• The best time to have braces would be in your teenage years. For girls, around the age of 12-14; For boys, around the age of 14-16.
• However, if you missed out on orthodontic treatment as a child/teenager and are having concerns/difficulties with your teeth, it’s never too late to get orthodontic treatment!
  Call us to make an appointment anytime.
• If you have any concerns, NOW is the best time.

Your orthodontic treatment begins with us and completes with you feeling confident and happy. Wonder what happens during your journey to a perfect smile? Here is a general guide.

Orthodontic treatment may be more affordable than you think.
You have a choice of the following payment options:

• Interest-Free Monthly Instalment
• Advanced Payment

Your private health insurance may cover for a portion of your orthodontic treatment fee. Check with your insurance company to find out more on the benefit differences between a specialist provider and general dentist.
Click here for more details.

Part 1 – Oral Hygiene

After putting braces on, you will need to spend more time on keeping your braces and teeth clean. A soft or medium tooth brush would be suitable for you. The minimum time for the whole brushing process is 3 minutes and at least twice a day. For each bracket, you need to gently brush in circular motion. There are 5 surfaces you need to brush.

1. Between the gum line and the brackets
2. On top of the brackets
3. Under the brackets
4. On top of the teeth
5. Inner surface of the teeth

Braces can act as a “plaque trap”, which can lead to increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Use mouth rinse and teeth moisturizer as advised by Dr. Ho. Also, you should continue to see your general dentist every 6 months for routine check-up and cleaning.

Part 2 – Micro brushes

Micro brushes can help you in cleaning small gaps. The larger brush is used to clean the gaps between brackets. The smaller brush is used to clean gaps between teeth. However, do not force micro brush into teeth’s gaps if you cannot place it in easily. Micro brushes are available in supermarkets and chemists.

Playing sports is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are an active sports person, you’re strongly recommended to wear mouth guards while playing. You can bring in your own mouth guard (can be purchased in most pharmacies) to your next appointment, Dr. Ho can adjust it for you for better fit around the braces, free of charge.

If you play woodwind instruments, it may take some time and practice to get used to the braces covers. If your braces are irritating or obstructing while you’re playing, we have a number of solutions for you, including orthodontic wax and braces cover. Please speak to Dr. Ho about your concern and he will recommend the best solution to you.