The improper positioning of the teeth and jaws (malocclusion) can be caused by a number of reasons. The shape and size of the face, jaws and teeth are determined mostly by inheritance. Environmental factors can also have a large impact on tooth and jaw arrangement. The early loss of milk teeth or such habits as thumb sucking, fingernail biting, or lip biting can all be contributing factors.

Irregular teeth can affect the bite, the ability to clean teeth properly, gum tissue health, jaw growth, speech development, and appearance.

The treatment needs of every child are unique and must be treated as such. The time taken for treatment may range from 6months to 3 years depending on the child’s needs. We will provide an estimate of the length of time required prior to initiating treatment. In this period you will be required to see us approximately once a month.

In complex malocclusions the treatment may be divided into phases which are scheduled to coincide with the child's particular pattern of growth and development.

Many malocclusions are best treated in one phase, once all the permanent teeth erupt. However, in some children, much better results can be achieved when treatment is started early.

We therefore recommend a consultation with us, when the child is 7-8 years old.

Carefully controlled removal of selected milk teeth may be necessary to guide the permanent teeth into proper position. This procedure requires frequent monitoring over a period of time and usually in combination with the use of some type of appliance.

With advances in Orthodontics, most malocclusions can be treated successfully, without the need for extractions. However in certain situations, extraction of permanent teeth may be necessary to achieve optimum treatment results.

This is a decision which we will make very carefully after thoroughly evaluating all of the diagnostic materials available for that patient.

Braces could either be fixed or removable. Most often fixed braces are used. In older teens cosmetic (ceramic) braces can be used.

We will recommend what is best suited to your child’s situation.

A slight ache in the first day or two may be expected. This is generally not so severe as to affect your child’s routine activities and studies. Mild pain can easily be taken care of with routine pain-killers.

The feeling of something new in the mouth may be a little discomforting initially. Your child will get accustomed to it quickly.

Following some simple rules will make treatment easy and quick.

• Careful brushing and flossing keep the appliance and your child's health in top shape.
• Your child can eat a normal diet except for sticky foods such as chewing gum, toffees, eclairs, chikki etc. and hard foods (nuts, chakli, ice)
• We will recommend a regular 6 monthly clean up (scaling) appointment, once orthodontic treatment begins. This protects your child from tooth decay and gum disease.
• Emergencies in orthodontics are few and far between. In the event that a part of the appliance comes loose, contact us quickly.