Crooked teeth, irregularities in bite or the position of the teeth are usually correctable problems. Their solution is a matter for a separate branch of dentistry: orthodontics.
Orthodontic treatment is available for patients of all ages: children aged 7 to 13, adults and the elderly.
Reasons for the formation of an irregular bite:
- genetics,
- bad habits (breathing through the mouth, irregular swallowing, irregular position of the tongue, sucking of the thumb in childhood, gnashing of teeth),
- prematurely fallen or extracted teeth,
- trauma.
Orthodontic treatment methods:
- ORTHODONTIC PLATES are a removable plastic device for the expansion of the jaw, making place for the sprouting of permanent teeth. The plate is worn around the clock and removed only when eating and brushing teeth. The treatment lasts about a year and is most effective for children aged 7 to 10;
- BRACES are non-removable orthodontic appliances that are fixed to the surface of the teeth for the duration of the treatment and removed at the end of the treatment. The duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the case, the age of the patient and his collaboration.
Brace types:
METAL
Made of high quality metal alloys – strong, resistant to breakage and cracks. It should be noted that braces of this type are quite clearly noticeable. However, the quality-price ratio of such a treatment is particularly good.
CERAMIC
These braces are becoming increasingly popular because they are less noticeable. Treatment with ceramic braces takes several months longer than with metal braces, and a broken or cracked brace needs to be replaced with a new one. The price compared to metal – higher. Ceramic braces can be glued on all teeth or only on the anteriors in combination with metal braces being used in less visible places.
SELF-LIGATING
Such braces are distinguished by the fact that the bow is fastened with a special clips. In addition, treatment with these braces takes less time, and visits to an orthodontist are less frequent than with other systems. The option of self-ligating braces amounts to less discomfort and they are easier to maintain.
Sapphire braces
It is a very aesthetically pleasing type of braces, practically invisible on the teeth as they reflect the natural color of the teeth. All their other properties, advantages and disadvantages are similar to ceramic braces.
- ALIGNERS are transparent, custom-made plates that are worn around the clock and can only be removed while eating and brushing Your teeth. Treatment lasts from 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the situation.
Advantages of teeth straightening with aligners:
- practically invisible;
- hardly causes any discomfort;
- less frequent number of visits (visits are planned every 2-3 months);
- convenient for people travelling a lot or foreigners
Comparison
| ALIGNERS | BRACES |
|---|---|
| Practically invisible | Even ceramic / sapphire braces are noticeable |
| Less frequent visits – it is possible to actively travel and live abroad | Monthly visits to the orthodontist are necessary |
| Less pain | Discomfort is felt for at least a week after each brace adjustment |
| Easier maintenance | After a meal, food debris remains in between the braces and must be thoroughly cleaned each time |
| You can eat everything | Hard foods should be avoided when wearing braces |
| There are no such situations with aligners | Patients often complain: “Doctor, I have a prodding/scratching sensation” or “ the brace dislodged…” |
| Not applicable in all cases, but suitable for most | A solution to the most complex cases, providing more options |
HOW LONG DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NORMALLY TAKE?
The average duration of orthodontic treatment is 1.5–3 years, depending on the complexity of the case, the chosen treatment method and Your dutifulness.
Orthodontic treatment always consists of two phases:
- Active:Orthodontist should be seen on average every 4 to 8 weeks during this period.
- Passive (retention):during this period You need to see an orthodontist on average every 6-12 months, i.e. 1-2 times a year.
Dantų Estetika specialists recommend:
We advise to bring children for an examination/consultation when they are around 7 years old, because at that time the dental arches and jaws are very active. By noticing irregular occlusion or lack of space for permanent teeth and applying appropriate orthodontic treatment, the problems can be efficiently resolved. Orthodontic treatment is especially effective during a child’s growth period.
FAQ
How long does it usually take to fix a bite with braces?
