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Focus on our customers and Innovation have always been two of our core values at Orchard Scott’s Dental. This is why we specialise in non-invasive treatments like Invisalign; a cutting-edge, clear dental aligner system that has helped correct the dental issues of over 5 million people worldwide. As an innovation, Invisalign has replaced the need for traditional braces in many situations, depending on the severity of the dental correction needed. Also, with its transparent look, it is a virtually invisible system, allowing many of our adult patients to treat long-standing issues with confidence and without the aesthetic social challenges of braces or retainers.

At OSD we use the system alone or as part of a multi-discipline approach, to support other treatments done by our internationally trained dentists.  Invisalign is ideal as a support procedure for veneers or implants, to guide the dental movement that those treatments require or allow.

While certain dental issues will need a more intensive treatment plan, our dentists can use Invisalign to provide treatment for many versions of malocclusion; the most common of which we list below.

Cross bite

When upper and lower teeth do not align correctly with an anterior crossbite, where the upper back teeth bite down inside the lower back teeth, or posterior crossbite, where the upper front teeth bite down behind the lower front teeth, various physical and emotional challenges can arise. Tooth decay, gum disease and stress on the jaw and neck are all potential risks. If left untreated crossbite can result in neck and back pain and even asymmetrical facial development that can cause social insecurities.

Underbite

A mild underbite can be fairly easy to live with, however, if it becomes pronounced it can lead to discomfort in jaw muscles and chewing issues. At that point, it is wise to treat the misalignment to ensure a comfortable, more natural jaw position.

Gapped teeth

Also known as a diastema, gapped teeth can be caused by several issues. If the gap is due to a mismatch of jaw size to teeth, there is often no cause for concern and will not change with time. However, if the gap is the result of periodontal disease, it will probably worsen, leading to loose teeth or pain especially while chewing.

 Open bite

With an open bite, the top and bottom front teeth are prevented from meeting when the mouth is closed. Though this may not cause discomfort, it can affect your physical appearance or cause a lisp or other speech impediment, which may cause social embarrassment or in severe cases, issues being understood.

Overly crowded teeth

Overcrowding usually worsens with time and can cause poor oral hygiene. Overlapping teeth limit access when brushing and flossing, and can lead to a build-up of plaque or even tooth decay and gum disease.

Deep bite

With a deep bite, the top front teeth excessively overlap the bottom front teeth which can lead to jaw and joint problems if severe. Alternatively, it can lead to gum pain, should the overlap be so severe that the lower teeth rise up and graze the top inner-palate, or to the teeth wearing unevenly due to the irregular bite pattern.

Diagnosis and treatment

While many of the above Malocclusions may appear in mild forms and cause no discomfort, it is wise to allow a dentist to establish whether treatment is necessary. It is possible symptoms may have manifested in other areas of the body, e.g. back pain, or tension headaches which could be cured through dental corrections.

Once your dental issue has been identified, we begin the treatment process by recording your existing dental state with Photos and X-rays. Then, using ITero 3D scanning technology, we create a detailed map of your mouth, avoiding the need for any sticky impression trays and speeding up the aligner printing process. Once the scan has been completed, we will use the detailed map to decide how best to correct your malocclusion, establish the length of treatment and the number of aligners necessary to complete your smile makeover.

Once a treatment plan has been decided, we send the 3D scan to Invisalign to print your unique set of aligners, for your full treatment, in BPA-free thermoplastic. The aligners are 3D printed to exactly fit your teeth to ensure efficient and accurate treatment, with less pain. The success of the treatment is largely in your hands, as you will be given your set of aligners to take home following every consultation and it will be your responsibility to wear them for a minimum of 22 hours a day and change your set every 2 or so weeks for the duration of the treatment. By doing this, dental visits can be less frequent, saving you time and money. You can also track your progress using the My Invisalign Smile app, just another way we make the treatment easier and more holistic; keeping you informed.

Using the cutting edge technology of Invisalign, OSD has provided smile makeovers for over 1800 people in Singapore. A personal consultation with one of our Internationally trained dentists will be the best way to establish how Invisalign can help perfect your smile, and give you all of the information needed before you start.

Call Us Now At: +65 6732 9939

Email us at: [email protected]

Once you have established that your teeth need some form of corrective treatment, it is important to consult with your dentist about which options are available to treat your specific dental issues. While metal braces used to be the standard treatment for most forms of malocclusion, clear aligners like Invisalign have recently become available and provide a convenient, less invasive option for correction. Once you’ve confirmed with your dentist that Invisalign is the ideal treatment for your teeth, there are several factors to consider before you start, to ensure you are prepared for the treatment.

