Orthodontics

Orthodontics is important for many reasons, both aesthetic and health-related.

Here are some of the main reasons:

1. Aesthetic benefits: braces help  straightening teeth, which can lead to a more confident smile and a better appearance. This can have a positive impact on people’s self-confidence and self-image.

2. Tooth and gum health: if teeth grow unevenly or are crowded, it can be difficult to clean them properly. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. Orthodontics can help preventing these problems by making it easier to clean teeth.

3. Correcting bite problems: incorrect biting, such as congestion, open biting or underbite, can cause long-term chewing difficulties, speech problems or even jaw pain. Orthodontics can correct these, improving quality of life.

4. Jaw and facial structure: the position of the teeth and jaw can affect the overall appearance of the face and the development of the bones. A balanced bite and tooth alignment can help creating a good jaw function and positive facial proportions.

5. Speech development: certain problems with the touch of teeth can affect the clarity of speech and the production of certain sounds. Orthodontics can help to correct these problems.

Overall, orthodontics can help prevent long-term tooth and gum problems, while improving quality of life and overall self-confidence.

3. Biting disorders: these include different types of malocclusions, such as:

• Deep bite: when the upper incisors bite too hard on the lower incisors.
• Underbite: when the lower incisors reach in front of the upper incisors.
• Open bite: when the front teeth do not touch when biting.
• Crossbite: when some teeth are in an inward position relative to the normal bite line.

4. Jaw pain and joint problems: malocclusion can lead to jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, which can be treated with orthodontics.

5. Crowding caused by wisdom teeth: wisdom teeth often lead to displacement or crowding of other teeth, which may require orthodontic treatment.

6. Need to improve teeth and smile: for aesthetic reasons, when someone wants to improve the appearance of their teeth or smile.

Orthodontic treatment is most often used in childhood or adolescence, as it is easier to correct the growing jaw and teeth in that age.
However, orthodontic treatment is also available for adults, and nowadays it is becoming more common for adults to undergo such treatment through modern, less visible solutions such as clear aligners.
If anyone is unsure about the need for orthodontic treatment, it is recommended that they consult a specialist, an orthodontist, to have an accurate diagnosis and to review treatment options.

Who needs orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment may be needed for people who have misaligned teeth, bite disorders or aesthetic problems. Examples of these situations include:

• Children and adolescents: most orthodontic treatment starts at this age, when the teeth and jawbones are still developing. This period is ideal for tooth movement and jawbone correction.
• Adults: modern orthodontic options are also available for adults. In adulthood, braces are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, but they can also treat functional problems such as bite disorders.
• People with crowded or gapped teeth: teeth that are too close together or fall too far apart can present aesthetic and functional challenges.
• Biting disorders: overbite, underbite, openbite or crossbite. These problems can not only be aesthetically unpleasant, but can also cause long-term jaw pain or other oral problems.
• People with jaw or joint pain: this pain is sometimes caused by misalignment or biting, which can be corrected by orthodontics.
• Improper facial symmetry or jaw position: an asymmetrical jaw or facial position can be a functional and aesthetic problem that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment.

Every situation is different, so it is advisable to consult an orthodontist, who will carry out a detailed examination and recommend a treatment plan.
The specialist’s judgement will determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary in a particular situation and, if so, what type of treatment would be most appropriate.

3. Developing an individual treatment plan: based on the information gathered, the orthodontist will recommend a personalised treatment plan. This will include the goals of treatment, the type of braces, the expected duration, possible additional treatments.

4. Placing of the braces: depending on the type of braces chosen (e.g. traditional metal braces, ceramic, lingual or invisible aligners), the doctor will place the braces on the teeth. This can usually take several hours.

5. Regular check-ups: during treatment, you should return to the doctor at regular intervals (usually every 4-8 weeks) to check the condition of the braces and the movement of the teeth. Fine adjustments, such as replacing the wires may be made at this time.

6. Dental care during treatment: wearing braces requires special attention to oral hygiene. The patient should learn correct brushing techniques and may use special tools (e.g. interdental brush) to remove food from around the braces.

7. Braces removal and retention treatment: once the desired result has been achieved, the braces are removed. A retention appliance (e.g. a retention aligner or fixed retainer) is then worn to stabilise the position of the teeth. These devices help prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position.

For each patient, treatment can be unique, as the alignment of the teeth and personal needs are different, which is why it is important to work together with the orthodontist.

• Tailored Treatment Plans:
  Each patient receives an individually tailored treatment plan that takes into account their anatomy, lifestyle and expectations. Thorough diagnostic tests and expert consultations ensure that treatment is effective and efficient.
• Professional Service:
  We have a team of experienced orthodontists who are under constant training to ensure that they are up to date with the latest developments and treatment standards.
• Oral Hygiene Advice and Treatment:
  To address any oral hygiene challenges that arise, we provide our patients with expert advice and support to help them maintain the health of their teeth and gums while wearing the appliance.
• Flexible Financial Solutions:
  For our adult orthodontic services, we offer options to pay in installments for ClearCorrect to make treatment costs affordable for everyone.

Contact us today to be part of a professionally designed orthodontic process that will ensure long-term oral health and a confident smile!

• Removable and Fixed Devices:
  Both removable and fixed appliances can be taught to be properly used by children. They can be easily integrated into a child’s daily life, minimising discomfort.
• Parent and Child Cooperation:
  Successful treatment of children requires close collaboration between the orthodontist, parents and child. Throughout treatment, special attention is given to ensure that children and parents understand the goals and benefits of treatment.
• Oral Hygiene Education:
  During the orthodontic process, it is important that children learn good oral hygiene habits. Professional education is provided to ensure that children are able to maintain their oral and dental health even while wearing braces.
• Continuous Monitoring and Support:
  We monitor the development of your teeth and jawbones through regular check-ups and we fine-tune treatment plans if necessary. Our goal is to support your child’s optimal oral health and confident smile.

Visit our practice where we will give you a detailed presentation of the options so you can see in person which type of braces best suit your needs!