Orthodontics Treatments

Orthodontics Treatment

Orthodontics Treatment

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and to occlude properly. Proper dental occlusion allows better: 

  • Chewing.
  • Phonetics.
  • Aesthetics of the smile.
  • Oral Hygiene.

and prevents: 

  • Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints and locomotor apparatus.
  • Chronic inflammation of the gums.

The orthodontist is a dentist who takes care of orthodontics. All dentists can take care of orthodontics, but there are also dentists who have obtained a specialisation or master’s degree in orthodontics after 3 or more years of specialist studies at university. Orthodontics is implemented through the use of orthodontic appliances.

The braces are basically of three types: 

  • Functional
  • Fixed
  • Aesthetic

Functional orthodontic appliances generally allow the dentist to perform orthodontics in children (Interceptive orthodontics or functional), which in addition to acting on the teeth, it also acts on bone bases, driving the growth in the correct way and then making even orthopaedic therapy. Functional orthodontic appliances can be fixed (e.g. Rapid palatal expander) or removable (preforms or individualised). These are manufactured according to current legislation on medical devices. The fixed orthodontic appliances are constituted basically by attacks ("bracket"), which are glued on the teeth, and by a metal wire. 
They may be: 

  • - Metal
  • - Aesthetic Ceramic

and can be applied: 

  • - Labial (visible from outside).
  • - Lingual area (not visibler from the outside).

In all cases the thread is always metallic, non-aesthetic. Orthodontic appliances "aesthetic" are three: 

  • - Removable clear aligners ("invisible") (Ex. www.invisalign.it).
  • - Fixed with ceramic brackets in the buccal, but with wire (visible from outside).
  • - With fixed connections and wire metal lingual (not visible from the outside).

The aesthetic orthodontic clear aligners can be carried out by certified dentists. In some clinical situations the use of endosseous implants ("miniscrews"), are used as a stationary anchorage to facilitate intrusive movement of the teeth. Not all orthodontic appliances can be used on each patient. After making a correct diagnosis, the orthodontist will recommend the treatment plan and the most suitable braces for the patient.  
Orthodontic diagnosis includes: 

  • - Orthodontic specialist.
  • - Digital X-rays:
  • - Orthopanoramic.
  • - Cephalograms the skull in lateral chest film (telecranio).
  • - Computerized cephalometric analysis.
  • - Models of the dental arches plaster type Tweed (after taking impressions of the dental arches).
  • - Digital photographs of the mouth (front, right and left side and upper and lower occlusal).

Orthodontic treatment can generally last 12-24 months. At the end of the orthodontic treatment, a further appliance or so-called restraint may need to be worn for a period of time. The appliance/s can be removable or fixed and are necessary to maintain the teeth in their new position and avoiding a recurrence of the teeth going back to the position they were in before orthodontic treatment. 

During orthodontic treatment it is more difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. Therefore it is advisable to perform periodic sessions of oral hygiene with a dental hygienist to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and perform a cario-prophylaxis. 

In some cases it is necessary to perform dental extractions, especially the third molars (wisdom teeth), which could be the cause of dental crowding due to the lack of space in the dental arches. In this case it will be performed by a specialist oral surgeon.

Childrens Orthodontics

Every child’s needs are different.
In some cases it is better to have treatment carried out while all primary teeth are still in place; the name of this procedure is Early Treatment / Phase I. In other children the best results are attained after the adult teeth have come through and the roots are all healthy and well formed.

Treatments need to be completed quickly and effectively as this can affect the function, stability and aesthetics of the mouth, as well as preventing problems in later life. A consultation needs to take place in order to assess the type of treatment that is suitable. 

Orthodontic diagnosis includes:

  • - Better positioning for permanent teeth that supports jaw growth.
  • - Smaller risk of permanent tooth extraction due to tooth overcrowding.
  • - Less chance of injury or trauma to crooked teeth.
  • - Deals with crowding and space issues.
  • - Stops bad habits from continuing.
  • - Improved appearance and confidence level.

Teenage Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is common during the ages of 11-15. At 12 years old most milk teeth have fallen out and a large amount of permanent teeth are in place, which means the dentist is able to fully assess the situation. If orthodontic treatment is not undertaken there is little chance of the issues correcting themselves.

Children in this age category are growing rapidly and this can usually be taken advantage of through orthodontic treatment, to shorten brace treatment time and lessen any discomfort.

Realign the teeth with Invisalign

Realign the teeth with Invisalign Realign the teeth with Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is a revolutionary method for the treatment of re-alignment of your teeth, which is useful in helping to treat other orthodontic problems, including damaged teeth, crowding or diastema.Through the use of high technology and using materials designed to not irritate your gums or mouth, Invisalign offers the patient an immediate satisfaction in the device comfortable to use and transparent,unobtrusive to the gaze of others.

Invisalign consists of a series of nearly invisible aligners are comfortable and removable at will, painlessly, which are replaced every two weeks for the next new set of templates, specially adapted following the improvements in progress. The teeth move now, little by little, and the application of Invisalign provides patient monitoring, following step by step the process of realignment.

To achieve the Invisalign aligners are fingerprinted jaws using an advanced software that allows you to view in 3D on the computer monitor, the entire treatment plan, with an animation of the tooth movements can show the series of movements teeth will go through their course, and defining their new final position.E 'can remove the aligners every time you want to eat, brush your teeth, flossing, or special occasions.

Ask about Orthodontics!

To learn more, contact our Orthodontics specialists today

Call: 042 941 9612

Contact for Orthodontics

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?

No, they will not.
The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age. 

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out or appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam. 

What will I learn from the initial examination?

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination: 

  • - Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
  • - What must be done to correct the problem?
  • - Will any teeth need to be removed?
  • - How long will the treatment take to complete?
  • - How much will the treatment cost?

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures (a combination of using low friction/force and efficient self-ligating brace system and high technology archwire), removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

How long will it take to complete treatment?

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 24 months.

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have several payment options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you.

How often will I have appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly. The self-ligating brace system is a lot more efficient hence they can work longer per visit hence patients are usually seen every 6-8 weeks.

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child. 

Do braces hurt?

Generally, braces do not "hurt." 
After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Panadol or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients,
“It does not have to hurt to work!”.

The self-ligating braces used by the doctor has a lot less friction built-in hence lighter and gentler forces are used to move the teeth. It has been clinically shown that patients with self-ligating braces experience less intense discomfort compared to patients fitted with conventional/traditional fixed braces. 

Do I need to see my dentist while in braces?

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces (at least every 6 months unless adviced otherwise by your dentist). Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show to each patient how to clean their teeth with braces on their teeth and a home kit pack will also be provided to each patient when they start their fixed brace treatment.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10.
Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-12 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Will my child need an expander?

At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander. The self-ligating brace system can expand the teeth arches well hence expanders are not commonly used.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!

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