Mount Elizabeth Orthodontic Clinic (MEOC) is a specialist dental practice that is restricted to Orthodontics. The specialty of Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Treatment involves the use of braces (metal, ceramic and lingual / invisible braces) in most patients, jaw growth modification in some children and jaw correction in some adults.
The orthodontist, Dr. Lim Hong Meng, obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1988 and started his orthodontic specialty training in 1990 in the Government Dental Service and at the Graduate School of Dental Studies, NUS. He passed his examinations for the degrees of Master of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics (MDS Orthodontics) by the NUS and the Membership in Orthodontics (M Orth RCS) by the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh in 1994. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS Orthodontics) and entered into the Academy’s Roll of Specialist in 1997.
Dr. Lim started his private practice at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in 1997 and has since developed an interest in the field of lingual / invisible orthodontics as more adults are seeking aesthetic orthodontic treatment. He is also a visiting consultant and clinical tutor in the postgraduate orthodontic residency program at the NUS.
Orthodontic treatments
Orthodontic treatment involves the design and use of corrective appliances such as dental braces, plates and micro implants, among others. Braces move the teeth by exerting a constant light pressure to them. In response to pressure, a tooth will move slowly through the jaw bone. This process will cause some tenderness, but most people report that the discomfort is minor. Current technology means that the braces and other appliances used today are more comfortable, ‘fashionable’ and effective than ever before. While multi-coloured or one colour braces can make a fashion statement about you, natural tooth-coloured (ceramic) braces are barely visible.
What most people don’t realise is that you are Never Too Old For Braces. Orthodontics can successfully realign crooked teeth or a protruding overbite regardless of age, because teeth and gums are essentially the same in adults and children. However it is not unusual for adults to be apprehensive about the inconvenience and the length of time required for wearing braces. And of course, concerned too about how braces might look (which means of course we are not any different from our teenage children!) But when you consider that at 40 you are likely to have another 40 years of a straighter, brighter smile, the prospect can be very appealing. With modern appliances the decision to improve your smile becomes so much easier.