Braces: Which one should you go for?

SINGAPORE - More adults here are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their appearance, as well as oral health and function, even as some say they will not do so for fear of pain or because they think they are too old for it.
However, there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment.
"Orthodontic treatment can be performed as long as the patient's gum condition is good," said Clinical Associate Professor Chew Ming Tak, senior consultant and head of the department of orthodontics at National Dental Centre Singapore.

"As one ages, there is a higher incidence of gum problems and this will compromise the outcome of orthodontic treatment."

Allow the orthodontist to assess your gum condition. If need be, he may recommend gum treatment prior to the orthodontic treatment, he said.
Prof Chew added that the majority of patients who opt for braces are in their early to late teens, but more adults are now seeking orthodontic treatment for problems which were not addressed when they were young.

"Although it may take longer to straighten the teeth because teeth movement slows as one ages, the outcome can be just as good," he said.
The good thing is that adults often experience fewer problems than teenagers during the course of treatment as they are more motivated to follow the dentist's advice on taking care of their teeth.
"Their good compliance also helps the orthodontist to attain the objectives of treatment in the shortest possible time," said Prof Chew.
For those thinking of going for orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, there are a few types of braces to choose from.

Dr Cheng Eng Wah, principal partner and founder of Ubi Dental Clinic and i.Dental, said metal braces remain popular, although people can now straighten their teeth with the Invisalign system using a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners, instead of fixed wires or brackets.
Unlike traditional braces, they can be removed and, therefore, interfere as little as possible with sports, and cause little irritation to gums, he said.
However, these benefits do not come cheap. The Invisalign system costs much more than traditional metal braces. At Dr Cheng's clinics, it costs from $4,500, excluding GST, consultation fees and other fees, compared with $3,500 and upwards for traditional metal braces.
In general, the fees for braces range from $3,000 to $4,870 at public institutions and $3,480 to $8,000 at private dental clinics, according to the Health Ministry's website.

Which one should you go for?
TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
Traditional metal braces are brackets made of stainless steel which are fixed to the teeth's external surface.
An archwire runs through the brackets and is held in place by elastic bands. The braces exert pressure on the teeth and, gradually, shift the teeth into their new position.

Pros: Metal braces are the cheapest, most durable and most effective in treating badly misaligned teeth.


Cons: They are clearly visible on the teeth. You may be self-conscious when you smile. The metal wires and braces may trap food particles and hurt your gums during the initial adjustment phase.
Cost: From $3,330
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