"The treatment at Aidencare was very professional & well executed, all options were well explained. I highly recommend others to do their treatment here."

P.H.C.

So I decided to compile information you should know before getting braces. The article series will be separated into a few parts as Orthodontics can now include the traditional train track fixed metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and Aligners (such as Invisalign)

1. Do I need to do the full records? the Ceph X-Ray, Panoramic X-Ray, Impressions and photos?

In order to come up with a more accurate plan and decide the orthodontic plan, these are all necessary and we cannot give an accurate diagnosis without this. I appreciate that patients may want an instant quote and rough plan, but given the variations between patients, these initial quotes can end up being quite vastly different after analysing the malocclusion, tooth and bone position.

2. Do they hurt?

I think any practitioner who says they totally don't hurt would not be telling the whole truth. Whilst we want to manage expectations as well as not scaring patients, the truth is there will definitely be a bit of discomfort in the form of pressure. This could be during your adjustments or afterwards when the wire or aligners are moving the teeth, or the brackets rubbing onto your cheek whilst eating or sleeping. We recommend you use wax to cover the brackets to reduce the discomfort.

3. Do I need to do the whole mouth？

Not necessarily. At Aidencare we do a comprehensive assessment and find out what exactly you would like to get out of treatment; is it purely aesthetic? or is it a functional reason? or is it a bit of both？

These factors determine if we are to do upper and lower, upper only? upper front teeth? lower only?

4. How long does the process of getting braces put on take?

• For Fixed braces:

Around 30 minutes per Arch (1 hours for whole mouth)

• For Aligners:

We have to take an impression/scan - takes around 10 minutes

The Aligners take around 2 weeks to be manufactured

The process of putting on the "buttons" on the teeth takes around 10 minutes

5. How long does the whole treatment take?

This is the million dollar question that practitioners will get wrong on a day to day basis. Why? because it's near impossible to get accurate. We like to give an estimate of 18 - 24 months which is an average time. If you have opted for a limited treatment only moving front teeth, we estimate usually 3 - 6 months.

There are many situations where we have finished ahead of time (i.e. 12 months) and times when we go over schedule. It can all depend on difficulty of case, cooperation in terms of appointments, protecting and maintaining the brace, i.e. brushing. Not to mention unforeseen circumstances that could potentially happen (teeth don't move the way we expect them to, they can move slowly or not at all)

6. Why bother getting braces before veneers if I could potentially just skip the braces and do veneers straight away

If we've suggested that you do orthodontics before veneers, it's because we want to conserve as much tooth structure as possible before drilling your teeth to attach veneers on. If your teeth are at a wrong angle, this will mean we need to cut your teeth at an awkward angle and thus compromise the tooth health.

If you are opting for composite veneers I would still recommend you straighten the teeth before sticking on composite veneers as the tooth will feel very thick and awkward in some areas where we have to build it up.

7. What happens after Orthodontic treatment?

For Orthodontics aftercare please read the subsequent article on "What to do after your Orthodontic treatment? Will my teeth go back to their original position?" released soon.

8. What are the different types of braces?

This is easier explained in the article "Different types of braces"

If there are any other questions relating to this, please get In touch. This Article was written by Dr. Oscar Sum

Dr. Oscar Sum is a dentist in Shanghai practicing in central Shanghai who performs Implant surgery, Orthodontics, and other advanced dental procedures. Please call scan the QR code to enquire about an appointment with Dr. Sum