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1. It is common to see people having dental braces these days. Does everyone need them? Why do they have to wear braces?
   People wear braces for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for orthodontic treatment with braces is to straighten out crooked teeth. Sometimes, teeth may be protruding and require orthodontic treatment for correction as well. Other problems requiring treatment include spaced out teeth, missing teeth, improper bites and jaw disharmonies. Young children may occasionally have problems with tooth eruption, which may necessitate early orthodontic treatment.

2. When is a good time to start braces?
   In the majority of people who have crooked teeth but normal jaw growth, treatment can commence when most of the permanent teeth are out. This usually occurs around the age of 11 to 13 years.

   However, there are some instances when early intervention is needed. Some children have developing jaw disharmonies where the jaws may be growing abnormally. Some have problems with permanent tooth eruption, either due to lack of space or misdirection of the teeth. In these situations, early braces treatment is required to assist the growth of the jaws or help guide teeth into their proper positions, respectively. This can take place anytime from 7 to 11 years of age.

   Very often, these problems go unnoticed, which is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist from 7 years of age.

3. Are braces only for teenagers? Am I too old for braces?
   Generally, orthodontic treatment is usually done during the teenage years. This is a good age as tooth movement is more efficient in younger patients. In addition, there is some growth potential remaining in adolescents, which may be beneficial during the course of treatment.

   Having said that, adults can benefit from braces too. There is no age limit for braces because teeth can continue to be straightened in adulthood.

4. I want to straighten my teeth but I feel conscious wearing traditional metal braces. Are there other options available?
   With more adults having braces nowadays, there is often concern about the visibility of metallic attachments on their teeth. Many adults request for braces that are less obvious, hidden or invisible. Indeed, there are numerous aesthetic alternatives to traditional metal braces.

   One common solution is to use ceramic braces. These are tooth-coloured and thus less visible at a glance. Up close, a thin metal wire can sometimes be seen threading through the braces. A new clear wire is now available in the market and this complements ceramic braces to create a totally tooth-coloured system.

   Another solution is the use of lingual braces. These braces are attached on the inner part of the teeth. As the metal and wires are all hidden behind the teeth, one can see hardly anything when looking from the outside.

   Invisalign treatment is another aesthetic option for people who wish to straighten their teeth. This system consists of numerous clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. Each of these aligners is custom made and progressively moves teeth into their desired positions. The aligners are barely seen when worn over the teeth due to the transparency and clarity of the material used. In addition, Invisalign is convenient and hygienic as patients can remove the aligners during mealtimes and whilst cleaning their teeth.

5. I have heard that retainers need to be worn after braces treatment. Why is that so?
   Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the teeth are slightly unstable in their new positions. Teeth that have been moved have a tendency to return to their original positions due to the nature of the surrounding gum tissue.

   In order to minimise this tendency, retainers are usually worn over the teeth to maintain their corrected positions. In the initial period, they are worn throughout the day, only to be taken out when eating and brushing. When the teeth positions stabilise after a few months, the retainers may then be worn only at night.