Dental Braces in Kenya
Dental braces (also known as braces, orthodontic cases, or cases) are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person’s bite, while also working to improve dental health.
They are often used to correct underbites, as well as malocclusions, overbites, open bites, deep bites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Braces can be either cosmetic or structural. Dental braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws.
Why are Dental braces used?
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth, or their teeth don’t meet correctly when they bite. These problems can mean the teeth are more likely to become damaged or put a strain on jaw muscles.
In some cases, abnormal development of the teeth and jaw can affect the shape of the face.
Problems with crooked and out-of-place teeth are quite common in Kenya. It’s thought around a third of 12-year-olds would benefit from some degree of orthodontic treatment.
Types Of Dental Braces in Kenya
- Traditional metal wired braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Gold-plated stainless steel braces
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign
- Titanium braces
- Progressive clear removable aligners
How to Keep Dental Braces Clean
A common complication of orthodontics is tooth decay. Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with small food particles and saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque. which leads to plaque and causes the enamel to decay.
Many people with appliances find it difficult to keep their teeth clean, so additional brushing is essential during treatment.
To reduce your risk of enamel decay, your orthodontist may recommend using toothpaste with high levels of fluoride or a mouthwash that contains fluoride. You should also try to avoid sugary foods and fizzy drinks.
How much does Dental Braces in Kenya cost?
Treatment costs depend on two things: first, the type of brace you choose to suit your lifestyle. This can be standard, ligated, ceramic, hidden or aligners. Each type of brace varies in price – depending on the manufacturer. The second factor is how complex your treatment is.
Braces in Kenya cost from Kes 20,000 to 40,000.
Who should have braces in Kenya
Adult Braces
More and more adults are discovering that straightening their teeth is something that can be achieved discreetly and effectively, and that treatment can be performed at any age.
An adult’s jawbones are more mature than an adolescent’s, so it may take a bit longer for the most effective results.
Traditional orthodontics are still the best bet for younger patients and adults with complicated alignment and bite problems.
However, short-term braces have helped rejuvenate the smiles of millions of adults who’d given up hope of ever having straight teeth.
Children Braces
It’s very important that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they have reached age 7, which is typically the time when they have already developed some permanent teeth.
This makes it easier for your dentist to see if they may encounter misalignments and other dental issues later in life that can be corrected before they become serious.
Early treatment can reduce the risk of eventual permanent tooth extraction, impacted teeth, and other conditions, as well as correct over-, under-, or cross-bite issues.
As permanent teeth start to come in, orthodontic treatment can guide them into a good position and give them enough room to result in straighter teeth alignment.
Which Braces are the best for you?
If your teeth are severely misaligned or you have a problem with the way your upper and lower jaw meet (malocclusion), traditional silver or ceramic braces will usually provide the best results.
The most popular option for children and adolescents, traditional braces are often the best way to correct misalignment and bite issues.
These braces typically utilize metal wires and brackets, but for a more discreet appearance, your dentist can also use ceramic materials.
But you don’t have to worry about living with an unattractive mouthful of metal. Even traditional orthodontics have seen amazing improvements in recent years, making them less conspicuous and more comfortable to wear.
What are the symptoms of teeth misalignment/malocclusion?
The symptoms of the disorder may be subtle or severe depending on the classification of malocclusion. Typical symptoms of malocclusion include:
- Improper alignment of the teeth
- Alteration in the appearance of the face
- Frequent biting of the inner cheeks or tongue
- Discomfort when chewing or biting
- Speech problems, including the development of a lisp
- Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
Does health or dental insurance cover Dental Braces in Kenya?
If you have health or dental insurance, check with your provider. Most health plans don’t pay for orthodontic treatment for people over 18 years old, but they do partially cover children under age 18. If your dental or health plan does not include orthodontic coverage, you can also buy supplemental orthodontic insurance.
The following insurance companies do have dental plans that cover braces
Resolution insurance
Tel: +254-20-2894 000 Mobile:
Parkfield Place,
Muthangari Drive
Off Waiyaki Way
Westlands
Address: P.O. Box 4469 – 00100
Nairobi Kenya
Tel: +254-20-2894 000
Mobile: +254-709-990 000, +254-730-199 000
NINO Insuarance
Chiromo Road, Westlands
Delta Corner Towers
0729222208 / 0739222208
www.NINOinsurance.com
Does NHIF cover dental braces
You can pay for the following services with your NHIF; Dental Care The Dental Cover includes dental consultation, orthodontics, root canal, dentures, Cost of filling, X-rays and Extractions.
Where to get Dental Braces in Kenya
- PCEA Kikuyu Hospital
- The mater Hospital
Mater Hospital Kenya, Along Dunga Road, South B, Nairobi.
Email: inform@materkenya.com
Telephone: +254 (20) 690 3000
- Kenya Orthodontics
Telephone: +254 708 724 875 or +254 731 538 114
Email: info@KenyaOrthodontics.com
Main Location: 3rd Floor, New Muthaiga Shopping Mall, Thigiri Ridge – above Tuskys.
- The Dental Practice
Landline: 020 4443391/2/3
Wireless: 020 2464565
020 2573159
020 2331538
Mobile: 0722 736439
Mobile: 0734 437513
Email: info@p-griffiths.com
- Arrow Dental
Telephone: 0740579064
Mobile: 0735210570/ 0740187579
Address: YALA Towers, Room 801, Biashara Street, Nairobi.
Email: arrowdentalke@gmail.com / info@arrowdental.co.ke
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Braces
What will happen when my braces are put on?
The brackets and wires put pressure on your teeth igniting the cell regeneration process causing the teeth and their support system to move into better alignment.
Am I too old for braces?
No, in fact, a good percentage of people who get braces are over 21 years of age.
How much do braces cost?
Braces cost about 40,000 per jaw in Kenya.
How long do I need to wear braces?
This greatly depends on your Orthodontics problem, most go anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Do braces hurt?
Braces put in well do not hurt at all, there is only a little sensitivity after its first put which will go away in a few days.
How often should I brush my teeth while wearing braces?
It is recommended that you brush after every meal.