1. Look and feel

Invisalign is a revolutionary system by Align Technologies made from a form of transparent thermoplastic that sits over the teeth; there are no tracks as with braces and so the treatment is relatively invisible and more aesthetically pleasing. While there are no wires which could scratch your cheeks, you may find rough edges which your dentist can file down, or you can cover with a special wax. Overall the system is convenient and easy to use, providing peace of mind during your treatment.

2. How it works

The aligners are custom made using a 3D digital model from your mouth, and they will need to be replaced by your dentist every two weeks to achieve the desired movement of your teeth. Treatment varies by case but generally lasts between 12 and 24 months. One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are not permanently fixed to your teeth like braces.

However, a lot of people don’t realise that depending on the severity of your malocclusion, you may need attachments and buttons to create anchors to apply the necessary pressure to your teeth. These are made to match your tooth colour and are bonded to your teeth for the duration of the treatment and removed afterwards.

You need to keep the aligners in for 22 hours per day minimum, rationing the spare two hours throughout the day to eat and drink.

3. Convenience

Because the aligners are not permanently fixed to your teeth like braces, you don’t have to limit what you eat and can maintain better oral hygiene. However, you do need to remove them every time you eat or drink, and brush and floss afterwards before you replace them. The aligners can be easily removed like a retainer, but you’ll need to get used to popping them out if you have elastics and buttons and it may be helpful to get a removal tool.

4. Maintenance

To ensure the aligners last for the two week period, you can’t eat with them in place, and drinking, wearing lipstick or smoking with them in can discolour the clear plastic and is not advised. Most importantly you need to remember to brush your teeth every time you consume anything other than water. If you don’t you will create a perfect breeding ground for plaque and bacteria in the aligners, leading to possible decay or gum disease. You’ll also need to wash and soak the aligners and your dentist will recommend a cleaning solution to ensure they don’t stain.

5. Lifestyle

One of the best features of Invisalign is that, unlike braces, they are almost invisible and it can be hard for others to tell you are even wearing them. As with any new treatment, it will probably take a couple of days to adjust to wearing the aligners, but soon you may even forget you have them in.

Some people get a slight lisp when talking with the aligners in for the first time but that usually fades after a short while. Also, you’ll need to carry a toothbrush around with you to have on hand every time you eat. This may sound like a hassle but could be a blessing in disguise; some wearers said they even lost a few pounds because they stopped snacking between meals to avoid having to brush afterwards.

As for sports, you are not too limited to what you can do, but you may want to remove the braces when performing full contact sports – read more about it here.

6. Effectiveness

Unlike braces, which are mostly managed by your dentist, the results of Invisalign are largely determined by your dedication to the treatment. If you don’t keep them in for the recommended daily time frame, you can diminish or set back the effectiveness of the results. For this reason, Invisalign is generally not recommended for those who don’t feel they can handle the responsibility. Depending on the severity of your necessary adjustment, pain levels can vary from strong to mild, and often ease after a few days.  Finally, because you are realigning your teeth, they may feel loose as the treatment progresses, which means the aligners are working, but this may take some getting used to.

7. Follow up

Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, you still need to maintain your new alignment so a retainer will probably need to be worn full time for the first six months, then at night thereafter. If you commit to the treatment and follow up, you won’t be sorry when you start to notice results, and positive comments from friends and colleagues will let you know you made the right choice!

Orchard Scotts Dental strongly advocates the use of Invisalign for teeth straightening as part of our three core principles for a beautiful smile makeover: aesthetic dentistry, non-invasive treatments, and minimal tooth extraction. Get in touch with us now to learn more.

Call Us Now At: +65 6732 9939

Email us at: [email protected]

Everyone knows what braces look like — metal brackets temporarily glued to the teeth with interconnecting wires. Sometimes, in particularly severe cases, various other dental appliances are used to readjust crooked teeth and correct a misaligned bite. When using Invisalign in Singapore, you don’t have to worry about showing a mouthful of metal every time you smile. The aligners are clear, practically invisible even when someone is close to you. You can even take the aligners out when you really need to. But with all their advantages, the clear aligners can still be an adjustment.

People with braces have to eat with the braces in. Food tends to get stuck in them and caked on them, and it can be very unsightly, besides being tough to clean. As your dentist in Singapore informed you, Invisalign clear aligners come out every time you need to eat. You should never eat with them in. Here are some easy steps for handling your aligners in public without embarrassing yourself or grossing anyone out.

