These are the most frequent questions and their answers:

Is there an age limit for Braces?

There is no age limit for braces as long as the gums and teeth are healthy. It is never too late to wear braces. Of course there are certain limitations in adult treatment but that should not prevent us from trying to give adults the treatment they desire.

I have to travel often for work. Are braces still possible?

As long as the orthodontist is aware of such travel arrangements, appointments may be scheduled around business trips.

What if I am transferred overseas while I am still wearing braces?

We shall transfer you to another similarly qualified orthodontist in whichever country you are posted to. We take complete radiographic and photographic records as well as dental casts of all our patients. All these will be released to you with an accompanying letter.

I have some crowns and bridges in my mouth. Can I still wear braces?

Depending on the number of crowns and bridges, orthodontic treatment should still be possible after joint consultation with a prosthodontist. Sometimes the crowns and bridges may need to be removed and temporary ones placed so that the braces can stick better to the teeth.

Do I have to wait ’till my child loses all his baby teeth before I see an orthodontist?

It is recommended that every child should get an orthodontic assessment by age 7 years. This should pick up urgent cases which need orthodontic intervention at an early age. By and large most children would start braces only when most of the adult teeth are in the mouth.

Can the school dentist do specialist work?

School dental nurses and dentists provide primary dental care to our school children. If the need for specialist work arises, a referral may be made.

I play a wind instrument. Can I still wear braces?

Many of our patients continue to play their instruments and sing in choirs even when they wear braces. There is an initial acclimatization period which ranges from hours to days depending on the individual.

Are tooth extractions always needed for braces?

Tooth extractions are not always required but when they are it is usually for good reason. Correction of crowded teeth and improvement of facial profiles cannot be easily achieved. Often tooth extractions are necessary to provide the extra space.

Are braces painful?

Pain is a physiologic response of the tissues around the teeth to orthodontic forces. In order for a tooth to move, the bones and surrounding soft tissues must make way for such movements. Reaction is at the cellular level but as far as symptoms go, the patient feels tenderness and slight mobility of the teeth. This is necessary in order for tooth movement to occur. The pain can be controlled by taking a softer diet or if necessary some painkillers. Pain does not last longer than a few days.

Must I always remove my wisdom teeth before I wear braces?

If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted in the mouth and do not interfere with the braces there is no need to remove them. However if they are impacted and are likely to cause pain and infection then removal of the wisdom teeth is advised. When the wisdom teeth are scheduled to come out depends on a case by case basis. Some take them out before braces, some during and some after the braces are removed.

Do wisdom teeth cause crowding?

This is controversial to say the least. However most orthodontists would review patients till at least when the wisdom teeth are erupted into the mouth. Usually wisdom teeth are indicated for removal only if they are impacted. If they are not impacted, they may be left in the mouth.