It is normal for minor tooth movements to occur throughout life, therefore there is no permanent guarantee. However, it is very rare for teeth to alter sufficiently to need any further treatment.

There is no age limit for getting braces. If your gums and the bone around your teeth are healthy then braces can be used to straighten your teeth and correct your bite.

You will need to change your diet to avoid damaging the braces. If the brace breaks the treatment time will increase. To avoid prolonging the treatment you will need to avoid all hard or chewy foods while you are undergoing this treatment. It is also recommended that you avoid sugary foods, fizzy drinks and snacking between meals

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced self-consciousness about appearance during critical development years
• Better functioning teeth
• Higher self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns on the teeth
• Better long-term tooth and gum health
• The movement of permanent teeth into more favourable positions
• A reduced risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Optimisation of other dental treatment

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth (the centre of the upper and lower teeth do not line up)
• Finger or thumb-sucking habits, which continue after 6 or 7 years old
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth
• Headache and jaw problems

Orthodontic treatment can begin at any age. Dr Koh can correct orthodontic problems more easily if he detects them at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that you can avoid surgery and more serious complications. All children should first visit an orthodontist by age 9, or even earlier if parents, the family dentist or the child’s physician detects a problem.

Appearance has been related to interpersonal skills, popularity, social behaviours, personality style and self-image. There can be little doubt that an attractive facial appearance and smile can improve the quality of life in many dimensions. Dr Koh considers all factors of facial, cosmetic and dental appearance in planning individual treatment strategies.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants
a beautiful and healthy smile. Today, adults constitute 40-50% of orthodontic patients.

Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that Dr Koh places on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When Dr Koh places the archwire into the brackets, it slowly returns to its original shape. As it does, it applies pressure to move your teeth into their new, more ideal positions.

Definitely yes, you should continue to see your general dentist at least every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average treatment time is 1-2 years. The patient’s growth rate and severity of the necessary correction can affect treatment. Treatment length also depends upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Placing bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once braces are placed and connected with the archwires, you may feel some soreness of your gums for 1-4 days. Your lips and cheeks may need 1-2 weeks to get used to the braces.

No. Dr Koh recommends, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colours and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial adjustment period. In addition, Dr Koh can provide brace covers to prevent discomfort.