Step #1. Plan Ahead and Prepare an Oral Hygiene Kit

When it’s time to eat and you need to pop out your Invisalign trays, don’t do it at the cafeteria table or in your seat at the restaurant. Taking the trays out can be tricky, requiring you to wedge your fingernails or your tray removal tool under the edge and pry the aligner out. When it comes out, there are probably going to be a few strings of saliva, and that’s not a sight that anyone wants to see right before they eat.

When you’re heading to lunch at school or to a restaurant with friends, think ahead and bring your oral hygiene kit with you. Make sure that you have a small bottle of mouthwash along, as well as the container for your Invisalign trays.

Step #2. Step into the Restroom

Before you reach the lunch line, or as soon as you get to the restaurant, excuse yourself and make a quick stop by the restroom. Pour some mouthwash into the container, pop out your trays, and let them soak in the closed container while you’re eating. Place the closed Invisalign container in a sealed plastic bag inside your backpack or handbag, to protect your bag against potential leaks.

Step #3. Enjoy Your Meal

Once your aligners are securely stowed, you can enjoy a lunch, dinner, drinks, or snacks with your friends. Indulge in soda, juice, tea, coffee, or other drinks during this time as well, since you may only drink water while your aligners are in your mouth.

Step #3. Clean Your Teeth

After eating and drinking, excuse yourself again and return to the bathroom. Take your tiny toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste out of your oral hygiene kit and brush your teeth. You should also bring a toothpick or floss to remove particles from between your teeth.

Step #4. Replace the Aligners

Once your teeth are clean and sparkling, pop your Invisalign trays back into your mouth. Rinse the container and put everything back in your bag. Now you’re ready to greet the world with a fresh smile!

You’re nearing the end of your treatment with Invisalign in Singapore. You have enjoyed being able to maintain your lifestyle without a mouth full of metal braces, and you’re looking forward to showing off your new smile, free of the clear aligners. You might also be wondering what comes after Invisalign. Here are a few common questions that people have once they complete their treatment.

Will My Teeth Move Back to Their Old Spots?

Everything in the world tends to move from a state of order to disorder, and the same is true of your teeth. In spite of your efforts and the hard work of your dentist in Singapore, your teeth will want to move back into a state of crookedness. Right after your treatment concludes, they will be especially prone to moving back into their old spots. This happens whether you correct your teeth with braces or with Invisalign. It’s just the way the human mouth works.

How Can I Prevent My Teeth from Moving?

Your Singapore dentist will create a new custom-made 3D mold of your teeth and give you retainers for the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. Your dentist will also tell you that you need to wear your retainer at night for a while; in most cases, the time frame is about 2 years. You’ll need to come back to Orchard Scotts Dental for cleaning and regular maintenance, at which time your dentist can check on your teeth alignment to ensure that no problems are developing. After two years, your teeth should have settled into their new spots. However, if you want to be absolutely sure that they won’t move again, you can continue to wear your retainer at night for as long as you like.

Wearing the retainers for more than two years is especially vital for teens who just had their teeth corrected. As a teen, your bones are still softer than those of an adult, which makes the teeth more likely to move. You just spent months of work and a lot of money to correct your smile; don’t let that time, money, and effort go to waste.

What’s the Difference Between Invisalign and a Retainer?

Your Invisalign trays get older and a little bit dirtier each time you place them in your mouth, even if you clean them correctly. They are meant to be reconfigured and remade as needed throughout the process. That’s why you shouldn’t just keep your last Invisalign tray and use that as your retainer. You need something durable, something designed for longterm use. Ask your dentist at Orchard Scotts Dental to explain the unique properties of a retainer and what makes it perfect for maintaining your smile.

How Will My New Smile Change My Life?

When you think of Invisalign, you might think of a teen in need of a smile makeover, or an adult whose teeth have moved and must be corrected. However, the uses and application of Invisalign are much broader. In fact, a recent study shows that Invisalign can play an important role in treatment before and after oral surgery.

The Authors of the Study

The idea for the study arose when a group of dental surgeons in Italy decided to see if Invisalign technology could aid with patient prep and recovery. The Maxillofacial Surgery Unit at Carlo Poma Hospital in Mantua Italy was instrumental in the study, as well as the Department of Dental Implants and the Specialization School in Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Milan. Others involved in the study included Fabrizio Signorino and Maria Beatriz Duarte Gavião.

The Necessity of Surgery

In the study, a young man with a severe crossbite issue was treated with clear aligners via Invisalign before his oral surgery, instead of the traditional appliances. The 23-year-old man was suffering from skeletal as well as dental asymmetry in his jaw and face, due to long term problems with his bite. His dentists decided to operate to correct the underlying skeletal asymmetry.

