Archive for the ‘Orthodontics’ Category
Sucking the thumb is considered normal behaviour for babies and may even start in the womb. However, if it continues after the age of two or three, it can have negative effects on developing teeth and bite.
Thumb sucking has the following effects on the mouth and teeth:
- An open bite in the front: The front teeth in the upper jaw and the lower jaw cannot meet.
- The back teeth in the upper jaw are pushed inward towards the palate, affecting the bite.
- High palate: The pressure from the thumb on the growing palate bone affects the shape of the palate.
If the habit is interrupted very early, the bite recovers and the permanent teeth often grow into a correct position without the need of orthodontic treatment.
How to stop thumb sucking?
- Support and encourage your child to stop.
- You could try coating your child’s thumb with a taste you know they find unappealing such as vinegar.
- Use Mavala Stop. The bitter but harmless taste help your child (over 3 years) stop sucking the thumb.
- Consult your dentist. A dentist can provide your child with a thumb sucking deterrant but also can advise if there is an effect on the developing teeth . If there is an adverse effect ‘orthopaedic’ orthodontic treatment may be indicated.
- Be patient, children do often grow out of the habit but if you are concerned seek professional advice.
What are invisible braces?
One type of Invisible braces use a method of straightening teeth gradually with a series of clear plastic trays or ‘aligners’ instead of conventional metal braces.
The distinctive feature of this treatment is that the plastic trays are virtually invisible, making them less noticeable to others.
How does it work?
The treatment starts with:
- Your dentist taking impressions, x-rays and pictures of your teeth.A model of your teeth is cast and then scanned by a specialised scanner.
- Computer software is used to design custom made trays for you to wear for each step of the treatment.
- Each tray is designed to gradually move the teeth and therefore has to be worn in a specific order to achieve the desired effect.
- Trays are usually worn for two weeks before being replaced by the next ones in the series.
- Trays are worn at all times including night time. The only time they are taken out is when eating or cleaning the teeth.
- Treatment time may vary depending on the complexity of the individual case and can take between six and eighteen months.
- This method is not suitable for every case. Ask your dentist whether you are a candidate.
Why Invisible braces?
Compared to conventional metal braces:
Advantages:
- Cosmetically more appealing.
- Easier to clean the teeth during the treatment period.
- More comfortable to wear.
Disadvantages:
- The treatment is dependent on the patient’s consistency of wearing the trays.
- The trays have to be removed when eating.
- The treatment is not suitable if the patient suffers from bruxism.
If your teeth are not suitable for the clear ‘aligners’then metal braces on the insides of the teeth are another ‘invisible’ option….this can be on all the teeth or just the front teeth.
Check out our orthodontic page for more information.
Companies providing invisible braces:
- ClearStep™
- Invisalign®
Appointments for orthodontics usually are between four and eight weeks depending on each individual case.
Once the appliance has been fitted…the appointments tend to be short ie: 20 to 30 minutes, therefore they won’t take up too much of your time.
No! Treatment can start at any age. Adults in their 50′s have had succcessful treatment.
‘Invisible’ braces are more popular with adults…these can be aligner based (such as Invisalign) or fixed metal braces put on the insides of the teeth where they don’t show.
Here at The Courtyard Clinic, we offer a variety of techniques and a free orthodontic consultation so you can see what options there are for you
Contact Alison on reception on 01932 582949 to find out more.
Not really but avoid chewing ice cubes, and eating very hard foods such as nougat and pork crackling. It is also a good idea to reduce sweet, sticky, sugary foods.
Oral hygiene does have to be good during orthodontic treatment, therefore we at The Courtyard Clinic recommend regular visits with Marie our hygienist.
Yes, unless proper retainers are fitted and worn as we advise.
Retainers can be removable or fixed in….Full advice is given on this at the start of treatment. At The Courtyard Clinic our courses of treatment include retainers at no extra charge.
Children as young as three or four, can star to show signs that there may be problems with their ‘bite’ when they are older. Early advice and often simple treatment between the ages of five and ten can reduce the need for further extensive treatment when the child is older.
Around 75% of 12 year olds would benefit from orthodontic treatment and almost half suffer from a bad ‘bite’ and under developed jaws.
We offer a free consultation to children and their parents so you can more clearly understand what modern orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics can offer you and your child.
