Orthodontic Treatment 101
At the beginning of treatment, I create a treatment plan for my patients, tailored to their individual situation and the goals set. The treatment then takes place in coordinated steps.
Beautiful teeth create a harmonious overall impression of the face and signal health, success and vitality at first glance. Ideally, the teeth have sufficient space and stand straight and without gaps in a row. However, only a few people have a perfect set of teeth by nature. Misalignments of the teeth and jaws are often the reason why smiling is difficult. However, crooked teeth are not destiny, even in adulthood dental corrections can be implemented. Nowadays, modern treatment methods enable gentle and barely visible correction of misaligned teeth.
Correcting the position of the teeth, the temporomandibular joints and, if necessary, the position of the jaw prevents oral diseases and caries and thus has a positive effect on the whole body. We help you and your children not only with misaligned teeth, but also with chewing difficulties, and we also know how to deal with children’s teeth grinding, for example. You benefit from my high technical standards, comprehensive medical expertise and many years of experience. In combination, these factors ensure the best possible results during implementation.
Appointment 1
Free Consultation, I will explain to you the treatment options, cost and estimated treatment time. This is a 30 mins appointment.
APPOINTMENT 2
Taking X-rays, photos and digital models, special kind of X-rays, facial and intra-oral photos and scans will be collected. This is a 60 mins appointment.
Appointment 3
Treatment starts. Orthodontist will present a comprehensive treatment plan for you / your parents and discuss any significant risks or limitations. Then the treatment starts.
Appointment 4
Depends on the kind of treatment you have, every 4 to 8 weeks on average you will come in for a follow-up or adjustment appointment. It usually takes 30 mins.
At the beginning of treatment, I create a treatment plan for my patients, tailored to their individual situation and the goals set. The treatment then takes place in coordinated steps.
Appointment 1
Free Consultation, I will explain to you the treatment options, cost and estimated treatment time. This is a 30 mins appointment.
APPOINTMENT 1
Taking X-rays, photos and digital models, special kind of X-rays, facial and intra-oral photos and scans will be collected. This is a 60 mins appointment.
Appointment 3
Treatment starts. Orthodontist will present a comprehensive treatment plan for you / your parents and discuss any significant risks or limitations. Then the treatment starts.
Appointment 4
Depends on the kind of treatment you have, every 4 to 8 weeks on average you will come in for a follow-up or adjustment appointment. It usually takes 30 mins.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT?
Discomfort: Orthodontic therapy uses appliances / aligners to move the teeth with gentle pressure. Your teeth and gums may feel tender initially. The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient, but usually does not last for more that 2-3 days.
Removal of Teeth: On rare occasions, I may recommend teeth removal in order to achieve the best result. Congenital missing teeth, on the other hand, can make therapy more difficult. In such cases, the best long-term compromises will be presented.
Timing of Treatment: The orthodontist will determine the appropriate timing of treatment based on your specific needs. Phase I “interceptive treatment” may begin while baby teeth are still present. Phase II “definitive treatment” full braces are used to adjust the position of you permanent teeth to develop a proper bite and achieve the best aesthetics’.
Root Resorption: Root resorption is a shortening of the tooth roots. It can occur with or without orthodontic appliances. Slight changes in root length are usually insignificant. The risk may increase with extended orthodontic treatment. Your cooperation during treatment is very important in the prevention of root resorption.
Impacted / Ankylosed teeth: Teeth are “impacted” when they stay partially or completely under the gum. The most common case is the “wisdom teeth”. The next most common one is upper cuspid. An oral surgeon may be required to help uncover and move an impacted tooth into proper alignment. In some instances, tooth will not move because it is attached to the bone ( ankylosed ). An ankylosed tooth may be surgically move into place or removed altogether.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!
Dental Check-up’s and Care: Before orthodontic treatment begins, it will be necessary to visit your family dentist for a check-up and any necessary dental work. You will be expected to continue making routine dental visits during the orthodontic treatment.
Your Cooperation is Essential: Successful ortho treatment is a team effort, patients, parents, staff and the orthodontist working together.
For best results in the shortest time and at the lowest cost, you must:
- Keep regularly scheduled appointments.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
- Wear rubber bands, aligners and retainers as instructed.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions and call the office immediately should you experience loose or broken appliances.
- Eat a well – balanced diet.
Cavities and Decalcification: Otho appliances do not cause cavities, but they may trap food particles and increase the likelihood of developing cavities or decalcification (white) marks. Most patients can prevent these problems with a combination of proper diet, good tooth brushing habits and regular check-ups with the family dentist.
Swollen Gums and Periodontal Problems: There are some well – established contributing factors, including inadequate oral hygiene, accumulation of plaque and debris around teeth and gums, incorrect brushing, and general health problems. Consultation and treatment by a periodontist / dentist may be advised.
Retention: When your braces are removed, you will wear a retaining appliance to “hold “your teeth in position. Retainers are just as important as braces in the treatment plan. There are different types. Your orthodontist will choose the right one for you. You will wear your retainer for as long as it takes your teeth to settle into a better bite and for your bones and muscles to adapt to your new dental arrangement.
