Ortho therapy

What is the orthodontic treatment?
The orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving the teeth in order to improve the teeth aspect and functionality. It can, also, have effects on the health of the teeth, gums and mandible articulations on a long term by distributing the bite pressure on the entire surface of the teeth.

Why should I have an orthodontic treatment?
Many people have cramped or crooked teeth. The orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth and move them into a better position. Not only does this improve the physical aspect of the teeth, but also the bite, facilitating their cleaning, as well. There are patients in whose case the front upper teeth may become unpleasantly evident. These prominent teeth may be deteriorated but the orthodontic treatment can bring them back to the initial line. In the case of others, the way the jaws come together may lead to an unpleasant aspect and to an incorrect bite. The orthodontic treatment corrects both dysfunctionalities. When the teeth do not appropriately come together, the jaw muscles are affected causing problems for the mandible articulations and, sometimes, head-aches. The orthodontic treatment can help you bite much better and reduce the pressure on the jaws.

At what age can I receive the orthodontic treatment?
In general, the orthodontic treatment gives best results in the case of children, but adults can also receive such treatment – their numbers being increasingly high. Regardless of the age, it is very important to have the appropriate number of teeth. In the case of children, it may be required to wait until the sufficient number of teeth has grown before beginning the treatment.

What does an orthodontic treatment imply?
The most important thing is to benefit of a full medical consultation. This involves an examination of your teeth, their X-ray and the performance of a teeth study pattern (impression). Afterwards, the dentist will present you the possible treatments. Once you are sure you want to continue, the treatment will begin as soon as you have enough permanent teeth.

What is a fixed device?
Usually, the teeth need to be guided more precisely than this could be done when using a detachable device. In these cases, the fixed devices are used. They have strips and small wires temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible wire keeps the wires together and allows the teeth to move. As it is impossible for the patient to remove the device, this is called a fixed device.

How long does the orthodontic treatment last?
The treatment length depends on the seriousness of the problem and it may take from several months to several years, even. Most people can be treated in approximately two years.

What happens when the teeth are in the correct position?
When the treatment ends, the teeth need to be supported in the final position for a certain period. This is called the containment period, and the devices supporting the teeth are called tooth-supporting devices. These devices maintain the teeth in a fixed position, while the gums and the surrounding bones are stabilised.
The supporting devices can be detachable or fixed, depending on the initial problem.

How many visits does an orthodontic treatment imply?
The orthodontic devices need to be adjusted once every 4 to 6 weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often the device needs to be adjusted.

How successful will the intervention be?
The success depends on the collaboration between the dentist’s skills and the enthusiasm and support that the patient and his/her parents show (in the case of children). It is important to regularly come for the medical consultation and to follow the dentist’s pieces of advice. The treatment success also depends on the patient’s involvement. In the case of children, it is important for them to be as motivated as the parents.

Is it possible for the orthodontic treatment to damage the teeth?
Your teeth can be damaged if they are not supervised all along the treatment. The devices will not cause problems by themselves, but their faulty maintenance, the inappropriate cleaning, the food and drinks containing a lot of sugar may cause permanent damage. Small pieces of food may get caught in the little wires, the wires and the supports and they may lead to the occurrence of scale more than in the normal conditions. Therefore, the teeth and the device must be cleaned very carefully and in depth.