Journey to Smiles: Orthodontic Transformation for Health and Beauty (International Edition)

According to Dr. Tran Thi Bich Van, orthodontic treatment enhances appearance, offers numerous advantages for dental hygiene, and plays a key role in developing a healthy and attractive smile.

Dr. Bich Van, who works as a lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Medicine & Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), highlighted how orthodontics can greatly enhance a person’s quality of life. Additionally, she presented several widely-used orthodontic techniques.

Orthodontics' benefits

Initially, orthodontic treatment enhances patients' self-assurance. Misaligned teeth often cause individuals to feel insecure and hesitant about smiling. Straight, attractive teeth do more than improve your grin; they also create symmetry and balance in your facial appearance and heighten communicative confidence.

Furthermore, orthodontic treatment enhances oral hygiene. Individuals with crowded or malpositioned teeth tend to experience food lodgment during meals. Such difficult-to-access spots can accumulate plaque and debris, raising the likelihood of dental caries, gum inflammation, and even more severe issues such as necrosis of the tooth pulp, periodontal disease, loosened teeth, and eventual tooth loss. Aligning the teeth properly makes them simpler to maintain, thereby reducing concerns related to cavities and gingivitis, ensuring fresher breath, and better mastication capabilities.

Orthodontic treatment also enhances mastication efficiency and general well-being. As explained by Dr. Bich Van, correctly aligned teeth facilitate an even distribution of biting pressure, decrease unnecessary enamel erosion, and lower the likelihood of dental cracks.

On the contrary, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can hinder chewing, impact speech clarity, and potentially result in temporomandibular joint disorders. Enhancing the ability to chew effectively not only boosts digestion but also contributes positively to overall bodily wellness.

"Orthodontic treatment generally goes beyond enhancing your smile; it also boosts confidence, promotes better dental hygiene, and contributes to long-term overall wellness," stated Dr. Bich Van.

Invisalign transparent aligners. Image provided by Invisalign Vietnam.

Popular orthodontic methods

Dr. Bich Van states that the two most prevalent orthodontic techniques nowadays are conventional braces and transparent aligners. Both approaches come with their own set of pros and cons.

For many years, traditional braces have proven to be a dependable choice. These appliances work by employing brackets and wires to guide your teeth into their proper positions. Nonetheless, throughout the course of treatment, they can impact how your smile looks and might lead to discomfort such as scrapes or soreness in the lips, cheeks, and nearby areas of the tongue.

Moreover, patients are required to adhere strictly to oral hygiene practices since food frequently becomes lodged in the braces and wires. It’s important for them to steer clear of particular edibles like chewy sweets or tough snacks to avoid harming their braces.

Transparent braces, an advanced orthodontic option, provide exceptional comfort. Crafted from clear plastic material, these aligners closely adhere to the teeth and gradually shift them into their proper alignment.

Dr. Bich Van mentioned, "This approach is not just aesthetically pleasing and comfortable; it’s also simple to take out when you want to eat or clean, which aids in keeping up your usual lifestyle."

Furthermore, with clear aligners, orthodontists typically require appointments every 6-8 weeks, which makes this option particularly suitable for international students, expatriate Vietnamese individuals, and people who have restricted availability for frequent monthly visits.

Dr. Bich Van further explained, "This option is ideal for individuals looking for orthodontic treatment that remains inconspicuous and nearly undetectable, thereby not interfering with their academic pursuits, professional duties, or everyday activities."

Invisalign clear aligners utilize a special SmartTrack material designed by Invisalign. This substance applies steady, mild pressure to guide teeth into their correct positions efficiently. As stated by Dr. Bich Van, the use of SmartTrack not only ensures predictable tooth movement but also enhances patient comfort throughout the treatment process.

Using Invisalign therapy, both dentists and patients have the ability to preview the outcomes of the treatment beforehand. This is made possible through advanced 3D imaging technology, which allows practitioners to develop customized care strategies for every individual. Furthermore, throughout the process, dentists keep a close watch over their patients’ progress to guarantee that each phase of teeth realignment proceeds according to plan.

Invisalign treatments are customized, drawing from over 27 years of research and information gathered from more than 19 million patients globally.

Doctors design personalized treatment plans for patients via 3D imaging. Photo courtesy of Quoc An Dental Clinic

Dr. Bich Van highlighted that Invisalign provides a mild and refined orthodontic process. Using Invisalign allows patients to continue with their daily activities, follow their passions, aspirations, and professional goals seamlessly throughout the treatment period.

The treatment process includes:

- Assessment and discussion: Initially, the physician performs an overall check-up, orders X-rays, and offers a consultation to establish the most suitable treatment approach and orthodontic technique tailored for every individual.

- Digital dental impression: Advanced software captures scans of the patient’s dental impressions to develop an intricate treatment strategy.

- Simulation of treatment plans: The ClinCheck 3D software enables both dentists and patients to envision the upcoming smile and the ultimate positioning of their teeth.

- Manufacturing of aligners occurs shortly after the treatment plan receives approval; this process typically takes several weeks. Patients then proceed to switch their aligners at intervals prescribed by their dentist or orthodontist.

- Regular check-ins: The physician tracks the patient’s advancement and modifies treatments accordingly to achieve optimal outcomes.

- Conclusion and retention usage: Once the optimal outcomes have been attained, the patient employs a retainer to sustain these results and preserve their bright smile.

Dr. Tran Thi Bich Van boasts almost two decades of expertise in orthodontics, having practiced both general dentistry and specialized orthodontic treatments. With more than 15 years as a faculty member within the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, she continues to share her knowledge. Additionally, Dr. Van is affiliated with the Ho Chi Minh City Orthodontic Association (HAO) and holds membership in the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO).

For scheduling a consultation regarding Invisalign aligners or other dental services, patients may reach out to Dr. Van and Quoc An Dental Clinic. here .