Welcome to the practice of Dr Amenah Shaikh
Located in Rondebosch East and Strand, Western Cape, our practice’s top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors. Whether you’re an adult, adolescent or child, we are knowledgeable and committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve – a healthy, beautiful one!
Treatment Information
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and associated facial irregularities. The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic — beautiful smiles, improved dental health and an enhanced quality of life for many people of all ages. Orthodontic problems, which can result from genetic and environmental factors, must be diagnosed before treatment begins. Proper diagnosis involves taking photographs, x-rays, and dental impressions, which enable our practice to make informative decisions about the form of treatment necessary.
Orthodontic Treatment Timing
Dr. Shaikh provides orthodontic treatment for adults, adolescents and children. We follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists by recommending that an orthodontic evaluation take place at age 7 for all children. By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite, and the incisors erupt, indicating possible overbite, tooth rotations, over retained baby teeth and under-bites. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships, and subtle problems with jaw growth can also be spotted. This early evaluation can help to intercept potentially more complex problems related to the occlusion. This early evaluation can help to determine the best time to begin any necessary treatment.
Classification of Face and Teeth
The classification of bites are broken up into three main categories:
Class I, II, and III.
each of which have various degrees of severity
Impacted and Missing Teeth
Impactions can be caused by improper positioning of the developing tooth bud. This can cause the tooth to fail to erupt into the mouth. Impactions can also be caused by early loss of primary teeth or crowding of teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth. Canines and premolars can also be impacted.
This problem should be corrected because it can:
- cause damage to the root structure of adjacent teeth
- interfere with the sinus cavity
- leave unwanted spaces
- lead to improper functioning of the teeth
- cause premature wear of the teeth
- case asymmetric alignment of the teeth
How can impacted teeth be orthodontically corrected?
Usually the impacted tooth is exposed over the course of a few months and brought into the correct position of the mouth. Correction of impacted teeth may involve a minor surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon working closely with our practice. This will allow us to then guide eruption of the impacted tooth into proper position.
Missing teeth
Missing teeth is the absence of a tooth or teeth that should normally be present. This can be caused by trauma or lack of development.
This problem should be corrected because it can:
- cause improper functioning of teeth
- cause premature wear of teeth
- cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth
- make your smile less attractive
Crowding and Spacing of Teeth
Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the tooth to jaw size relationship or when the teeth are larger than the available space. Crowding can be caused by improper eruption of teeth and early or late loss of primary teeth. To discuss crowding and the spacing of teeth, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Crowding should be corrected because it can:
prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth
cause dental decay
increase the chances of gum disease
prevent proper functioning of teeth
make your smile less attractive
How can crowding be orthodontically corrected?
Extra space can be created by expansion of the arches or extraction of teeth. Once space is created, braces will eliminate crowding and align the teeth. Correction of crowding can help prevent dental decay and periodontal disease by improving the ability to remove plaque from the teeth.
Spacing of the Teeth
Spacing (the opposite of crowding), is an excess of space for your teeth which results in gaps between your teeth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing can also be caused by protrusive teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.
Spacing should be corrected because it can:
result in gum problems due to the lack of protection by the teeth
prevent proper functioning of the teeth
make your smile less attractive
Orthodontic Disorders
For a brief overview of the classification of teeth, please click on the image below. It will launch our flash educational module in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about the classifications of teeth.
Your First Orthodontist Visit
Our objective is to make sure your visits with us will be pleasant and informative. Your initial appointment will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will address the orthodontic needs of you or your child.