Preparation for the Surgery Using Invisalign

Before the surgery, the dentists customised and applied an Invisalign clear aligner to prepare the man’s mouth for the surgery. In this presurgical phase, software from Invisalign maker Align Technology was used to make the aligners, which modified the position of the teeth before surgery. After 10 months, dentists discovered that the patient now had a correct occlusion, which meant that his teeth were positioned to ensure that the surgery would have the best chance of success.

Patient Recovery and Results

Several months after the surgery, the patient was happy to report that he was pain-free and able to chew normally and effectively, something he had not been able to do for many years. His dental team expressed their satisfaction with the use of Invisalign throughout the process, claiming that it helped their patient keep up good oral hygiene, which is so important for successful surgery. The patient looked normal during the presurgical phase, thanks to the nearly invisible aligners. In the study, the dental team also praised the precision of control that the Align Technology systems allowed them to have while adjusting their patient’s teeth.

The Study’s Conclusion

According to the study’s findings, dentists in Singapore and dental surgeons should consider implementing Invisalign as part of a full aesthetic dentistry solution. These clear aligners are useful for more than just straightening a few crooked teeth; they can gradually effect major changes in the way a patient is able to bite, chew, and speak, significantly improving oral function.

Broadening the Uses for Invisalign

Orchard Scotts Dental, a trusted aesthetic dental clinic in Singapore, offers Invisalign and uses the technology in various ways. Maybe you need your teeth adjusted prior to dental implants or before the application of veneers. Perhaps you are eager to correct an overbite or some other issue that has plagued you since childhood. You don’t have to live with oral discomfort! Contact us today at Orchard Scotts Dental, and we’ll work together on a plan to achieve the comfort, function, and look that you want for your teeth.

Calls Us Now At: +65 6732 9939

After sweeping through the United States and Europe and reaching 4 million users worldwide, Invisalign is here in Singapore! If you have ever thought about getting those crooked teeth straightened, now is the time! Here are 8 reasons to do Invisalign in Singapore with Orchard Scotts Dental, one of a well trusted aesthetic dental clinic in Singapore. 

#1. Orchard Scotts Dental is the Flagship Clinic for Invisalign in Singapore

In 2014, Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, appointed Orchard Scotts Dental (OSD) as the flagship clinic for Invisalign in Singapore. In the old seafaring days, the flagship was the one vessel in the fleet that was given the honour of carrying the admiral. It was usually the fastest and best ship, the one with the newest fittings and the best armaments. We’re honoured to be the flagship clinic for the revolutionary Invisalign system. 

#2. We Have Diamond Status.

Thanks to our excellent work bringing Invisalign to Singapore, Align Technology has awarded Orchard Scotts Dental its prestigious Diamond Status.

#3. OSD Produces Beautiful, Natural Smiles.

Our work at Orchard Scotts Dental produces gorgeous, natural smiles. For each person, the smile will be a little different, but it will look amazing. We like to think of it as revealing your true smile— the real, beautiful smile that you were always meant to have. 

#4. We have the iTera Intra-Oral Scanner.

Have you ever had a mould taken in a dentist’s office? Remember the uncomfortable, unwieldy trays filled with slick putty? You won’t have to endure that at Orchard Scotts Dental. We are one of the first dental clinics in Singapore to adapt the iTero intra-oral scanning technology. Making the aligners for your teeth is much simpler and more comfortable now. 

#5. OSD Offers Referral Bonuses

When you refer other patients to our dental clinic in Singapore, you’ll receive rewards. You can eventually redeem those reward points for whitening gels and other products that benefit your oral health and improve your smile. 

#6. We Offer Superb Value.

When you come to us, you’ll get two refinement treatments absolutely free. That’s right— it’s free. Just ask our helpful front desk receptionist about the program or talk to our dentist about those bonus services when you visit. 

#7. OSD Provides Accelerated Treatment

Do you need to get those teeth straightened or teeth whitened in time for a special event? Maybe you’re getting married or gearing up for a big step in your career, and you want to look your best. We may be able to accelerate your treatment a bit, within reason. We’ll work with you to design, manage, and accelerate a treatment program in a safe, effective way.

#8. We Prefer Non-Extraction. 

Have you heard about dentists who extract permanent teeth as a treatment method? We believe that the extraction of premolar teeth is a last resort. Over 90% of our patients enjoy effective treatment without any such extractions. 

