Orthodontics is the area of Dentistry that diagnoses, prevents and treats malocclusions.
How is the orthodontic consultation processed?
Before proceeding with the orthodontic treatment, a first consultation is necessary to collect all the clinical and radiographic data necessary for the case study and diagnosis. In a second consultation, the treatment plan and the most appropriate option for each case will be presented.
Orthodontics is the specialty of Dentistry that diagnoses, prevents and treats malocclusions.
1st Consultation
It allows the collection of data for the elaboration of an individualized treatment plan:
– Clinical history
– Extra-oral and intra-oral photographs
– Radiographs (orthopantomography and lateral teleradiography)
– Orthodontic study models
These data are essential for a correct diagnosis.
2nd Consultation
– Presentation of the diagnosis, individualized treatment plan and budget.
– Clarification of all doubts.
The first consultation should be carried out after the age of 5, in order to assess the development of the jaws, eruption of teeth and assess oral habits.
At that time, it is possible to identify problems such as open, cross or deep bite, dental crowding, early loss of baby teeth and to screen for parafunctional habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting when swallowing.
In this way, it is possible to identify problems that should be treated early and those that need later treatment.
Braces alone do not damage teeth. The use of excessive forces during treatment and poor oral hygiene on the part of patients can indeed harm the teeth.
Adaptation is individual and varies greatly, depends on each person. Usually, the first week is the most difficult, the teeth tend to be sensitive to pressure, making it difficult to chew. The appearance of thrush can also happen. Once you have passed this first phase of adaptation to the treatment, you will only notice pressure on your teeth in the first 2 or 3 days, after each check-up visit.
Complete orthodontic treatment, depending on the complexity of the case and patient compliance, takes an average of 24 months.
Orthodontics with Invisalign aligners is an alternative to traditional fixed brackets and allows for a virtually invisible way to align your teeth.
The Invisalign aligner system consists of a series of clear and removable aligners, custom-made and created from a virtual treatment to move the teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one, so the teeth move gradually.
Invisalign aligners are worn 24 hours a day, only removed to eat and brush your teeth. Patients wear each aligner for 1 week and visit the orthodontist every 4, 6 or 8 weeks during the treatment period.
There are several benefits of orthodontic treatment, such as a decrease in the incidence of cavities and gingival/bone problems, as oral hygiene is easier with aligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment also improves the relationship between teeth, thus reducing periodontal problems, improves masticatory function and prevents abnormal tooth wear.