Brace yourself for a dental makeover

MANILA, Philippines - Eighty-five percent of people think a smile is important to make a good impression. But what happens if you have crooked, misaligned teeth?

Well, you can take a cue from the four million people in the United States every year who visit their dentists to get braces. “Many people are unhappy with their smiles, causing them to avoid social interaction; as a result, they can lose social and business opportunities because they are too self-conscious,” says Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) managing director and orthodontist Dr. Cherrie Anne Cruz. “Fortunately, orthodontic procedures, such as braces, can help change all this.”

“The need for braces does not only extend to the simple and cosmetic desires of people who just want a prettier smile; it also addresses the problems of crooked teeth, overbites, open bites, and irregular teeth,” notes Dr. Cruz.

These problems often have impacts on health other than the aesthetic; for example, misaligned teeth can result in tooth decay or gingivitis when the area is not cleaned properly. Problems in chewing food and speaking may also arise and could eventually lower self-esteem.

While stainless steel brackets and arch wires are the most common type of orthodontic braces, lingual and Invisalign braces are the latest alternatives for those looking for a non-traditional solution to teeth alignment problems. Lingual braces are braces placed at the back of teeth; on the other hand, Invisalign braces are invisible custom-fitted plastic trays put in place of the traditional braces.

“Invisalign braces are today’s answer to the traditional metal braces. They can be removed, allowing the patient to eat, drink, brush, and floss their teeth without the constraints of the metal brackets,” says Dr. Cruz.

However, as orthodontic procedures require not only the technical skill but also an artistic touch, it is suggested that persons considering the treatment choose a highly trained and experienced dentist. Those considering getting braces should visit trusted dental clinics such as GAOC to determine if the process is suitable for them.

A dental center that specializes in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry, GAOC uses state-of-the-art technology in oral diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental implantology, and jaw reconstruction. “Our team of in-house dentists can work with you to determine just what it will take to attain the smile you have always wished you were born with and the confidence you have always wanted,” says Dr. Cruz.

For details and inquiries, call 843-GAOC (4262), e-mail info@gaocdental.com or visit www.gaocdental.com.