Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns. It may also address the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.

Abnormalities in the alignment and proper positioning of the jawbone and teeth are common in the population. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, approximately 50% of the people in the developed world face one of the following problems.

Orthodontics works miracles in the field of aesthetic and classic dentistry, treating a multitude of problems of the oral cavity, such as:

• Aesthetic problems
• Crowding teeth
• Anodontia or Hypodontia
• Malocclusions
• Jaw deformities
• Gum disease: very common in orthodontic patients
• Periodontitis: very common in orthodontic patients
• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Tooth wear
• Dental problems that cause difficulty speaking

Dental braces are a widely used orthodontic method, which aims to align the teeth. They are placed on the surface of the teeth and joined together with special wires, exerting pressure on the teeth and forcing them to move. Depending on the characteristics of the patient, the dentist periodically changes the pressure applied in order to reach the desired result.

Having crowding teeth is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a risk factor for oral problems and mental illness.

Gum disease: periodontitis and gingivitis are much more common in people with crowding teeth. The environment around the teeth favors the proliferation of bacteria and the creation of dental plaque.

Temporomandibular joint disorder: this situation comes together with severe pain and difficulties in chewing.

Difficulty chewing: if left uncontrolled, digestive problems can develop.

Speech difficulty: Speech difficulties, such as trouble pronouncing some words, are the most common problem with crowding teeth.

Low self-esteem – depression: research has shown that teenagers with crowding teeth are more likely to develop depression than the average population.

There are many types of braces. You can get in touch with us directly and find out what might be the most suitable option for you. Cost, duration of treatment, appearance and intended result play a role in the final choice.

Metallic: it is the classic type of braces and is the most economical option.

Ceramics: They have the same shape and size as metal, however these have the same color as the teeth. However, they need special daily oral hygiene.

Lingual: They are placed behind the teeth and are not visible when the patient smiles. Their main disadvantages are the difficult daily oral hygiene and their high cost.

Each type of braces has its advantages and disadvantages. We can help you in your choice by presenting all the types and recommending the right one for you. In general terms:

METAL BRACE: It is the most commonly type used in children. They do not require patient cooperation and are very stable. They are placed on the surface of the tooth and connected to each other with a special orthodontic wire which exerts gentle, lasting and stable pressure on the teeth. The patient can choose any color they wish.

CERAMIC BRACKET: they are transparent or translucent and are bonded to the teeth. Ceramic braces give an excellent aesthetic result, but have reduced durability and higher cost.

LINGUAL BRACE: Lingual are braces used mainly in adults. Their aim is exactly the same as other braces, namely to correct the position of the teeth. However, they are placed on the surface of the inner part of the teeth, so they are not visible. However, treatment time and cost are higher than other types of braces.

On the first visit, the dentist has to fully explain the process and answer any questions. Useful information about the patient’s condition can be provided by taking dental impressions or taking x-rays.

The procedure’s duration is approximately 1-2 hours and requires one session. After taking a medical history and performing a clinical examination, the dentist carefully cleans and dries the patient’s teeth. Then, he places a tooth glue and the hooks on it. Finally, the dental wire arch is placed and thus the teeth are connected to each other. The dentist adjusts the pressure applied according to the particular characteristics of the patient. The procedure is painless. However, until the patient gets used to the existence of braces, he may feel pressure and swelling in the gums. This situation is temporary.

The duration of treatment is approximately 3 years. The patient has to visit his dentist often (usually once a month), so that the latter can record the progress and, depending on the progress, change the pressure applied over a period of time in order to reach the desired result.

Oral hygiene is very important. Proper tooth brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush is of utmost importance. For convenience, interdental brushes are preferred over flossing.

Transparent braces are an alternative orthodontic treatment, which aims to align the teeth. They have the same function as braces and are mainly used in adults.

Compared to classic braces, transparent braces have the following advantages:

• Excellent aesthetics
• More tolerated by patients
• They do not affect the ability to chew
• Not difficult daily oral hygiene
• Completely painless
• Suitable treatment for pregnant women, allergy sufferers, adults, children and people with periodontitis.
• Fewer visits to the dental office

Like all dental methods, transparent braces have some drawbacks. On one hand, it is a more expensive treatment and on the other hand, they require a lot of cooperation from the person with their dentist.

At the patient’s first visit, the dentist takes a medical history, performs a clinical examination and, if necessary, takes x-rays. If the patient agrees and all his questions have been answered, the specialist takes dental impressions. He sends all the data to a special dental laboratory, where the data is processed with software. He informs the patient about the cost and duration of the treatment and within 2-3 days the first braces for the first month’s treatment are done. The same process is repeated every month, for as many months as the treatment lasts. In other words, the patient only needs to come to the doctor’s office once a month for an appointment lasting five to ten minutes. It is important that the patient wears braces for at least 17 hours a day, especially during sleep.

The material of the braces is synthetic and hypoallergenic. The thickness of the splint is very thin, so that it is practically invisible. Each set of braces consists of a soft, a medium and a harder one.