The duration of treatment depends on the individual case, the chosen treatment option, but the average duration of orthodontic treatment is 2 years.
How long do treatment results last? How often should You visit an orthodontist after removing the braces?
If the doctor's instructions are followed, the results last a lifetime.
Active treatment is always followed by a maintenance period. To stabilize the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, a wire is fixed for life. Plates or trays for night wear are also adapted for both jaws. For the first year, they are worn every night, then every other night, and after a while they are no longer needed.
The need for visits to monitor the situation in an individual case is recommended by the doctor, on average it is 2-3 times a year.
Do braces damage tooth enamel?
Research has shown that gluing braces does not damage the tooth. Braces are attached to the teeth with a special sealant (glue). Enamel damage is caused by poor dental hygiene. Thus, it is important to thoroughly brush around the braces and under the wire with a toothbrush, because that is where plaque builds up.
We also recommend performing professional dental hygiene every 4-6 months.
Can an orthodontist continue an orthodontic treatment started by another?
Each doctor has his own system of braces, methodology of gluing and treatment, so it is normal that a doctor may refuse to take over an on-going treatment. Especially since the doctor taking over becomes responsible for the result.
If You want to change Your doctor, You must have all the initial documentation - models, x-rays, a card, a referral from the orthodontist (as confirmation that You are no longer in debt for the services provided to You).
What are invisible aligners?
Invisible aligners are a new, state-of-the-art, convenient tooth positioning solution. With its help, the teeth are gently pushed into the correct positions.
How to wear an aligner?
Each aligner is changed every 7-14 days. The device is worn 22 hours a day. It is recommended to remove the aligner while eating, brushing Your teeth or for an hour or two when You plan to attend an important meeting, take photos, etc.
What are the possible inconveniences of wearing an aligner?
It may be harder to speak in the first few days of treatment, but within a few days Your tongue gets used to it and speaks normally. Each time You change aligner to a new one, You may feel slight discomfort during adjustment, a pain that goes away in 1 to 5 days.
How to maintain an aligner?
The aligner should be cleaned with cold water, a simple toothbrush and toothpaste. After a meal, before putting the aligner back in, the teeth should be brushed and interdental areas flossed. The removed aligner must be kept in a special box.
What is not recommended to do while wearing an aligner?
It is not recommended to eat or drink hot foods as the aligner may deform. It is also not recommended to smoke, as the color of the aligner may change and it may lose it’s transparency. It is not advisable to chew gum.
| S. No. | Service | Price (€) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Individual mouth care instruction | FREE | |
| 2 | Specialist consultation | 24 Eur | |
| 3 | Photography + silicone prints + diagnostic models | 80 Eur | |
| 4 | Initial Treatment Planning in 3D Aircheck, 1 jaw, Lite - Complete Packages | 408 - 631 Eur | |
| 5 | INVISALIGN aligner for 1 jaw (depending on the number of aligners) | 1308 - 1400 Eur | |
| 6 | Initial treatment planning in three-dimensional space "Aircheck", 2 jaws, Lite - Complete packages | 700 - 1055 Eur | |
| 7 | INVISALIGN aligners for 2 jaws (depends on the number of aligners) | 1832 - 2470 Eur | |
| 8 | Initial treatment planning in 3D with AIRNIVOL, 1 jaw, Lite - Complete packages | 408 - 540 Eur | |
| 9 | AIRNIVOL aligners for 1 jaw (depending on the number of aligners) | 1012-1122 Eur | |
| 10 | Initial treatment planning in 3D with AIRNIVOL, 2 jaws, Lite - Complete packages | 650 - 750 Eur | |
| 11 | AIRNIVOL aligners for two jaws (depends on the number of aligners) | 1482 - 1972 Eur | |
| 12 | Follow-up visits (for the whole treatment) | 248 Eur | |
| 13 | Button removal | nuo 10 eur | |
| 14 | Fixed retainer | 78 Eur |
