Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specialises in treating patients with misaligned teeth, providing a proper relationship between the upper and the lower jaw and achieving a satisfactory profile, with a view to ensuring good health and a beautiful smile.
Each treatment starts after thorough diagnostic procedures, upon which the patient is informed of possible solutions and limitations.
THE FIRST VISIT TO AN ORTHODONTIST
The first visit to an orthodontist is recommended at the age of 6 or 7, which coincides with losing the milk teeth and developing the first permanent teeth.
Early treatment is useful since it enables us to put an end to thumb sucking and pushing the tongue against the front teeth, as well as to address swallowing problems and correct articulation disorders. We can also change the relationship between the upper and the lower jaw and expand them so as to accommodate all permanent teeth, thus facilitating and shortening later treatment.
TYPES OF THERAPY
The CEREC CENTAR can provide you with all that modern orthodontics has to offer.
MOBILE APPLIANCES
These appliances are used for correcting misaligned teeth and the relationship between the upper and the lower jaw during growth and development.
We use several types of such appliances, depending on the age and needs of the patient (active plates, bionators, twin block, M block, function regulators, Inman aligners…).
Patients can put them into their mouth and take them out on their own. It is important to stress that the essential thing in treatment with mobile appliances is the cooperation and motivation of the patient who uses the braces, because the success rate is directly dependent on how much time the appliance is used during the day and night.
FIXED APPLIANCES
This is the most commonly used method of solving orthodontic problems. Brackets are attached onto the surface of the teeth, and arches, which produce mild but constant pressure, are placed. Patients cannot remove them on their own. Owing to the development of new orthodontic materials and techniques, modern fixed appliances meet high aesthetic criteria and are barely noticeable. We have standard metal brackets, aesthetic (transparent) brackets, ceramic or sapphire brackets, self-ligating brackets; it is also possible to attach brackets behind the teeth (lingual technique).
INVISALIGN concept (Cad/Cam foils) are a series of computer-made plastic transparent foils, based on an individual impression. They are used for correcting minor irregularities of the teeth. They are comfortable to wear and suitable for patients who make aesthetics their priority.
What happens after treatment with fixed or mobile appliances?
RETENTION PERIOD
After finishing one’s treatment, fixed or mobile retainers are made, with a view to keeping the alignment achieved during orthodontic treatment. Upon removing the appliance and during the retention period, the patient’s cooperation is of utmost importance; patients are required to observe the instructions of their orthodontist, so as not to compromise the final outcome of the treatment and the effort invested. Regular teeth are not only beautiful, but also important for a healthy oral cavity, jawbone and adjacent dental tissue.
A beautiful smile boosts your confidence!
