Orthodontics
Orthodontics is more than just aligning teeth!
Orthodontic treatment achieves harmony of aesthetics and function. Properly aligned teeth provide a beautiful smile, easier oral hygiene, efficient chewing without overloading certain teeth, joints, and muscles.
The goal is to preserve your health and give you a confident smile. Orthodontic therapy can be performed in both children and adults using fixed and removable appliances.
FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
Fixed orthodontic appliances (braces) are the most common choice for precise tooth movement. Braces consist of brackets attached to the teeth and wires that move the teeth. Brackets can be traditional (metal) or aesthetic (ceramic). Unlike removable appliances that can be taken out, braces remain in the mouth throughout the entire treatment, providing constant force and efficient tooth movement.
When are braces used?
Fixed appliances are used to correct a wide range of tooth and bite irregularities. Braces are recommended after the eruption of all permanent teeth, usually from the age of 12 onwards, with no upper age limit.
How long does orthodontic treatment last?
The duration of treatment mainly depends on the severity of the orthodontic problem but typically lasts between 18 and 24 months. During this period, patients visit for check-ups every 4 to 6 weeks, where progress is monitored, and the appliance is adjusted.
What happens after braces are removed?
After active treatment, a retention phase follows, which is equally important. During this stage, the teeth stabilize in their new position to prevent them from shifting back. Retention usually lasts for a year or more, depending on the individual case. Retention can include:
- • Bonded retainers (a wire bonded to the inner side of the teeth)
- • Acrylic removable retainers
- • Vacuum formed retainers
REMOVABLE ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
Removable appliances influence not only the teeth position but also facial development. In addition to correcting improperly positioned teeth, they guide jaw growth, help eliminate bad habits, and improve functions.
They can be taken out for easier eating and hygiene, but patient and parental cooperation is crucial for successful treatment.
When are removable appliances used?
Removable appliances are most often used during the mixed dentition phase, between the ages of 6 and 12. This is the ideal period to influence tooth positioning and proper jaw development.
How long does treatment last?
The duration of therapy depends on the type of irregularity, treatment goals, the child’s age, and the consistency of wearing the appliance.
Success requires daily appliance wear and regular orthodontic check-ups.
It is difficult to specify an exact duration because many factors are involved, but the average time is about 1–2 years.
Often, one removable appliance is not enough, so a second one may be made after a certain period.
Are removable appliances enough?
If therapy begins on time and the irregularity is mild to moderate, treatment with removable appliances may be sufficient.
Quite often, removable appliances are the first phase of treatment, followed by braces.