SERVICES / Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized field in dentistry that corrects and prevents misaligned or crooked teeth, promoting optimal oral health and aesthetics.

SERVICES / Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized field in dentistry that corrects and prevents misaligned or crooked teeth, promoting optimal oral health and aesthetics.

Pediatric Orthodontics

Dentists select the most suitable appliances for children based on their specific dental alignment, bite, jaw growth stage, and personal habits. These choices help achieve the best outcome during the transition to permanent teeth.

Orthodontist making a teeth impression mold in a patient's mouth.

Early Orthodontics Treatment

Orthodontic treatment primarily prevents and corrects ‘bite’ irregularities.  Factors contributing to these issues include genetic predispositions, early loss of primary (baby) teeth, and harmful oral habits like thumb sucking or developmental problems.

These irregularities can be present from birth or develop during toddlerhood or early childhood. Crooked teeth can impact self-esteem and complicate oral homecare, while straight teeth help reduce the risk of tooth decay and childhood periodontal disease.

Why does early orthodontics treatment make sense?

Some children display early signs of minor orthodontic irregularities. In such cases, the pediatric dentist may choose to monitor the situation over time without providing intervention. However, for children who display severe orthodontic irregularities, early orthodontic treatment can provide many benefits, including:

When can my child begin early orthodontic treatment?

Dentists recognize three age-related stages of orthodontic treatment. Below, we describe these stages in detail.

Dentition with traditional metal braces.

Functional Orthodontics

A functional appliance is a type of brace that corrects skeletal problems in growing children. Orthopedic forces modify growth to correct the jaws, not just the teeth. Functional appliances can be either fixed or removable.

 

Traditional Braces

The most common type of teeth braces uses high-grade stainless steel and attaches metal brackets to each tooth. The brackets connect with a thin arch wire, which applies pressure on the teeth and moves them slowly into the desired position.

 
Traditional metal braces with pink elastic ligatures.
Traditional metal braces with pink elastic ligatures.

Traditional Braces

The most common type of teeth braces uses high-grade stainless steel and attaches metal brackets to each tooth. The brackets connect with a thin arch wire, which applies pressure on the teeth and moves them slowly into the desired position.

Traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures.

Ceramic Braces

This type of teeth braces works like traditional braces, except that the brackets are clear, transparent ceramic material. The most popular type of teeth braces as it is less visible than traditional metal braces.

Self Ligating Braces

(DAMON SYSTEM/CARRIERE SYSTEM)

Self-ligating appliances are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces. But instead of having brackets that tighten and adjust the braces regularly, self-ligating use a slide mechanism that attaches wires to brackets to move naturally with the teeth as they realign. This makes them more comfortable, better looking and able to provide strong results in a shorter time.

These braces use a different method for moving teeth into the right position. The braces are attached to memory wire that connects slide brackets without the pressure that traditional elastics often produce. They are then set to move your teeth gradually, tightening over time. The process uses less force than traditional braces, which often require supplemental treatment through tooth extractions and palatal expanders.

Close-up of teeth with self-ligating braces.
Close-up of teeth with self-ligating braces.

Self Ligating Braces (DAMON SYSTEM/CARRIERE SYSTEM)

Self-ligating appliances are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces. But instead of having brackets that tighten and adjust the braces regularly, self-ligating use a slide mechanism that attaches wires to brackets to move naturally with the teeth as they realign. This makes them more comfortable, better looking and able to provide strong results in a shorter time.

These braces use a different method for moving teeth into the right position. The braces are attached to memory wire that connects slide brackets without the pressure that traditional elastics often produce. They are then set to move your teeth gradually, tightening over time. The process uses less force than traditional braces, which often require supplemental treatment through tooth extractions and palatal expanders.

Close-up of teeth with Damon metal braces.

Damon Metal/Damon Clear

Damon braces are self-ligating appliances that are fitted in the same way as traditional metal braces. But instead of having brackets that tighten and adjust the braces regularly, Damon braces use a slide mechanism that attaches wires to brackets to move naturally with the teeth as they realign. This makes them more comfortable, better looking and able to provide strong results in a shorter time.

Invisalign Orthodontics

The Invisible Orthodontic Alternative

Invisalign is an innovative alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments, such as fixed brackets and wire braces. This treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that you need to change every two to four weeks. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth to the desired position. For optimal results, it is recommended to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day and maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay.

