Orthodontic Treatment FAQs Answered by a Specialist Orthodontist

It works by applying gentle continuous pressure using appliances like braces or clear aligners to gradually move the teeth into their position, improving both function and appearance.

While every patient's plan is unique, the process generally follows these steps:

• Initial Consultation: The orthodontist conducts a thorough examination, which may include X-rays, photos, and digital scans of your teeth and jaw.
• Treatment Plan: A personalized plan is created, outlining the best type of appliance, the estimated duration, and the goals of your treatment.
• Appliance Placement: Your braces are bonded to your teeth, or you receive your first set of clear aligners.
• Active Treatment: You'll have regular check-up appointments for adjustments (with braces) or to receive your next sets of aligners.
• Retention Phase: Once your teeth are perfectly aligned, the active treatment is complete. You will then wear a retainer (either removable or fixed) to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions for a lifetime.

It is normal to feel some discomfort or soreness for a few days after your braces are placed or adjusted, or when you switch to a new set of clear aligners. This is a sign that your teeth are moving. This feeling is temporary and can be managed.

While all three treatments are designed to straighten teeth and improve your smile, they work in different ways. The best option for you depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case.

Traditional Braces

• How they work: Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets, a thin wire (archwire), and small elastic bands (ligatures) to apply pressure. The orthodontist manually tightens or replaces these elastic bands at each appointment to gradually move the teeth.
• Pros: Highly effective for all types of orthodontic issues, from simple to very complex cases. They are a time-tested and reliable method.
• Cons: The elastic bands can create more friction, potentially causing some discomfort. They also make cleaning more difficult and require more frequent adjustment appointments.

Self-Ligating Braces

• How they work: Self-ligating braces are the modern variation of traditional braces. They use a special clip or door built into the bracket to hold the archwire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands. This allows the wire to move more freely.
• Pros: The reduced friction can lead to a more comfortable experience and potentially shorter treatment times. They also require fewer and faster appointments since there are no elastic bands to change. Without the elastics, they are also easier to clean.
• Cons: The initial cost can be slightly higher than traditional braces.

Clear Aligners

• How they work: Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable kits. Each aligner is designed to make a small, specific adjustment. You wear each set for a week to two before moving on to the next one, and this gradual process shifts your teeth over time.
• Pros: They are virtually invisible, making them a very aesthetic choice. They are also removable, so you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, which means no food restrictions and easier oral hygiene.
• Cons: They are best suited for mild to moderate cases and may not be effective for all complex issues. They require a high level of patient discipline, as they must be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day to be effective.

Orthodontic treatments are complex medical treatments that require specialist supervision for a personalized, safe and effective treatment.

DTC aligners often lack specialist evaluation of the underlying problems. A poorly planned, fitted aligner might permanently damage your tooth or gums and lead to tooth loss or infections.

Without a specialist evaluating and planning, DTC treatments can cause teeth to shift incorrectly, leading to misalignment and bite problems. The corrections are always more complex, time consuming and costly too. So meet a qualified orthodontist before you embark on this exciting journey.

We at AlignBy have a varied range of treatment options starting at a very affordable price and provide additional payment plans, so it doesn't pinch your pocket. Read more about the options and the orthodontist.

The total treatment time varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the type of appliance used, and how well you follow the orthodontist's instructions. On average, treatment can last anywhere from 3 to 24 months.

Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I or interceptive orthodontics, is a proactive approach to addressing dental and jaw issues in young children. This treatment typically begins while a child still has some of their baby teeth, usually between the ages of 7 and 10. The goal is to correct developing problems early on to prevent them from becoming more severe and complex in the future.

Early intervention provides numerous long-term advantages:

• Guides Jaw Growth: It can guide the growth of the jaw to correct issues like crossbites, underbites, or severe overbites while the bones are still developing.
• Creates Space: It can create necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, which may prevent the need for extractions later on.
• Corrects Harmful Habits: It can help stop habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting that can negatively impact dental development.
• Reduces Future Complexity: It often simplifies and shortens the duration of future orthodontic treatment (Phase II) and can sometimes eliminate the need for extensive procedures or even surgery.
• Reduces Risk of Trauma: It can help correct protruding front teeth, which are more susceptible to injury.

Many children do not need early treatment and are simply monitored as their permanent teeth grow in. Early treatment is only recommended when there is a clear, developing problem that would be more difficult to correct later. Your orthodontist will determine if it's the right choice for your child during their initial consultation.

An orthodontic expander, or palatal expander, is a custom-made appliance used to gently widen the upper jaw. It is typically a metal or acrylic device that fits in the roof of the mouth and is attached to the back teeth. By applying gentle, outward pressure, it gradually widens the upper jaw to create more space for teeth.

Palatal expanders are most effective for children and young adolescents because their jawbones are still growing and have not fully fused. Early treatment with an expander can help to:

• Correct a crossbite: When the upper jaw is too narrow, the top teeth bite inside the bottom teeth. An expander corrects this misalignment.
• Resolve overcrowding: It creates necessary space for all permanent teeth to erupt correctly, reducing the need for tooth extractions later.
• Prevent impacted teeth: By creating space, it can allow a tooth that is stuck beneath the gum line to erupt naturally.
• Improve breathing: Widening the jaw can also widen the nasal passages, which may improve breathing and reduce mouth-breathing.

The active expansion phase typically lasts for a few months until the desired width is achieved. After this, the expander is left in place for several more months to allow new bone to form and stabilize the expansion. The total time the expander is worn can vary from 3 to 12 months, depending on the individual case.

We are committed to providing the best treatment for you, which means we don't compromise on the quality of the materials we use.

Aligners: Dr Ranjitha is a certified Spark and Invisalign provider. We also plan our own in-house clear aligners.

Self-Ligating Braces: We use DAMON braces and PITTS systems.

Braces: We use the best quality braces from American Orthodontics or 3M.