S1's Braces....

Wrote some time back that S1 had to visit the Orthodontist. He did go for the initial orthodontic assessment whereby panoramic (teeth) and skeletal XRays, photographs, teeth impressions etc were taken. See my Dentist..Dentist Post posted last month.

Two weeks later, we were back at the Orthodontist's Office. This time, it was a consultation whereby the Orthodontist presented with the numerous treatment options.

The first option was........... Using HEADGEAR!
When S1 and I heard that, both of us were like "NO. Not that option!"
Can you imagine having a contraption (as shown below) strapped on your head when you go to school etc? Aiyo ....No lah.

Why does he have to use this?
S1's lower jaw is somewhat growing less than his upper jaw (generally due to lip-biting, mouth-breathing habits etc) and since he is still a growing boy, there is the option of correcting both the skeletal and dental imperfections. The headgear allows for this.

But since we both were quite adamant that the HeadGear is NOT an option, we proceeded to Option 2. This option would be using a new patented functional appliance (T4B - Trainer for Braces) used in conjuction with braces. Braces to straighten the teeth, and the functional appliance to correct the skeletal part. This option would need utmost commitment by the patient as the T4B needs to be worn at least 10 hours for it to be effective.

Option 3 was to NOT correct the skeletal imperfections, but only the dental. This option would require the extraction of four teeth.

We discussed about these, and decided to go with Option 2....which costs about USD 1900/-. D*mn expensive if you ask me! This excludes the monthly check-ups. Had to write to the insurance company for approval..... even then, calculated that I would still have to fork out about USD 400 or more ourselves. Was telling my sis...London Prices in Third World Country!

After I got the reply from the insurance company, we went to the clinic on Saturday (10th May) for the works. Waaa...before the Orthodontist started on S1, they asked for the letter from the insurance company FIRST!

Anyway, here are some photos of S1....

Mouth ALL Stretched Out....

Braces Fixed to Front 4 teeth (top & bottom but not yet anchored down)

S1's T4B Functional Appliance

When S1 wears his T4B, he can't talk at all. He has to keept the piece in his mouth with his lips touching...but not pouting. There is a tongue flap on the T4B which he has to place his tongue whenever he swallows. It supposed trains the tongue to be at the RIGHT position. Why?

Did you know that it takes only 1.7 g of force to shift a tooth's position?

The lip exerts can exert a force of 200g!
So lip-biting will create the mandibel (lower jaw) to be inner as compared to the upper jaw!!!

How about the tongue?
It can exert a force of 500 g!! So can you imagine if you are whipping your tongue all over the place in your mouth?? Incorrect positioning of the tongue can give you crooked teeth!!!!!

He's still getting used to his braces and the T4B appliance. Still can't sleep throughout the night with it which he is supposed to. The poor boy had abrasions which became blisters from the braces. Couldn't eat for the first few days due to the insert on his molar. But think he is adapting...He just said that he is starting to not feel them there anymore.

But next Saturday would be another painful session. He will have to have his braces anchored down. At the moment, the braces are still "free". Porridge for days??

Think I need to bring S2 to the Orthodontist too... Been reading from the Myofunctional Research site that a pre-orthodontic appliance can be used to train the teeth/jaw in children from 6 years old so that they may not require orthodontic work later. By the way, in case you are wondering...this is NOT a sponsored post. Just that I've been reading abit about orthodontic care in the last few days.... and S1's T4B is from Myofunctiona Research. :-)