Close-up of a person putting on Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign abu dhabi
Close-up of a person putting on Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign abu dhabi

Invisalign Orthodontics

The Invisible Orthodontic Alternative

Invisalign is an innovative alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments, such as fixed brackets and wire braces. This treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that you need to change every two to four weeks. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth to the desired position. For optimal results, it is recommended to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day and maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay.

Who is Invisalign for?

Invisalign is designed for anyone who wants to avoid traditional metal appliances. More and more people are discovering how easy it is to straighten their teeth discreetly with this invisible orthodontic alternative.

 

Benefits of Invisalign:

  1. Nearly Invisible: As the name suggests, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, meaning you won’t have to feel self-conscious while wearing them.
  2. Removable and Comfortable: Invisalign clear aligners are removable, allowing you to keep your diet and oral hygiene routine unchanged. Additionally, they are comfortable and incredibly easy to wear.
  3. Fewer Office Visits: Compared to traditional braces and orthodontics, the Invisalign system requires fewer office visits, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
  4. Flexibility for Special Events: Have a big event coming up? No problem! It’s perfectly fine to take out your clear trays for a few hours and enjoy yourself—just remember to put them back in when you’re done!

Advanced Technology and Precision Results:

The Invisalign system uses advanced virtual 3D technology to plan the precise movement of your teeth. A special software program creates a series of trays that gradually bring your teeth into the overall alignment you desire. This customized approach ensures a comfortable and effective treatment.

Personalized Treatments and Health Benefits

Customized Invisalign treatments not only help you achieve a straighter smile but also reduce the risk of gum disease, decay, and TMJ disorder. Additionally, using these transparent trays and removable aligners ensures that your treatment is both discreet and comfortable.

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Dr. Shalji Specialist Orthodontist in Abu Dhabi. Dentist in Abu Dhabi

Dr. Shalji Sreenivasan

Specialist Orthodontist (Finland) M. Sc. (Ortho)

  • Expert in Digital Orthodontics and Invisible Orthodontics
  • Speaks English, Hindi, Malayalam and Arabic
  • 25 + years experience
  • Certified Invisalign Provider

 

Dr. Shalji is a highly respected Specialist Orthodontist at Smilerite Dental Care, with over 20 years of experience serving patients in Abu Dhabi. A graduate of one of India’s finest dental colleges, he completed his Master’s in Orthodontics in Finland in 1995. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontics. Dr. Shalji offers comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults, including multidisciplinary cases, lingual orthodontics, and Invisalign. Raised in the UAE, educated internationally, he proudly calls Abu Dhabi home, balancing dentistry with photography, travel, family time, and cultural exploration.

Dr Varsha Vaswani

Specialist Orthodontist, MDS (India)

  • Expert in children, teen, and adult orthodontics
  • Speaks Hindi and English
  • 14 + years of experience
  • Certified Invisalign Provider

Dr. Varsha Vaswani is a Specialist Orthodontist at Smilerite Dental Care with a strong passion for creating healthy, confident smiles. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2012 and practiced advanced clinical dentistry before earning her Master’s in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics in 2018. Actively practicing as a specialist since then, she believes orthodontics is a perfect blend of art and science. Dr. Varsha is certified in lingual orthodontics and is an Invisalign Provider, offering modern aligner solutions. A traveler at heart, she enjoys reading, cooking, and is deeply committed to improving community oral health.

Dr. Suraj Kutty

FDS RCS Eng, F(Orth) RCS England, MDS Orthodontics, India, M(Orth) RCPS Glasgow, M(Orth) RCS, MFDS-Edinburgh, Associate RACDS, Australia

  • Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontics
  • Speaks English, Hindi, Malayalam and Arabic
  • 25 + years experience
  • Certified Invisalign Provider

Dr. Suraj is a distinguished Specialist Orthodontist at Smilerite Dental Care with 25 years of experience serving the Abu Dhabi Government Healthcare Organisation. He graduated from one of India’s finest dental colleges and earned Fellowship and Specialty Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal Colleges of England. A member of leading orthodontic societies worldwide, Dr. Suraj offers advanced care for children and adults, including multidisciplinary orthodontics, TAD-assisted skeletal anchorage, growth modulation therapies, and invisible aligners. Having grown up in the UAE, he proudly calls it home, and enjoys family time, travel, and discovering new cultures and cuisines.

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