Othodontics

Diagnosing and Treating “bad bites” (Malocclusion)

Having crooked teeth can be embarrassing. Many patients are unaware they can seek treatment rather than spend years smiling with their lips closed or covering their mouths. Crooked teeth maybe seen as a cosmetic concern, however, Misaligned teeth can cause excessive wear and damage to your teeth, can make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene and can cause TMJ-related pain (a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD — can cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement).

If your teeth are misaligned, and you are looking for a clear way to improve your smile, Empire Dental dentists Dr. Rashida Lodhger and Dr. Rashida Shamun may recommend ClearSmile Aligner^® aligners or Braces. Ideal for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic. Now, you can discreetly straighten your teeth at any age without the embarrassment or discomfort of metal braces.

Problems Treated by Orthodontist at Empire Dental

Pediatric Dentistry Orthodontics and Pedodontics: Specializing in diagnosing and treating dental problems in infants, children, and teenagers.; at Empire Dental Clinics: Nyali . Buxton Point Mombasa and Park Medical Center Parklands - Nairobi

Our Orthodontic services at Empire Dental Clinic are designed to address a range of dental problems, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile. If you are wondering what orthodontic services are, let’s explore some common problems that we professionally treat:

Overcrowded and Misaligned Teeth:

Overcrowded and misaligned teeth can cause issues such as difficulty with oral hygiene, speech problems, and an increased risk of dental decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners are often used to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions, creating a straighter and more aligned smile.

Malocclusions and Bite Issues:

Malocclusions refer to misalignments of the teeth and jaws that can result in an improper bite. This can lead to problems such as difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and even headaches. Orthodontic interventions, such as braces, can help correct these issues, improving the function and comfort of your bite.

Maintaining Space and Preventing Tooth Shifting:

Orthodontic services are also essential for maintaining space in the mouth and preventing tooth shifting. When a tooth is lost or extracted, nearby teeth may start to shift, leading to misalignments and bite problems. Orthodontic appliances like retainers or space maintainers can help preserve the natural spacing and alignment of teeth.

Othodontics FAQs

Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered by Empire Dental Clinic

Why should I have orthodontic treatment?

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can improve their appearance and the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean. Some people have upper front teeth that stick out and look unsightly. These ‘prominent’ teeth are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment can move them back into line. Or the way the upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment may be able to correct both of these problems. When the teeth don’t meet correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and sometimes headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.

At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?

The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too – and more and more are doing so. Age is less important than having the right number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.

What does it involve?

The most important thing is to have a full examination. This will usually involve looking at your teeth, taking x-rays and making plaster models of your teeth. Your dental team or orthodontist will then discuss what treatment is possible. Once you are sure you want to go ahead, the treatment can start as soon as you have enough permanent teeth.

Will I need to have teeth taken out to make room?

You may not have enough room for all your permanent teeth. If so, you may need to have some permanent teeth taken out to make space. Your dental team will tell you whether this is the case. Sometimes space can be made using other forms of treatment.

How is treatment carried out?

Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts of appliances, which most people call a ‘brace’.

What is a fixed brace?

Often, teeth need to be guided more accurately than they can be using a removable brace. So a fixed brace is used. This has brackets and bands which are temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. You can’t take the appliance out yourself, so it is called a fixed appliance.

What is a functional brace?

It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow, using a functional brace. This works by using the power of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problem.

What are 'invisible braces'?

They are tough, clear plastic ‘aligners’ (moulds) that are used to straighten teeth. Several sets of specially moulded, slightly different aligners are made for each patient. Each set is worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next one. They are made from clear plastic, so they are nearly invisible. This means that no one need know you are straightening your teeth. The aligners should be worn for 22 to 23 hours a day for the best results. They can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and for cleaning in between your teeth. You need to have all your adult teeth before you can have this treatment.

How long does it take?

The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and it may take anything from a few months to two-and-a-half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.

What happens when the teeth are in the right position?

When treatment is finished the teeth need to be held in position for a time. This is called the ‘retention’ period, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers. The retainers hold newly straightened teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. The retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on the original problem.

Will it hurt?

All appliances may feel strange at first, and can cause discomfort. If the problem doesn’t go away, the orthodontist may be able to carry out adjustments to help. Teeth are usually uncomfortable immediately after a brace has been adjusted, but this will settle.

How many visits will it take?

Orthodontic braces usually need adjusting every 4 to 6 weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often your brace will need adjusting.

Is orthodontic work permanent?

Even after retention, it is normal for minor tooth movements to happen throughout life. So no permanent guarantee can be given. However, it is unusual for teeth to alter enough to need more treatment.