Here at HIPP Orthodontics, your teeth matter to us. We firmly believe that all our patients deserve to get the smile they have always wanted. If you are looking for premier orthodontic care in Cape Town, look no further. As your resident orthodontist, you have our full support. Getting braces is the most traditional form of teeth alignment treatment. Braces can fix crowding or overcrowding, spacing, underbite, crossbite, open bite and overjet. Braces also eliminate problems with eating, speaking, and teeth hygiene.
While most people might fear braces due to appearance and general discomfort, braces today are now smaller, sleeker, and more ergonomic thanks to the advancements in dental technology.
How Do Braces Work?
How do braces work for your teeth? Most people assume that orthodontic devices are makeup accessories used primarily for brightening smiles. While there is some truth to this, it is vital to understand that braces are dental devices prescribed by medical professionals for teeth alignment.
Orthodontic clinics primarily recommend these devices to patients who are experiencing irregular teeth alignment, which is a significant cause of unclear speech, chewing difficulties, uncomfortable bites, and more.
What are the different types of Braces For Teeth?
Once you decide to get braces, it is essential to ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of braces are you looking for?
- Are these braces for a child, teen, or an adult?
At HIPP Orthodontics, we offer various options, ranging from colourful braces, metal braces, ceramic braces, to clear and invisible braces and even Invisalign®. Depending on the nature of your dental problem and your personal preference, HIPP Orthodontics will assist you in selecting the orthodontic device best suited to you.
Colourful/Metal Braces
Orthodontic braces treatments can go on for months, even years. Therefore, we encourage our patients to choose braces' colours that they will be happy with and wear for an extended period.
Ceramic Braces (Aesthetic Braces)
Ceramic braces are the same shape and size as metal braces. However, they offer patients the extra benefit of a discrete aesthetic appearance. The brackets on ceramic braces are a pearl-coloured material that blends in with the rest of the patient's natural teeth.
Retainers For Teeth
Retainers are specific orthodontic devices that assist in straightening teeth and are one of many orthodontic treatment options. Retainers often get used in conjunction with braces. We usually prescribe retainers during the retention phase and reinforce the work done by traditional braces or Invisalign®.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses 3-D imaging technology to determine the complete treatment plan and help your teeth get from the initial position using custom-made aligners. Aligners are generally worn for about two weeks and then replaced by the next set of aligners until your teeth reach their final position.
Show off Your Personality With Colourful Braces
Colourful braces let you show off your fun or fashionable side while improving your smile. There's no need to be shy about your braces – show off your personality with a fun and colourful set! Brighten up your day (and everyone else's, too) with braces that reflect your unique style.
Whether you're into playful patterns or cool colours, there's a set of braces out there that will make you shine. The only problem you're left with is deciding which colourful braces to choose!
Fortunately, at HIPP Orthodontics you are not stuck with only one colour of braces for your entire orthodontic treatment so you can experiment with different combinations.
What to Expect Before and After Braces Treatment
At HIPP Orthodontics, we love it when our patients can look in the mirror at the end of their treatment and see the difference. People who began their treatment with gaps, misaligned bites, and crooked teeth, can smile confidently for the first time.
Post-Treatment Care for Braces - Do’s and Don’ts
Orthodontic Conditions That Require Braces on your Teeth:
Spacing
If you have spaces/gaps between your teeth, you may not be confident in your smile. Missing teeth, smaller teeth or other orthodontic issues can result in spacing problems. Orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign® help to treat this malocclusion and return your teeth to the correct position.
Overbite
An overbite or overjet is when your upper teeth stick out too far. Overbite is seen as one of the biggest risk factors associated with trauma to front teeth. Orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign® are effective in correcting protrusion.
Crossbite
A crossbite is when your upper teeth sit on the inside of your lower teeth. This malocclusion should be treated early so that your jaws are able to grow in the correct direction. The different treatment options for crossbite includes orthodontic braces, palatal expanders and Invisalign®.
Open Bite
When the upper front teeth do not meet the lower front teeth, this is classified as an overbite. This condition mostly causes discomfort in activities such as chewing and brushing teeth. Most orthodontists consider headgear as the most effective treatment to curb open bites.
Crowding
If your teeth don’t have enough space in the mouth, they become crowded. A specialist orthodontist like Dr Jacqueline Cupido can help by expanding your jaw and creating room for the teeth to sit. The use of Braces or Invisalign® is effective treatments for crowding.
Underbite
If your lower jaw extends beyond your upper jaw and forces your bottom teeth to sit right in front of your upper teeth, this is classified as an underbite. We recommend customized braces to help improve the overall appearance and balance of your teeth.
[FAQ's] Frequently Asked Questions about Braces
Dr Jacqueline Cupido is the first Specialist Orthodontist to complete her degree Cum Laude in 20 years and is well known and respected in the industry. This specialist degree takes 17 years to master, while normal dentistry degrees take 6 years to complete.
There are only a handful of specialist orthodontists in the Western Cape. Here are a few things you may want to ask, along with some helpful information about patients' and families' most frequent questions.