The common myths in Orthodontics:

Orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers.

During the early days of development of the technique, materials available were limited and a good result was usually seen in the age groups of 10-20 years where the adaptation of biological tissues to tooth movement was best. Today there has been a sea change in treatment techniques and availability of materials made of special alloys has made Orthodontic treatment independent of “age factor”. Any patient can be considered for treatment if he or she has the motivation and good oral hygiene. Age is not a bar for orthodontic treatment.

Adult Orthodontic treatment in the form of Lingual Orthodontics and Invisalign has been successful with improvement in technology and miniaturization of brackets. Now the age factor is 6 to 60 years.

General Dentist is an Orthodontist too.

Orthodontics is a specialty subject where the knowledge of a General dentist to treat is limited. A general dentist could however handle some Preventive and Interceptive treatment in children like space maintainers and habit breaking appliances.

Is purely for Cosmetic Reasons!

Having a good set of teeth does improve the image of a person, but is important to have health teeth and gums. A good set of teeth is necessary to carry out proper functions like speech, tooth brushing and mastication. Since normal functions are not affected due to the adaptability of the oral tissues inspite of having crooked teeth gives the impression that this is a cosmetic treatment.

Are a lengthy and a painful procedure?

The duration of treatment may last between one to three years, depending on the complexity of the problem. Fixed appliance (Braces) tooth movement has to be done in a controlled manner in order to avoid root resorption of the tooth and relapse. The initial adjustment phase is one month and usually after this period the patient is comfortable with the advent of new materials (heat activated archwires) orthodontic treatment has become to a great extent pain free procedure.

Orthodontic Treatment means Braces.

Orthodontics is not limited to guiding teeth into a harmonious relation but also deals with the correction of skeletal (bony) problems. The types of treatment modalities are divided into (a) Preventive and Interceptive treatment – 6 to 10 years of age (b) Functional Appliances – 8 to 15 years of age (c) Fixed appliance (braces) treatment – 12 to life (4) Ortho-gnathic Surgery – after 18 years of age, Orthodontic treatment performed alongside surgical correction of the jaws.

Hence, a visit to the orthodontist is deemed necessary as early as six years of age and thereafter depending on the doctor.

Teeth become loose after the treatment.

This is a common complaint with patients who do not follow the post treatment instructions with retainers. Proper tooth movement is possible only when an optimum range of force is an applied thro brace. It is important the patient not be in an urgency to see changes. Movement occurs with time. leads to post- treatment relapse. Hence, it is important to get the treatment at the hands of a qualified and experienced specialist.

Is a very expensive procedure?

The duration of treatment could be between 1 to 3 years. During this period the patient would visit the Orthodontist once in 4 – 6 weeks. The use of quality Orthodontic products is expensive. This treatment is a time intensive treatment hence the cost factor increases. In some treatment options, Laboratory help is sought. This again increases the cost factor. The payments are collected on monthly installment basis making it comfortable on the pocket.

“Quality is not expensive but Priceless”.

Dr. Krishnamurthy Balajee Katta, M.D.S.
www.bracesin.com
(Alternate names: Dr.Balajee or Dr.Krishna) Fellow: Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA-France).
Active Member: European Society of Lingual Orthodontics (ESLO) Fellow: World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO-USA)
Life Member: Indian Dental Association, Indian Orthodontic Society. Member: Indian Academy of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry.
Rotary International – Paul-Harris Fellow (India). Expert panel member: Stay Fit wellness magazine.

CERTIFIED provider:
INVISALIGN & INCOGNITO.
TWITTER: Bracesin.
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Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment:

What is INVISALIGN?

Invisalign is an Orthodontic appliance that corrects malocclusions with a series of custom made, nearly invisible, removable Aligners. A new hi-tech animation Clincheck) helps in patients to visualize the course and result of treatment.

• Aligners – A series of clear Plastic retainers designed to sequentially move the teeth from where they are to where they should be.
• Clincheck – Is a computer animation of the patient’s actual teeth. This clip shows the movement of teeth along the treatment to finish. The patient and doctor can make any changes required that can be incorporated by the laboratory.

Lingual Orthodontics / Invisible Orthodontics

What does Lingual Orthodontics mean?

Braces Therapy done by placing the braces on the inner surface of the teeth.

Hence, braces are not visible, and called INVISIBLE braces.

Lingual Orthodontics is a Super-specialty in Braces treatment. A qualified Lingual Orthodontist should have a Certification from ESLO – European Society of Lingual Orthodontics.

What is the age limit?

No Age limit. As long s permanent teeth are present. The patient should have internal motivation and good oral hygiene. Age 6 – 60 years is acceptable, provided the bone support is healthy.

Can any problem be corrected with Lingual Orthodontics?

Yes! All cases that can be treated with regular Braces, Lingual Braces treatment are possible. However, there are certain limitations if the size of the teeth is small or depends on patient’s job (teachers, lawyers not advised) and patient’s personality (adaptable personality).

Duration of Treatment:

It sometimes usually takes the same time as normal braces (1 – 3years). In some cases it may take a longer time.

Is this treatment Difficult to manage?

The Braces faces the tongue, hence there is an adjustment period of 2-3 weeks.

There may be some tongue soreness and speech problems which are minor in nature. During this period patient learns to maintain the braces. After which it becomes a routine.

Due to significant developments in technology and miniaturization of Braces, the problems of adaptations are drastically reduced.

Laboratory Procedure:

Special Indirect bonding trays which carry the Braces is done in a Laboratory.

These trays are transferred to the patient’s teeth by the Orthodontist and treatment progresses with change of arch wires.

Quality is not expensive but Priceless”

Dr. Krishnamurthy Balajee Katta, M.D.S.

www.bracesin.com
(Alternate names: Dr.Balajee or Dr.Krishna) Fellow: Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA-France).
Active Member: European Society of Lingual Orthodontics (ESLO) Fellow: World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO-USA)

Life Member: Indian Dental Association, Indian Orthodontic Society. Member: Indian Academy of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Rotary International – Paul-Harris Fellow (India). Expert panel member: Stay Fit wellness magazine.

CERTIFIED provider:
INVISALIGN & INCOGNITO.
TWITTER: Bracesin.
Like facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bracesin/126659080721167