Why do we need to have orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment has 3 basic goals.
To improve not only your teeth aesthetics but also your facial balance
To correct the way your teeth occlude when it is not ideal kai restore any dental abnormalities that may have a bad effect on your long term dental health
Each person may profit from an orthodontic treatment differently, depending on his/her orthodontic condition
Even more important than the aesthetic improvement is the functional rehabilitation of the teeth.
Giving you an aesthetic smile, we also take care of correct function of your teeth.
To smile even more!
At which age is it preferable to first visit our Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. Usually by this age, the permanent first molars are in place, and the permanent incisors have started to erupt.This gives the orthodontist a good idea of future dental problems including cross-bites, improper eruption, severe crowding, and severe deep bite.
Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.
Is every age suitable for orthodontic treatment?
Any age can benefit from an orthodontic treatment. Our biology allows orthodontic movement at any age, given the fact that our body is in a healthy state.
Nobody is too old to get the smile that he or she desires, and the with the new aesthetic methods available (ceramic-tooth colour brackets , lingual brackets and invisible aligners) orthodontic treatment has become more attractive and possible for adult patients who are concerned about their aesthetics.
What are the signs that I need to visit an Orthodontist?
Although it is difficult for parents to evaluate their children’s need for orthodontic and treatment, there are some signs that should make you alert and guide you in asking for an orthodontic consultation.
Some of these signs include the following:
- Difficulty chewing
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth and are prone to injury
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth
- Premature loss of deciduous(baby) teeth
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
Do braces hurt?
Orthodontic treatment in not accompanied by the usual dental pain. The initial phase after placement(for about a week to ten days) is marked with sensitivity mainly during chewing, that makes eating uncomfortable especially when eating hard food or medium hard food.These foods should be avoided and a soft diet is recommended during the initial stage as instructed by your Orthodontist.Some pressure will be noted after activation of your appliances,the first time and after every scheduled appointment.
If this sensitivity is not bearable, a painkiller can be used that has been used in the past ( usually medication containing paracetamol or ibuprofen)
6. How long will my orthodontic treatment last?
An orthodontic treatment may last between 6 months to 2.5 years maybe more. This wide range is due to the fact that an orthodontic treatment is individualised and depends on the orthodontic problem of each person, but also on the person’s cooperation. After initial records are being collected that include clinical examination, medical and dental history, clinical photos and impressions, and the proper x rays, an individualised treatment plan will be prepared that determines the treatment duration.
What does an Orthodontic treatment have to offer?
Orthodontics can correct different dental and skeletal problems. With cooperation with other specialties such us Maxillofacial surgery, Orthodontics can improve the aesthetics of the whole face.
Dental problems can be addressed such us crowded or spaced teeth, occlusion problems, impacted teeth but also skeletal problems such us disharmony of upper and lower jaw in anterior posterior dimension for example retrognathism, or in transverse dimension for example a narrow upper jaw.
How can I profit from an orthodontic treatment?
Most people visit an Orthodontist to improve their dental aesthetics and also their smile.
Orthodontics also offer solutions for occlusion problems, positioning teeth in their correct positions for better function and also proper hygiene.
This offers correct force distribution on teeth in order to avoid attrition and periodontal problems, and helps keeping proper dental hygiene since teeth are easier to clean in their correct positions.
Teeth in their correct position are also protected from dental injury especially in younger ages and offer an improved aesthetic for children and adults.
Can I brush properly with braces on my teeth?
The presence of orthodontic appliances in the mouth makes brushing even more important. Because of the brackets, plaque accumulation is increased. Proper instructions about brushing will be given to you by the Orthodontist on your first appointments.
More information about correct cleaning and its importance can be found in our webpage under the section Information-Dental Hygiene.
What do i need to start my orthodontic treatment?
A clinical examination by your Orthodontist is necessary as a preliminary stage, in order to guide you to the next steps of the procedure.An initial appointment in which the following steps will be explained
The prerequisites for a treatment plan to be prepared for you are the following: Intra oral and extra oral photos,x rays, and models. Depending on the case, additional records may be needed.
When braces are removed, how do i keep my teeth in place?
When an orthodontic treatment is completed and all appliances are removed, retention will be needed to keep the teeth in their final positions.
The probability of relapse is very high during the first month after treatment and up to a year after, movement can occur.
For each person though, there is an individual retention protocol to keep your teeth into place.
Your retainer maybe removable, fixed or a combination.
More information will be given to you by your Orthodontist in the beginning and at the end of your treatment.
How often do I need to visit my Orthodontist?
Visits are scheduled every 4-6 weeks, depending on the changes that your orthodontic appliances need each time.
Appointments are schedules approximately once a month, but there may be need for an extra appointment earlier or even later than 6 weeks.
