When To Get Dental Braces

If you can see my photos when I was a kid, there's not a single picture where I was smiling with a teeth shown because I was too conscious having a crooked teeth. I only had braces when I was 23. The braces didn't only correct my dental problems, it improved my smile and confidence as well!

Problems like overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints are the reasons why one needs braces. The question is when to get dental braces? Most dentists recommends that an ideal time for placement of braces is between 10 and 14 years of age. However, because there's pain involved in orthodontic treatment, parents should discuss the matter with their children before braces are applied.

My twin kids are now twelve so it was the right time to have their braces. John and I didn't have to worry because we know that Julia and Rafael are in good hands with Dr. Gilbert D' Asis.

  

Things to remember before having braces:

1. Braces aren't cheap. You need  panoramic x-rays, which has a separate fee. Most dentist will not expect you to pay at once, be sure  you have enough money to cover the procedure before, after and beyond. The average cost of orthodontic treatment is between thirty thousand to eighty thousand, depending on what needs to be done, the brackets to be used and the your orthodontist professional fee.

2. Choose a trusted orthodontist. Yes, an orthodontist, not just a dentist! Don't be fooled when a dentist say " I can do your braces for a lot less money than an orthodontist". Orthodontists are specially trained in tooth movement and jaw function; dentists are not. Orthodontists first go to dental school and become dentists. Then they attend an Orthodontic program for several more years to learn specifically about tooth movement, jaw function, and facial aesthetics. After that, they take a special exam to become Board Certified. Though it may sound nice to be able to save but in the end you might end up paying more when dental complications arise.

3. Ask your orthodontist about the bracket or type of treatment. Although you may want Invisalign, it may not work for some types of treatment. There are cheaper brackets available but trust your orthodontist, he/she know what appliance is best for your particular problem. But remember, the patient often has a choice.

4. Three types of braces are, brackets, metal or plastic: Lingual - braces consists of brackets that attach to the back of the teeth, hidden from view. Bands - traditional type that cover most of your teeth with metal bands that wrap around the teeth.

5. It hurts to wear braces but don't worry then pain will only last lasts 3 to 4 weeks.

6. The average treatment is two years. But some cases takes longer, depending on  respective cases.

7. You will wear retainers after your braces come off to ensure that your teeth do not move at all.

About Dr. Gilbert D' Asis: Studied Denstistry at Centro Escolar University. Finished 2 year externship at UP-PGH and studied orthodontics for a year under Dr. Urbi.

Dr. D' Asis is connected with University of Sto. Tomas, Dental Department, OPD. And currently the company dentist at Shell in Makati.

He has a private clinic at 29 South Road, Cubao, Quezon City. 

For appointment, you may txt or call him at 0922-8445278.