When you meet someone for the first time, your smile is one of the things they will remember about you. That’s why so many people throughout the world have invested time and money to ensure that their smiles are beautiful. By capitalising on that market for lovely smiles, Align Technology has enjoyed significant success during the past few years. In fact, the company’s clear aligner system, Invisalign, reached 4 million patients in September of 2016.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is currently the most advanced clear aligner system worldwide. Its technology gently and gradually corrects crooked teeth, following a timeline very similar to that of traditional braces. In contrast to the regular wires and brackets, however, Invisalign boasts clear aligners that are practically invisible. It is this near invisibility that appeals to so many people. Teens love it because they can sidestep the social stigma and bullying that sometimes comes with wearing braces. Adults and even the elderly love it because they can continue to achieve their professional goals and move in social circles without the distraction of crooked teeth or braces. Instead, their teeth are effectively corrected using Invisalign’s “barely there” technology. 

Invisalign Takes Off

The rate of acceleration for Invisalign has been quite dramatic. After reaching the first million patients, Invisalign saw a significant jump in patient signups. In just half the time it took to get to one million users, Invisalign hit the 4 million mark, that includes the many patients who have experienced the benefits of Invisalign in Singapore. Much of that success is due to Invisalign’s purported 20 years of research and innovation, all pointed towards the goal of providing an effective, subtle method for correcting a person’s smile.

Meet the 4 Millionth Patient

  Matthew Webb, a patient of Dr. Graham Tinkler, has the honour of being Invisalign’s 4 millionth patient. He visits the Bupa Dental Centre in London for his dental checkups. Align Technology plans to feature him in an Invisalign ad campaign called “One in Four Million,” which will follow his journey to a brand-new smile. 

As more and more patients experience positive results with the system, the words spreads around the globe. You’ll find Invisalign in Singapore now, available at your local Singapore dental clinic, Orchard Scotts Dental. 

Designed to Make a Difference

Another reason for the dramatic success of Invisalign in Singapore and other countries is the level of new technology that is implemented in the process. The clear aligners are custom-made for every patient, using 3D software technology, biomechanics research, and a unique customisation process that ensures the perfect fit for safe, optimal tooth adjustment. The result is a thin, transparent set of clear aligners that are much more aesthetically pleasing than braces. 

While some patients may need some additional hardware or treatment to correct severe issues with the jaw, palate, or other parts of the mouth, many people are able to benefit from Invisalign. The technology can correct a variety of problems, from crooked lower teeth and misaligned bites to large gaps between front teeth. Instead of dreading each visit to the orthodontist, patients claim that they are excited by their progress and they don’t mind going back for the checkups and adjustments. 

Invest in Your Smile

According to a study conducted in 2012, 37% of people who meet you notice your smile first. Others notice your eyes first, then your smile next. In fact, studies have shown that people with attractive features and great smiles tend to have better success professionally and socially. That’s why it’s so important to give your teen or pre-teen the gift of a great smile. With Align Technology’s groundbreaking clear aligners technology, parents can get their teen’s teeth fixed; and in the U.S., the offer comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

The Problem with Braces

Whether they live in Singapore or elsewhere in the world, teenagers often struggle with accepting their appearance. Something about this changeful stage of life makes teens highly conscious of every flaw they have. In the United States, about 96 per cent of teens claim that they feel insecure about their appearance and dissatisfied with their smile. However, many teens are also reluctant to wear metal braces, especially during the school months. Kids with braces are often bullied or ridiculed, and they find it harder to be successful socially when they are self-conscious about their teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign is offering helpful options to help teens correct their smile without having to sport a lot of metal hardware in their mouths. 

No More Wires and Brackets

Invisalign is supplying teens with new technology, an alternative to the traditional brackets and wires that rearrange teeth over time. Instead, teens can try out the Invisalign Teen clear aligners, which are much less noticeable yet very effective. With these clear, barely visible aligners, teens can get their teeth fixed gradually while still enjoying the benefits of a bracket-free smile. Instead of teasing or bullying because of their braces, teens are able to keep up appearances while improving their look. 

New Guarantee Programme In The U.S. 

According to Align Technology, teens can now try out the clear aligners for six months, and if they don’t like the progress they see, their dentist will switch them back to wires and brackets for no extra cost. Invisalign is so sure that parents will love the new tooth tech, they are willing to offer the switch to braces free of charge if anyone feels dissatisfied with the results. The guarantee program is currently available in a few cities in the United States, but for many parents, the very fact that it’s being offered indicates that Invisalign is very confident in the effectiveness of their new product. 

Comparable Cost and Timeframe

Parents may wonder if the treatment is as effective of traditional braces. The results speak for themselves as teens experience life-changing adjustments to their teeth without the added stigma of braces. The Invisalign clear aligners cost approximately the same as regular braces, and they take about the same length of time to effect the desired changes. Basically, the cost and the timeframe remain comparable, while the teen enjoys having aligners that are removable and practically invisible. 

Making a Change for Life