatment.
Hi my upper and lower jaw does not match, does braces help or surgery need to be done?
Hi Missy Leen, not many people are aware that the problem with their bite may be due to their jaw positions. This means the upper jaw is too far behind the lower jaw or vice-verse. These are just some of the more common presentation, other jaw malpositioning are also present. Braces are meant to be stuck on teeth, and its purpose is to move teeth, not to adjust the jaws. In mild cases, braces may be possible to fit the teeth according to the mismatched jaws. This is known as the camouflage treatment, which means we change the teeth position to camouflage the jaw position. However, sometimes the degree of discrepancy between the upper and lower jaw may be too wide and jaw surgery is warranted to correct the jaw position and braces is also needed to ensure the teeth fit properly in the corrected jaw position.
Join us at our upcoming NDCS public forum “Smile.Sparkle.Shine - A public forum on oral health” on the 24 March 2018 to learn more about braces treatment . http://bit.ly/2DQuCh6
Hi doctors, I recently put on braces, and I started having ulcers on my gums. Is that normal?
Having ulcers sometime after putting on braces is a normal occurrence. Hooks on braces that will be used for rubber bands during braces treatment as well as the braces wire may chaff against your cheeks to cause ulcerations. You may also accidentally bite your cheeks or lips with the braces as you are not used to the braces yet. One way is to roll a small ball of orthodontic wax and stick it on the part that is chaffing. It should soften the sharp edges and make it more comfortable. However if the ulcer does not heal but worsens, do visit your orthodontist who may need to adjust the braces to make it more comfortable.
By Wendy (Republished by Forum Admin)
I would like to enquire about the rates of putting braces and the waiting time to get a slot. I am currently not earning much, but I’m able to pay a long term installment.
At NDCS our estimated rates range from $2000-$5000 depending on your treatment needs. This is quoted based on estimated duration of braces treatment which often takes about 2 years to complete.
Hi, from my previous visits to the specialist, understand that I need to extract 4 teeth before the braces can be put on. is there anything that can be done to shorten the period between the tooth extraction and putting of braces? Thanks.
Extractions are often necessary in braces treatment. Sometimes your orthodontist may extract teeth on different visits for healing to take place and to lessen any discomfort. Your orthodontist may also need to use certain auxiliaries to help in your treatment and these require a few more visits before the final putting on of the braces. You may wish to explain to your orthodontist the time commitments you have in mind to plan out a viable treatment plan.
Join us at our upcoming NDCS public forum“Smile.Sparkle.Shine - A public forum on oral health” on the 24 March 2018 to learn more about braces treatment . http://bit.ly/2DQuCh6
I've been on braces for 5 years & it's going nowhere. My dentist recently told me that he needs to refer me to see a specialist/Orthodontist. Why are general dentists allowed to provide Orthodontic treatment in the first place & why did my dentist not referred me to see an Orthodontist to begin with?
Sounds like you need to see an orthodontist for a consultation. You can see an orthodontist of your choice to go through your treatment history and discuss possible options.
Hi Doctors, I have 2 pre-molars removed (each side) on my upper jaw due to root canal decay. I am wondering if i could do without more teeth extractions on lower jaw as I do not want to lose good teeth unnecessarily because of braces. Is there a way to file up some teeth to create space so that I can do braces w/o teeth extraction?
Extractions are sometimes a necessary part of orthodontic treatment and also part of an overall treatment plan when teeth are lost due to decay.
Sometimes there may also be crowding present in the lower arch that warrants extractions in the lower jaw in order for the upper and lower teeth to fit properly. Interproximal reduction otherwise known as filing of the teeth does create some space that may help with the crowding, however there is a limit to how much interproximal reduction can be done.
On average each tooth can only be filed down a maximum of 0.5mm otherwise it will be detrimental to the health of the tooth. If interproximal reduction is not enough to solve the amount of crowding, extractions will be warranted. Extractions in the lower arch may also be necessary to achieve proper relationship with the upper teeth in order to have a good bite. To get a better assessment, it is best to consult an orthodontist for an evaluation.
My daughter is 3 years old and she has slight underbite problem. It does not affect her speech and eating. I was told that I should still bring her for braces /dental correction eventhough it is mild becuase it may slowly affect her appearance. Is that true? Given her young age and may not be able to understand fully and cooperate, when will it be a best time to bring her to see a doctor? And will the braces cause any discomfort? Thank you!
What is commonly known as an “underbite”, is also known as a reverse overjet. This means that the upper teeth lie behind the lower teeth when she bites together, this gives the appearance that the lower jaw is protruding more than the upper jaw. Most of the time, it is due to the upper jaw being too far behind and trapped by the lower jaw.
As she is only 3 years old, and it is not affecting her speech and eating, it may be better to wait till she is about 5-6 years old to bring her to see an orthodontist for an evaluation. At that age, she may be able to understand and cooperate better. Early treatment of an underbite has its benefits as the upper jaw is young and the joints holding the upper jaw is still soft and malleable to orthodontic treatment.
Dear dr,
My 6 year old boy has an overbite. His primary teeth are all still intact. What are the factors that I should take into consideration if i would like to get him fitted for braces? Also why is the estimated cost for pediatric braces? Thank you
At 6 years old, it is likely that he still has most of his milk teeth in his mouth and they are still in a state of transition to adult teeth. Reasons to treat protruding front teeth early around this age would be to reduce the risk of injury to his front teeth and will help if the child is being teased in school for his “bunny” teeth resulting in low self-esteem.
However, large- scale research studies conducted show that treating children with protruding front teeth early does not mean that he will not need orthodontic treatment at a later age. The difference between treating a child early and if the treatment were to be delayed is also small. It is always best to bring your child to an orthodontist for a clinical assessment to know if he or she needs any form of treatment early.
Hello Drs, My upper teeth used to be really straight while my bottom teeth is quite crooked, but there was once i was really annoyed by my bottom set of teeth, so i pushed with my tongue everyday so i can make it more aligned.. i pushed till my gums felt "weak" and my teeth were "moving", until now my upper teeth got "pushed" because i overpushed my bottom teeth, so when i clench or just close normally it will affect my upper set of teeth. I bought this teeth aligner on taobao long time ago, i tried using it, it felt like it would work because my gums felt like it was loose but i don't use it anymore because i dont want to worsen the situation now. I was thinking of having the Veneers(?) instead of braces, but i worry my bottom teeth is too crooked. Also,is it possible if i were to wear braces for my bottom teeth only?
Teeth lie in a zone of equilibrium held in bone by periodontal ligaments as well as a zone where the forces from the lips and tongue are balanced. Constant forces placed on teeth disturb this equilibrium and does result in teeth movement as seen in some patients who have a habit of sucking on their thumb or thrusting their tongue between their front teeth. Uncontrolled forces placed on the teeth can result in uncontrolled movement of the teeth that may be damaging. It is best for you to have an assessment with an orthodontist who will ascertain the health of your teeth and gums to offer you the best treatment options that will be tailored to your needs.
I have bruxism since at young age and my teeth has shifted causing bad misalignment and some gaps. I have fair bit of saliva spewing when I speak the past recent 6 months and I have chewing and biting problem. Also has difficulty pronouncing certain words or letters.
What is the best treatment for me? My mental health is affected as well.
Bruxism is the subconscious state of grinding or clenching your teeth when you sleep at night and it tends to wear your teeth over time. Bruxism is often associated with worn teeth and some people may get jaw joint aches and pains from sore muscles after a night of grinding and clenching. It sounds like you would need an assessment from a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) specialist who will be able to advice the treatment options after a clinical assessment.
